Our work is driven by Unitarian Universalist principles including

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. 

At Eliot, we create a community of deep relationships by working toward a more just society, dismantling racism, and improving the environment. Eliot's specific mission and goals can be found here. 

Our Mission:

The Social Justice Program will inspire and equip individuals and the congregation to work effectively for justice both locally and beyond. We will continue to be challenged by the teachings of Martin Luther King's vision of the beloved community:

"In the beloved community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood."

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Birth of a New Nation"
1957

Eliot Chapel’s Social Justice Ministry grounds our work in the second Unitarian Universalist principle – to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in all our relations. Here’s what we’re up to!

1) Immigration Justice:

• The Legislative Team is partnering with state legislators to support legislation that would make DACA students eligible for in-state tuition and state financial support. They currently pay international rates and state support is unavailable.
• The Family Support Team is offering social support to asylum seekers sponsored by other congregations. We have assisted with legal and educational costs for two individuals in the immigration process. Financial support is being provided to The St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America for legal clinics that offer assistance for those completing immigration applications. The Immigration Justice Fund, established when we became a Sanctuary Church, is the source of the financial support we offer.

2) Racial Justice:

• Our Black Lives Matter Vigil has been held outside the chapel almost every Tuesday since August 2014.  
• School Board Engagement. This team supports making diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) a priority in school curriculums and policies. We are partnering with Missouri Equity Education Partnership and West County Community Action Network (WECAN) to encourage and support local school boards, administrators and educators that are implementing DEI.  
• Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association. We actively engage with and support MNIA’s events.

3) Environmental Justice: Driven by the 7th UU Principle, this team continues our work to inspire and equip the congregation to work effectively for environmental justice. We are currently working on creating sacred space at Eliot Chapel, to demonstrate environmentally sound landscaping techniques.

4) Voting Rights and Voter Engagement: UU the Vote is a national non-partisan initiative that advocates for voting rights and voter engagement. Our UU the Vote organizers are making plans for how Eliot Chapel will support free and fair elections in 2022.

5) Congregational All-Reads: Several times a year, a justice-focused book is chosen and a gathering is held to discuss what we learned.

6) The Giving Tree: Organized by the Youth Group, a Christmas tree is placed in Founders Hall during December to benefit local children and youth in need of gifts for the holiday season.

7) Shared Plate: Every week we share half our offering with an organization in the community that reflects our values of justice, equity, and compassion for all.

If any of these social justice ministries call to you, please let us know at socialjustice@eliotchapel.org or leave a voicemail at the Front Office (314.821.0911).

EVENTS

Vigil for Hope and Healing Tuesdays 5:00 pm on Eliot's front lawn Since the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson early in August 2014, members of Eliot Unitarian Chapel and people from the greater community have stood in a weekly vigil.		Eliot Gardeners If you'd like to put a little sweat equity into Eliot Chapel, work alongside friends, and meet new people, please join the Eliot Gardeners on the grounds around the Chapel. Email to sign up.

See more of our recent and ongoing efforts here.

SHARING THE OFFERING

 

Every Sunday, Eliot Chapel shares half of the offertory with an organization in the community whose work reflects our shared values. This is one way that we care for our community and our neighbors. In August, we're sharing our offering with Kirkwood Area Every Child Promise (KAEChP).

 

The Promise: Every child and family are prepared for success as they enter kindergarten. What does that mean? Families must be connected to the basic resources necessary to have stability and hope. Children must have access to the life and learning experiences that give context and meaning to new knowledge. To facilitate that, KAEChP offers:

1. Preschool scholarships and connection to quality early childhood experiences
2. Information and assistance navigating resources in order to meet the basic needs of the children and families we serve 
3. Access to Promise Place, a clothing and supply closet where families get assistance with items to support the basic needs of their children ages 0-6 
4. Coordination with resources such as Kirk Care, Parents as Teachers, Kirkwood Public Library, and Kirkwood School District in order to provide holistic support for families.

 

Learn more about KAEChP.

 Let us be good neighbors. Let us be a generous people. You can give in one of three ways: 

• Online: Click here. Make sure “Shared Plate” is your chosen fund.
• By Mail: Please write “KAEChP” in the memo line of your check and mail it to Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122. 
• By Text: Text "Eliot SharedPlate $(enter amount)" to 73256. A link in the reply text will take you to our secure database webpage where you can complete your transaction. Please note, "SharedPlate" must be entered as one word to reach that preferred option.

We believe we can often work most effectively in partnership.