Democracy in Danger
In this difficult era in American history, democratic institutions and norms face serious challenges, including concentration of power in the hands of a few, voter suppression, disinformation, attacks on civil liberties, violations of the U. S. Constitution, white nationalism, and extreme economic inequality. These conditions harm every one. But also 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.
UUCC’s Response: The Democracy in Action Team
Many people are feeling concern, uncertainty, and urgency about the health of our democracy. On February 8, 2026, the UUCC congregation unanimously approved the Faithful Defiance: Democracy in Action Resolution. This resolution authorized the creation of a Democracy in Action Team, grounded in Unitarian Universalist values, to organize action in support of democracy as a moral and spiritual practice—one that upholds and advocates for dignity, equity, inclusion, and compassion. The Democracy in Action Team exists to help UUCC respond to violations of those values faithfully, thoughtfully, and together.
The Democracy in Action Team currently includes:
Laurie Albright, Judy Holder, Mark Weber, Eve Bendezu, Dell Salza, Debbie Wright
Contact the Team at democracy.action@uucleveland.org
What the Democracy in Action Team Does
The Democracy in Action Team supports UUCC in responding to democratic challenges through:
• Education and learning
* Hosting forums, workshops, and congregational conversations
* Sharing resources that help congregants understand current issues affecting democracy
• Congregational grounding
* Supporting congregational resolutions that reflect UU values
* Helping the congregation discern faithful responses together
* Offering a range of ways to participate, respecting different comfort levels and capacities
• Partnership and collaboration
* Working alongside local faith communities, civic organizations, and groups engaged in on partisan democracy work
• Public witness and action
* Standing up for democratic values through nonviolent, respectful, ethical, and peaceful actions
Ways You Can Participate
The Democracy in Action Team seeks to create multiple entry points, so people can engage in actions 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 (i.e., demonstrations) by making signs and/or showing up
• 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
The Democracy in Action Team will communicate with the congregation about time-specific activities that we or others organize. Alerts will be posted:
- In our UUCC Newsletter distributed by email on Thursday evenings. Sign up here
- On the UUCC website under “News,” “Justice News,” or the Calendar.
- Get on our Democracy in Action e-mails. Send a note of interest and your contact information to democracy.action@uucleveland.org and we will add you to our email list. We will send out emails containing events and activities that you can get involved with.