Guided by Unitarian Universalist principles, TXUUJM educates & organizes member congregations, and partners with sympathetic organizations in order to advocate effectively for public policies that:
- Uphold the worth and dignity of every person;
- Further justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
- Ensure the use of the democratic process;
- Protect religious freedom; and,
- Promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
- Accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
Emerson and Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry (TXUUJM)
Emerson is a founding member and active participant of TXUUJM (www.txuujm.org), a collaborative Justice Ministry for UU churches all across Texas. We collaborate both locally and statewide to support policies and actions that focus on our core commitments of Racial Justice, Environmental Justice, LGBTQ+ Rights, Healthcare Access (including Reproductive Rights), Economic Justice, and Voting Rights.
TXUUJM works hard to ensure justice in Texas. Here’s how:
– In alliance with the UUA’s UU the Vote, TXUUJM organizes Texas UU congregations in non-partisan GOTV (Get Out The Vote) campaigns via phone / text banking and post carding – TXUUJM sponsors Action Hour every Thursday 7-8 PM and on 4th Fridays 12-1 PM so we can Take Action on critical issues impacting our 5 core commitments. This might include contacting government officials or coordinating with our partners in justice.
– Through partnership with the Transforming Hearts Collective, TXUUJM has made the 6-part course, “Trans Inclusion in Congregations” available to all Texas UU congregations.
– TXUUJM also collaborates regularly with like-minded justice groups such as Texas Impact, Equality Texas, and the Poor People’s Campaign.
We are deeply grateful to Rev. Erin Walter, Executive Director of TXUUJM, for both her activism, courage, and guidance. Be sure to check www.txuujm.org for current updates and more background.
UU’s Lobby 2023 Texas Legislature Session
On March 13, led by Texas UU Justice Ministry, 150 UU’s gathered at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Emerson was there. We met with staff of our state Representatives and Senators to lobby for LGBTQ+ Rights, Reproductive Justice, Economic Justice, Voting Rights, and Racial Equity. UU’s rallied in the Capitol rotunda from 12-1 PM.
TXUUJM and our partners, Texas Impact and Equality Texas, issue Alerts updating us on the status of key bills impacting our core issues.
Emerson Social Action Council has set up an email list to forward these Alerts, with instructions on how to Take Action via phone calls and emails, to influence the 2023 Legislative session. To sign up, notify socialaction@emersonhouston.org
Audrey Gale Hall Memorial Fund
TXUUJM has established the Audrey Gale Hall Memorial Fund. Emerson and TXUUJM grieve the loss of Audrey, a beautiful friend, activist, transgender UU young adult, and recent staff member of two TXUUJM congregations: Horizon UU in Carrollton and Emerson UU in Houston. Contributions will be used for scholarships and programs targeting LGBTQ+ rights, inclusion, racial injustice, and de-carceration. Donations can be made at http://txuujm.org/donate/
Role of Emerson in forming TXUUJM
TXUUJM received its 501(c)(3) status in 2014. The organization, similar to UU “legislative ministries” or “state advocacy networks” in other states, was started when three Emersonians (Rev. Mark Edmiston-Lange, Larry Huelbig and Gabe Gelb), after receiving Board of Trustees approval, organized a meeting in Austin that launched TXUUJM.
Emerson has two advisory board members to represent us in guiding priorities for TXUUJM; if you are interested in serving, please contact Emerson’s Board of Trustees.
Financial Support
Financial support is provided through Emerson’s Share the Plate Program, and you can help by sending a check to this 501 (c) (3) organization:
Our mailing address is:
TXUUJM
24348 Cherry Spring Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78255
