Take Action

UUCville and Unitarian Universalism are committed to “Anticipatory Resistance,” meaning we are not going to meekly accept the harm caused by unjust executive orders without pushing back and we are not going to wait or hesitate to make our voices heard and to put love into action. The time for action is now and UUCville is ready. — Rev Tim Temerson

Visit the Take Action table in the social hall every Sunday to meet others and learn more about how you can take action to preserve our rights, our democracy and our country.

Protest 101 – training at UUCville

Many of us are feeling called to protest, wanting to know more about how to do so safely and effectively.

On Sunday, June 1 after the service, Kathryn Laughon, a local activist who is on the steering committee of Indivisible Charlottesville, will lead us through a brief orientation to protesting.  This session will cover simple DOs and DON’Ts, safety tips and local regulations governing protests and actions. We’ll meet in the Sanctuary from 12:30–1:15.

Contact Your Representatives

Send email or call to express your opinion. You can leave voicemail. They count these calls and they write back to you. Your opinion matters (even to those you didn’t vote for)!

Your senators: Sen. Mark Warner : (202) 224-2023 Sen. Tim Kaine : (202) 224-4024
Find out who represents you and get contact info
Here’s how to be effective
5 Calls, A website that helps you make calls

Upcoming Events

Peaceful protest is an effective strategy for change. It encourages judges, politicians, and other citizens to take seriously the issues we care about. Speak up about issues that move you.

  • Friday, May 23rd, at the McGufey Art Center from 7-9PM, a fundraiser Benefit for Reproductive Freedom. It will be an evening of theater, art, music, & refreshment to support Blue Ridge Abortion Fund, New River Abortion Access Fund, & The Green Cab. Get your tickets here!
  • Saturday, June 14, 12 – 2pm EDT, The Shops at Stonefield. No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance. In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption. Organized by No Kings Charlottesville.

People’s Summer Activist Series! Join Indivisible Charlottesville Thursday evenings Thursdays, 6-8pm, starting May 22 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church to learn more about the how and why of our fight against fascism. How do we organize a protest, and plan a campaign, to create tangible changes in our lives here and now? How do we practice daily actions to protect each other from the grips of an authoritarian state? How do we connect across communities and issue areas? What have we learned from resistance movements in the U.S. and elsewhere? What have we learned from each other here in Charlottesville?

Sign the Petition from the People’s Coalition of the Legal Aid Justice Center in opposition to the planned Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail expansion. Read more about this important issue here, or talk to UUCville Member Kate Fraleigh (check in the directory for her contact info). With Trump as President, the City will lose lots of funding for things like food, housing, health care, climate, livable city etc. We can’t afford to promise spending our share of the cost plus interest totaling $73 million dollars for an expanded jail. The jail does need renovation but a fancier larger jail with more segregation cells is not the way to lower crime.  Improving people’s lives is the way.

Help protect the right to protest. Friend of UUCville, Donna Shaunesey wrote with this request: “I’ve been a Legal Observer for many years and we are super-short staffed now.  So there’s a recruitment drive going on now.  https://fs3.formsite.com/SQTr9J/form1/index  There’s a short training and then you get paired up with an experienced LO to learn the ropes.  In case you aren’t familiar: when we’re asked by a group doing a protest we are there to protect First Amendment rights by documenting any interference.  We work through the National Lawyers Guild, but most of us aren’t lawyers.  Protests are on the rise and so is repression.  Please join us!”

Charlottesville Stand Up For Science, March 2025

Take Action by Writing Postcards!

We have a new campaign that encourages VA voters. In the office you will find packets containing everything you need – postcards, stamps, addresses, and a sample card with the required message. Please take a packet, complete the cards and mail them asap – by June 6th the latest. Contact environment@uucharlottesville with questions. Let’s live our values!

Writing Turn-Out-The-Vote postcards

Local Organizing Groups

Indivisible Charlottesville: Empowering citizens. Defending democracy. Holding government accountable.
Our local branch of the nationwide Indivisible movement organizes action in the Charlottesville area. Upcoming activities are posted there. Sign up to work with others taking action. Follow them on Facebook

Protest at UVa Board meeting about trans kids rights

UUCville Social Justice Projects

In line with our long range plan, UUCville is partnering with local organizations to do good work in our community. Sustaining our community is a vital element of resistance.

Volunteer with UUCville projects supporting our area

Shop Your Faith

Spend your money with companies that support our values, not with companies that are working against us. For example, spend your money with local businesses that you know and trust and with with national companies that resist pressure to shut down diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Kroger and Costco have have defended their DEI programs. Amazon, Target and Walmart have rolled them back.

THE BLUE HANDBOOK ON HOW TO FIGHT BACK WITH YOUR DOLLARS: Search for a brand and see its political donations.

Unitarian Universalist Action

UU Side With Love Action Center the Organizing Strategy Team of the Unitarian Universalist Association

UUs for Justice in the Middle East Unitarian Universalists working to educate and mobilize people in our faith to greater understanding and action for a just peace in Palestine/Israel.

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice. Working to advance equitable national policies and actions, aligned with UU values, through engagement, education, and advocacy.

Read: Sources recommended by others at UUCville

Charlottesville Tomorrow Local news that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive

Chop Wood, Carry Water a political actions newsletter.

Democracy Forward uses the law to build collective power and advance a bold, vibrant, democracy for all people. Their news and updates remind us that people are taking action across the country.

UUSC is launching the Resistance Network—a mobilization hub designed to take immediate action when civil liberties, democracy, and human rights are at risk. The threats we face are vast, but history shows us that resistance works when we act together. JOIN HERE