Social Justice Overview

Unitarian Universalism has a long history of “deeds not creeds”—living out our faith by working to create a better world here and now. The UUA focuses on several justice ministries today.

UUC, likewise, has a history of doing good works in the New River Valley through a variety of community service, social action projects, and social justice ministries. One of the ways we work to fulfill part of our mission—to transform our community and the world through courageous love—is by participating in various activities, both as individuals and as a congregation.

Social action projects range from collecting material and money to share with those who are in need (including our weekly share the plate offerings), partnering with other churches to provide shelter for persons experiencing homelessness, and getting out to clean up our section of highway.

More recently, UUC has formally chosen to work for justice in the areas of racial justice and environmental justice. Following a congregational survey of social justice interests in the fall of 2022, racial justice and environmental justice remained strong and two more justice groups evolved –
reproductive justice and voting rights.

Members of UUC also individually contribute much time and energy to various projects in the local community. If you are looking to join with others who are committed to creating heaven on earth, you’ll find plenty of folks who are eager to welcome you to the work at UUC.

Community Service

UUC is committed to supporting our shared UU principles through action and service within our congregation, the local community, and the broader world. Our Community Service Team supports several social action projects throughout the year. Contact the Community Service Team for more information about any of these projects.

Blacksburg Refugee Partnership

The Blacksburg Refugee Partnership was formed in the summer of 2016 to assist with the resettlement of refugee families who have come to the U.S. to escape war-torn countries. UUC is one of many participating local churches and businesses. Many of our members have joined the effort to help these families by providing childcare, English lessons, companionship, transportation, etc. UUC has also donated financially to assist the families.

Women’s Resource Center

UUC members provide monthly donation of and delivery of treats for the children sheltered there. In 2021, UUC adopted a family of 5 staying at the shelter to provide Christmas gifts for the whole family. 

Collection Drives

Several collections of needed items occur throughout the year for the Montgomery County Christmas Store, the Montgomery County Baby Shop, and the Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center, and more community partners.

Interfaith Food Pantry

The Interfaith Food Pantry was formed as a cooperative effort of Blacksburg congregations including UUC. It serves over 800 clients a month. UUC has several collections of food and funds during the year for the Interfaith Food Pantry.

To Our House

Since 2000, UUC has partnered with other local congregations in a program to provide temporary overnight shelter to unhoused people during the harshest winter months in the New River Valley.  In addition to meals and a warm place to sleep, additional services, such as transitioning to more permanent housing and job counseling, are provided. Learn more.

Social Action and Public Witness Opportunities

UUC encourages social action through many local civic gatherings and trainings throughout the year. UUC also has a public witness opportunities listserv whereby members can send emails out to a large group of congregants with opportunities to take a stand on a variety of issues. These include writing letters, making phone calls, attending rallies, etc. To be added to the listserv, contact our administrator. 

New River Valley Habitat for Humanity

UUC volunteers join with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes in our community. 

Caring Network

This ministry provides short-term support for congregants in need of meals, transportation, and childcare due to illness, surgeries, family difficulties, etc. To join this group of dedicated individuals or for their help, contact caring@uucnrv.org. 

Adopt-a-Highway

Beginning in November 2010, UUC has been part of the Adopt-a-Highway program. We are responsible for litter pick-up on two miles of Rt. 460 in Christiansburg. Members meet four times each year to keep our section beautiful. Contact Bob to become part of the team. 

Green Sanctuary

We are committed to caring for our natural environment so the Green Team was formed and on November 12, 2012, UUC was approved as a Certified Green Sanctuary congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association Office of Congregation Stewardship Services. Learn more about the Green Sanctuary Program.

Half-Plate Donations

Since 2015, UUC has given away half of the Sunday Service basket offering every single week. This is an opportunity to practice generosity as a community on a consistent basis. It’s a spiritual practice in generosity, an opportunity to “live our values” and “walk our talk” as a congregation exploring what it means to live generous lives of care, and hope! Doing this together each Sunday is one powerful, visible, and important way we can make a difference in local, national and international communities.

Community Assistance Fund

A special collection is held during our Christmas Eve Service for this fund which is used by our minister throughout the year to help those in our congregation and wider community needing assistance with rent, utilities, food, etc. Donations can also be made at any time during the year to the fund. Recipients of these funds are kept confidential.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

UUC usually hosts a team to participate in the annual walk held in Blacksburg. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Visit our team webpage.