11.10.26 Action Center Update

Written by Side With Love

Welcome to the Action Center Weekly Update. Each week, we’ll share:

  • A brief analysis of critical issues in this political moment

  • Immediate actions you can take

  • Resources to deepen knowledge and strengthen our collective work to side with love

Nothing is inevitable. Justice movements are built by ordinary people who come together to defeat oppression and nurture a loving world. You are not alone. We have power. Together, we can create a just and thriving future.

Movements are strongest when we act together. Organize with your teams and networks, and take these actions in community. For practical tools, see our Organizing School and Trainings & Webinars.

Democracy

Core Principle: Democracy is not a destination but a practice rooted in interdependence and the worth and dignity of all. While authoritarianism consolidates power, we are the majority—and we must organize to build a truly multiracial democracy.

The Update:

The 2026 midterm elections mark a consequential moment in our ongoing struggle for a multiracial democracy. Last week voters rejected an agenda of fear and exclusion, demonstrating the power of years of grassroots organizing, relationship building, and collective action. From Black voters organizing across the South to faith communities mobilizing through UU the Vote, this election reminds us that our power does not come from political parties or institutions alone, but from people organizing together to shape their collective future. Yet even as we recognize these victories, we cannot ignore the communities whose rights remain under threat, including trans and nonbinary people, immigrants, and religious minorities. Ballots are still being counted, certification processes are underway, and the work of democratic accountability continues. This election is not the destination. It is one step toward the world we are building together. Our responsibility now is to protect the democratic process, sustain the relationships and infrastructure that brought us here, and continue organizing toward a future in which everyone can thrive.

Take Action:

  • November 10–12: Voter Protection Ballot-Curing Phone Banks. Join VoPro Pros for virtual phone banks helping voters correct ballot errors so their votes can be counted. Sessions run from 6–8 PM ET.

  • November 19: Indivisible's 2027 Guide Launch. Join Indivisible at 8 PM ET for the national launch of its 2027 organizing guide, offering strategies for building grassroots power and sustaining local democracy organizing.

Resources:

Decriminalization & Immigration

Core Principle: Criminalization and dehumanization deny the dignity of our communities. Safety cannot come at the expense of others. As people of faith, we proclaim a future of care, abundance, and mutuality—not domination.

The Update:

Last week’s election changes what is possible – for better and for worse.   The City of Houston  announced it will halt routine cooperation with ICE, and Rep. Delia Ramirez’s “Reimagining Safety Act” that would abolish ICE and dismantle DHS is getting more traction.  On the other hand, ICE & DHS are moving to spend their blank check before the new congress reins in their spending [project Saltbox]. Meanwhile, the appointment of Steven Miller as the President’s chief of staff promises to give him more power to enact inhumane and violent immigration practices.

Steven Miller as Chief of Staff , ICE cleared to spend $7 billion on detention, deportations, and hiring in 2027

Take Action:

  • Check in with your local ICE Watch and Mutual Aid groups and offer moral and material support. There is a role for everyone from home or on the streets - find an ICE watch group near you or learn more from Defend And Recruit. 

  • Call to Stop the Deadly Merger: Housing. Healthcare. Schools. That’s where our money belongs. Not in the US-Israel war machine.  We must oppose the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)’s entire war budget - but right now we are fighting to strip out provisions that would deepen weapons and surveillance partnerships with Israel before they become law.  Call congress today and demand your representative sign Rep.(and UU) Ro Khanna’s letter to remove the Deadly Merger Provisions.

Resources:

TX: Read:

Climate Justice

Core Principle: A just and loving world is also a flourishing one. A fossil-free future is possible, where clean energy is a human right and all beings thrive. To get there, we must create new systems, norms, and practices.

The Update:

As UUs, accepting the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act would make us complicit in harm to the very lives we hold sacred.  The fight against BAAJA is far from over.  The Senate voted to proceed to debate on any amendments to the bill on Monday November 9th.  Please continue to call your Senators to urge them to vote against the bill.  

Join a briefing on S. 5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) of 2026, hosted by UUs for Social Justice,  People vs Fossil Fuels Coalition, and the UU Climate Justice Coalition on Wednesday, November 11. This "level set" briefing will summarize the impacts of the bill, its deregulatory features, and give guidance on how best to engage Congress during the Lame Duck.

20+ UU organizations and State Action Networks oppose BAAJA. We find the tradeoff being offered too steep a price, and we love our neighbors too much to remain silent or inactive. 

Take Action: 

Resources:

Join a briefing on S. 5653, the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) of 2026, hosted by UUs for Social Justice,  People vs Fossil Fuels Coalition, and the UU Climate Justice Coalition on Wednesday, November 11. This "level set" briefing will summarize the impacts of the bill, its deregulatory features, and give guidance on how best to engage Congress during the Lame Duck.

Wednesday, November 11

8:00 p.m. ET • 7:00 p.m. CT • 6:00 p.m. MT • 5:00 p.m. PT • 4:00 p.m. AT • 2:00 p.m. HT

RSVP: https://uusj.salsalabs.org/OpposeBAAJA/index.html 

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 7:00 PM -  8:30 PM ET (Please note the Time Zone!)

Reimagine Together Again (and again and again...) The Climate Justice revival energy continues with an invitation to Reimagine Together: Fractal Practices for Faithful Climate Justice. Designed to flexibly meet the needs of your congregation or organization, this new curriculum invites us to Begin Together & then proceed in all learning directions, developing and nourishing the skills and connective tissue necessary for participating in the possibilities of a world where all beings may flourish. The Rev. Deanna Vandiver of Ever Unfolding and Rev. JeKaren Bell, UUA, both members of the original UU Climate Justice Revival Planning Team will join us to introduce this encouraging resource. --- Guided by UU values, the Green Sanctuary community nurtures resilient, thriving communities through climate actions that prioritize justice. All are invited to join our monthly community meetings to learn together, support each other, and celebrate progress.

Join the Energy Democracy Project and the Climate Advocacy Lab on November 18th from 3-4 PM PT/5-6 PM CT/6-7 PM EST. 

In the recent fights against data center expansion, more advocates are learning about the often-overlooked forum for decision-making on energy: Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs). These commissions provide state oversight and regulation of utilities like electricity, gas, water, and transit. PUCs are a direct line to those entrusted to protect the affordability, health, and safety of utilities. Learn how local organizations are fighting for safe, clean, and affordable utilities and infrastructure.

 Together, we practice the world we long for. Together, we win.


Side With Love
Next

11.3.26 Action Center Update