Living Our UU Values in a Time of Democratic Challenge

The Democracy in Action Team is a Board-authorized justice ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland. Grounded in our Unitarian Universalist values, we work to support democracy as a moral and spiritual practice—one that upholds dignity, equity, inclusion, and compassion in our shared life.

At this moment in our nation’s history, many people are feeling concern, uncertainty, and urgency about the health of democracy. The Democracy in Action Team exists to help UUCC respond faithfully, thoughtfully, and together.

Why Democracy in Action Matters to Us as Unitarian Universalists

Unitarian Universalists affirm the use of the democratic process in society at large. Democracy is not only a system of governance—it is a way of living our values in relationship with one another.

Across the United States, democratic institutions and norms face serious challenges, including voter suppression, disinformation, attacks on civil liberties, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few. These threats disproportionately harm communities that are already marginalized, including immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ+ people, and communities targeted by racism and xenophobia.

Our faith calls us to respond not with fear, but with courage, love, and nonviolent action—rooted in justice, equity, and care for one another.

We are inspired by Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, a national organization that works to make our government fairer and more inclusive—aligned with UU values—through engagement, education, and advocacy. We recommend their resources , which include workshops, presentations, books, videos, and more.

What the Democracy in Action Team Does

The Democracy in Action Team supports UUCC in responding to democratic challenges through education, engagement, and nonviolent action. Our work includes:

• Education and learning
  • Hosting forums, workshops, and congregational conversations
  • Sharing resources that help congregants understand current issues affecting democracy
• Congregational grounding
  • Supporting congregational statements and resolutions that reflect UU values
  • Helping the congregation discern faithful responses together
• Partnership and collaboration
  • Working alongside local faith communities and civic organizations
  • Coordinating with groups engaged in nonpartisan democracy work
• Public witness and action
  • Supporting nonviolent, ethical, and peaceful actions that defend democratic values
  • Offering a range of ways to participate, respecting different comfort levels and capacities

How This Team Came to Be

In response to Actions of Immediate Witness passed at the 2025 Unitarian Universalist General Assembly, and consistent with UUCC’s Justice Endorsement Policy adopted in 2021, the UUCC Board of Trustees authorized the formation of the Democracy in Action Team as a task force.

The team first shared its work with the congregation through a congregational conversation in October 2025 and continues to offer opportunities for learning, discernment, and action.

On February 8th the UUCC Congregation Will be asked to support a resolution, Faithful Defiance For Democracy: A Call to Action which show support for the work of this group.

Ways to Participate

There is no single way to be involved. The Democracy in Action Team seeks to create multiple entry points, so people can engage in ways that fit their values, energy, and availability. You might choose to:

• Attend an educational forum or discussion
• Help with planning or logistics behind the scenes
• Stay informed about upcoming actions and opportunities
• Participate in nonviolent public witness
• Share skills, connections, or resources with the team

You do not need prior experience to participate—only a willingness to engage thoughtfully and respectfully.

Current Focus and Upcoming Opportunities

Democracy in Action Team will communicate with the congregation letting them know about time-specific activities That we organize or other group in the area organize to help make our voice stronger. and will be updated periodically.

• Look for alerts in our UUCC Newsletter that is distributed by email on Thursday Evening. Sign up here
• Look at our UUCC Website under News, Justice News or the Calendar for information and events
• Sign up for Democracy in Action Emails. Send a note of interest and your contact information to democracy.action@uucleveland.org and get on our email list.

Connect with the Democracy in Action Team

The Democracy in Action Team includes:

• Laurie Albright
• Eve Bendezu
• Judy Holder
• Dell Salza
• Mark Weber
• Debbie Wright

Contact the Team at democracy.action@uucleveland.org