Why did I embrace justice work in my life?
My early family life was one of material privilege but little interconnection. More than 25 years ago, sensing something not right in my life, I felt the call to justice work. This path would allow me to connect across classes and races to help build a better world.
Over the years, I helped stop old-growth logging in Temagami, advocated for the rights of women with disabilities, and much more. I learned that I have a voice and can use it to build a better world. But still there was a longing.
When I became a Unitarian Universalist more than 10 years ago, the strands of my life finally wove together. I could connect my heart with my drive for justice, and fill my need for spiritual deepening. For me, social and environmental justice work is deeply spiritual. Marching—and singing—with fellow UUs to stop the mega-quarry; joining with other UUs at a rally and march in the driving rain to try to prevent the Line 9 pipeline from carrying tar sands oil. This work is deeper and more meaningful when done with our fellow congregants. I have a strong and lasting bond with these friends that goes far beyond whatever political action we engage in. We show each other compassion and help sustain each other in the challenging work for justice.