Social Justice

The Social Justice Committee (SJC ) is in the business of raising awareness of issues and taking thoughtful action to promote social justice and peace.  As one of the subcommittees of the Board of Outreach, SJC sets its priorities each year to find a focus for justice issues.

This year SJC has been working closely with the Greater Gainesville Action Network in the arena of energy conservation. The Action Network revealed the extent to which Gainesville's citizens with the least money often pay the highest utility bills, primarily due to the poor construction and inffecient utilities in their homes. SJC is working with the Gainesville Weatherization Coalition and Gainesville Regional Utilities in helping low income people determine ways to reduce their utility bills.  As part of this program SJC committee is working with GRU to train volunteers to do energy audits followed by assistance in fixing the problems where rehab teams can help and applying for grants for larger projects.  

SJC also sold roughly 1,000 reusable, recyclable green grocery bags last year. It also sells fair trade locally roasted coffee.

Each year brings new social justice issues  which the Social Justice Commitee studies and communicates to the congregation for action.