Building a future of care, abundance, and mutuality: September Update from Side With Love

Sep 1

September asks something different of us than August did. The work we've been building toward all summer starts to show its shape: eleven regional Solidarity Summits, turning this year's urgency into durable, local infrastructure. If you trained this summer, a Summit is where those skills meet your neighbors. If you haven't found your entry point yet, this is it.

We're also heading into election season. Poll worker recruitment is underway, and that urgency was underscored last week when the Supreme Court, in a 6–3 procedural ruling, let parts of Trump's mail-voting executive order move forward — without ruling it lawful. Other legal challenges continue, and mail-in ballots aren't eliminated. But since states and local jurisdictions administer our elections, the fight runs through our communities as much as the courts. UU the Vote is mobilizing voters and recruiting the poll workers and election defenders who make free and fair elections possible — work every Summit connects you to. (Curious how to respond to the news each week? Be sure to check our Weekly Action Center Updates, posted noon ET on Tuesdays, for political education and invitations for action.)

None of this replaces the immigration and detention fights we've been naming all summer; it runs alongside them. TPS, detention conditions, and family separation remain open, urgent fights. This month, that includes Mohsen Mahdawi: the UUA has signed a letter calling for the end of deportation proceedings against this lawful permanent resident, Columbia student, and Palestinian human rights activist, whose UU and Buddhist practice has long shaped his organizing for human rights and peace. His case tests the free speech our democratic tradition claims to protect. Please sign on and share: https://bit.ly/Mohsen-Sign-On

Everything is connected; that's the whole premise. Below find the full slate of Summits, trainings, and program updates.

Let's keep building the world we're fighting for.

In solidarity,

The Side With Love Team

PS: We’re hiring a Congregational Justice Organizer! Learn more and apply at uua.org/jobs.

Gather & Learn in Community

September 14: Declarations of Democracy: Solidarity

As this country marks 250 years, we will examine the limits and possibilities of American democracy and our sacred call to shape a multiracial, interdependent democracy where everyone can thrive at Side With Love’s monthly event to strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others!

This month's focus: Solidarity panel with special guests Aisha Hauser (Church of the Larger Fellowship) and Rev. Jason Lydon (First Parish Brookline, MA). Rev. Sara Green will root us in song and prayer.

Join The Gathering:

🔗Register now for September 14th, 8 ET / 5 PT

Like those who came before us, we must hold fast to the belief that another world is possible and that our collective action can create it. Join us next week to root ourselves in love and rise together for justice.

See you at The Gathering to strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others! Find recordings of past Gatherings at SideWithLove.org/the-gathering.

September 16: Creating Hubs of Climate Resilience and Community Care

Climate disasters are only getting worse and more frequent. Creating hubs of climate resilience is a critical way our congregations can keep our communities safe. UUs everywhere are rising to the challenge. As part of our Climate Resilience Peer Learning Circle, ten UUs collaboratively explored possibilities for creating hubs that center love & prioritize justice. Learn how these congregations are creating hubs that are grounded in UU values & responsive to their community’s needs. Be the first to receive our resources for UUs creating hubs of climate resilience and community care. --- 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 Green Sanctuary Community Meeting:

🔗Register now for September 16th, 7 ET / 4 PT

September 27: Tending SOIL Program Info Session

Tending SOIL is Side with Love's leadership program for Unitarian Universalists doing justice and organizing work in their congregations who want to work with others to more faithfully and strategically engage in the transformation of the world through liberating Love.

Through SOIL, congregational or regional teams of 3-5 participants will strengthen their Skills, develop their Organizing Plan, practice Interdependence within and beyond their congregation, and deepen their understanding of Collective Liberation (ie, SOIL!)

Applications are due October 30th, 2026. The program runs January - August 2027.

🔗Register now for September 27: Tending SOIL Program Info Session

Connect at Office Hours

September 2: Green Sanctuary 2030 Office Hours

Climate justice work can feel lonely and overwhelming. Drop into any of our monthly Office Hours to ask questions, learn what other congregations are doing, and get the support you need to create climate justice in your community. Offering shared learning and mutual supports, the new Green Sanctuary 2030 process and community of practice are here to support any UU working on climate justice.

To prepare for our time together, please review our short Green Sanctuary 2030 Orientation Video and FAQ.

September 2: GOTV, IVE, Oh My! UU the Vote Office Hours

Curious about the alphabet soup of electoral organizing? Join us to unpack the core concepts, tools, and strategies of faith-based voter engagement. We’ll demystify terms like GOTV and IVE, share proven organizing practices, and help your congregation develop a clear strategy for reaching voters and protecting democracy this fall.

Hear what UU the Vote teams across the country are doing—and discover concrete opportunities to plug into the work right away. Register to join: GOTV, IVE, Oh My! : UU the Vote Office Hours

UU The Vote Trainings & Gatherings in September

As we approach Election Day, congregations around the country continue their work protecting voters, safeguarding elections, and building the power of our communities! Join a Solidarity Summit in your region. Solidarity Summits bring together faith communities, grassroots organizations, and local leaders to deepen relationships, build practical organizing skills, and create networks of care and collective power.

Join our drop in Office Hours to ask UU the Vote staff any questions you have and join one or more of our Democracy Defense and Community Safety Trainings for concrete safety tools and practices for our collective wellbeing. See all upcoming events at UU the Vote Events — Side With Love.