Democracy

Group of people holding signs that say "U U the VOTE" at a voting or election event.

Black background with white text reading "U U the VOTE" and a stylized candle with a flame as the letter 'I' in 'VOTE'. Below, it states "Ignite Solidarity, Reimagine Democracy" with three stars underneath.

Democracy is more than a political system. It is a sacred practice of how we live together, rooted in covenant, collective accountability, and the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

While the promise of democracy has never fully included all of us, we believe a more just and inclusive democracy is possible. Not a return to some idealized past, but a liberatory future, one shaped by shared power, collective responsibility, and the belonging of everyone.

Through UU the Vote, Side With Love's flagship democracy campaign, Unitarian Universalists across the country are organizing to build a genuine multiracial democracy. What began as an election-year initiative has grown into a year-round movement, mobilizing people of faith to defend voting rights, strengthen democratic participation, and cultivate communities committed to justice.

UU the Vote equips congregations and community members to participate meaningfully through voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote efforts, voter protection, leadership development, and sustained organizing in partnership with frontline movements.

But democracy cannot live only in election cycles. It must be practiced every day, in our relationships, our congregations, and our collective decisions. Efforts to undermine elections, ban books, and criminalize protest are part of a broader agenda to consolidate power for the few. True democracy lives in our relationships and our organizing, not just in the ballot box.

Side With Love organizes to nurture that practice, helping communities move from values to action and from individual participation to collective power.

Together, we are building a democracy where everyone belongs, everyone has a voice, and everyone has the opportunity to help shape our shared future.