As we approach the 2020 election in this rapidly changing environment, it can be hard not to feel discouraged about the state of the democratic process. Even figuring out the most basic things—how do I vote safely in a pandemic? Will my polling place be open? Should I vote by mail? Will the post office be able to function? Will my vote be counted? Will any of this matter?—can feel overwhelming, even to people who have always considered themselves to be good voters and citizens.
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Meeting ID: 91853301434
Join us at 1pm for a Congregational Meeting here https://zoom.us/j/95629745359
Meeting ID: 95629745359
This is a time that requires courage, and our UU values call us to strong, joyous, hopeful action in the face of this uncertainty. The right of people everywhere to have a voice and a vote are at the heart of our Seven Principles, and the deliberate actions around voting that we take between now and November should embody that basic truth. In this sermon, we will examine some of the many reasons to have hope, and we’ll also talk through some concrete ways that we can mobilize to demonstrate our commitment to justice, equity and the democratic process.
Kelsey Cowger grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and began her professional career in politics working in the national office of Bill Bradley’s presidential campaign while still a student at Oberlin College. After the campaign, Kelsey did doctoral work in musicology at the University of Chicago and UCLA, taught at the university level for several years, and then pivoted to working in nonprofits and political organizing in her beloved adopted home of Charlottesville. Kelsey serves on the board of the TJMC-UU, is an associate director of the Soil and Water Conservation Board and is a member of the steering committee for IMPACT Justice Ministry. She currently works as the Voting Campaigns Organizer for UUSJ (UUs for Social Justice) and the Reeb Project at All Souls UU in DC, where she is working on ballot access, voter registration and fighting voter suppression while also helping build a strong network of committed voting rights advocates in congregations across VA, DC and MD. Kelsey is passionate about issues of ballot and voter access, interfaith community building and environmental justice. She and her husband Matthew (also an organizer) are expecting their first child on September 1; they both plan to take a good long nap on November 4th!
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To share a joy or sorrow with the congregation to be read during an upcoming Sunday virtual/online service, please fill out this form and your Joy or Sorrow will be read aloud during the service by a Lay leader. If you have questions about online service Joys and Sorrows, please contact Christine Gresser.
