History of the Equity and Justice Grants Program
"Now imagine yourself, supporting these efforts to effect tangible, positive change in the lives of women and girls. Becoming a partner in this work is indeed a choice that matters. As was the choice that the UU Women's Federation made in 2004, when we revisioned our organization and imagined using our resources to advance justice for women . . . We are so proud of our accomplishments on this road!"
— Nancy Van Dyke, UUWF President, 2007
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The Equity and Justice Grants Program was born in the early 2000s when, seeking ways to remain relevant to UU women in the 21st century, the UUWF board appointed a Restructuring Task Force. It was charged with studying the UUWF's structure and imagining a re-organization that would more effectively strengthen the Federation's bond with women in local UU congregations.
To support this work the Task Force successfully applied for a grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism, which awarded the UUWF $15,000 to conduct a comprehensive survey of UU women to determine their chief interests and concerns.
Social justice issues as they effect women emerged as a leading passion among UU women, with their greatest areas of concern women's health; abortion/reproductive rights; age discrimination; war; human rights; poverty and unemployment; gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender concerns; violence against women; and child abuse.
The recommendations of the Restructuring Task Force were incorporated into a new set of bylaws, which were adopted unanimously at a Special Membership Meeting held during the 2004 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association in Long Beach, CA. These included formation of a grants program that would fund UU social justice projects that directly and positively effect the lives of women and girls.
A $4,000 pilot grant illustrating the intent of the new program was awarded in 2005 to Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom, a program of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (of which UUWF was a founding members). In 2006 the first Equity and Justice Grants were awarded, and since then approximately 20 additional grants have been made.
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