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

MARCH EVENTS

Vigil for Hope and Healing Tuesday, March 10 5:00 pm outside Eliot 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. Join us in front of Eliot Chapel as we side with love, for hope and healing.		UU the Vote UU the Vote is a national grassroots campaign sponsored by the UUA to support and promote UU values in the upcoming 2020 electoral campaign. What issues are close to your heart? If you recognize the importance of the democratic process and voter engagement, consider joining us in this work. Contact us for more information.		Eliot Gardeners Most Wednesdays 10:00 am 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.
Environmental Justice Monday, March 9 7:00 pm in Room 005 We will explore opportunities for celebrating Earth Day, our progress towards Green Sanctuary Certification, and the current status of our work towards certification in Audubon's Bring Conservation Home program. We welcome your participation. Contact us for more information.		March Social Justice Assembly Tuesday, March 17 7:00 pm in Adams Hall Bruce Morrison of Great Rivers Environmental Law Center will speak on environmental justice and what we as citizens can do to support it. This program is free and open to the public.

See more of our recent and ongoing efforts here.

SHARING THE OFFERING

In March, we’ll share our offerings with Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. Great Rivers Environmental Law Center is a nonprofit public interest environmental organization working to:

• promote the public health by encouraging cleaner energy, improved environmental performance by businesses, and more efficient transportation and land use, thereby achieving cleaner air and water, and improving the quality of life in the region;
• preserve open spaces, forests, floodplains and wetlands for their recreational, aesthetic, and agricultural benefits, and their values as flood storage and habitat for migratory birds and other species;
• protect disadvantaged populations from an unreasonable share of the environmental burdens of modern society; and
• aid and advise citizens and organizations in asserting and defending their interests in environmental values before administrative officials, and, as a last resort, before the courts.

Great Rivers is Missouri’s first and only public interest law firm focused on the environment and public health. They work across Missouri and southern Illinois to preserve what matters most.

Eliot All Reads

Groups are forming for spring 2020's Eliot All Reads! The books chosen for this church year fit perfectly with our social justice team’s focus on governance and voting rights this year. The Spring All Read will be Out of the Wreckage by George Monbiot. Click here to learn more about the book. Waking Up White also will be offered. Join us for stimulating conversation around insightful and well-researched books, written by renowned, award-winning authors! 

Sign up for a discussion group and order a pre-paid copy ($12.00) by stopping by the table in Adams Hall any Sunday in February. You may also register online for  a discussion group. Groups will be meeting in April and May, so get your copy soon!  Learn more about the Eliot All Reads program and this year's selections. 

We believe we can often work most effectively in partnership.