Our work in Social Justice is grounded in Unitarian Universalist Principles, on the votes taken by the congregation at Congregational Meetings, priorities named in our current by-laws, and by public stands taken by our congregation. We understand that dismantling oppression requires working towards systemic change, responding to acute needs, and engaging with the deeply spiritual work of unlearning domination culture. Our amazing Social Justice Team has compiled programs that address CVUU’s Justice Pillars of voting rights, environmental justice, dismantling racism, immigration rights, poverty relief, and protecting and celebrating our queer community.
Please join us in the liberating, transformative work of our church.

The Social Justice Committee (SJC) is a standing CVUU committee that adheres to UUA principles and the CVUU bylaws. The SJC meets the 4th Sunday of each month at 12:15 PM in our sanctuary. Contact the SJC Chair Annaliese Flagg at for more details at silver.ann992@gmail.com.The SJC is responsible for:

1. Educating itself and the congregation regarding pertinent issues of social justice

2. Acting together to redress these issues, and

3. Involving the congregation in these efforts.

Coastal Virginia UU has a strong social justice tradition. During the ’50s and ’60s, the Unitarian Church of Norfolk (predecessor of CVUU) ministry and lay folk were visible advocates for the end of segregation and Jim Crow law in Virginia. During the ’70s and ’80s, the focus shifted to LGBTQ equality, HIV, and marriage equality.  Currently, CVUU’s social justice priorities are:

• Affordable housing and homelessness
• Environmental quality, climate change, sea-level rise, and community resiliency
• Equal rights and gender equality
• LGBTQ rights and ending discrimination
• Racial justice and fighting racism in our community
• Democracy and voting access

Internally, the Social Justice Committee’s role is to increase the congregation’s knowledge of these topics and to encourage participation in appropriate local organizations and activities. CVUU’s Social Justice Committee works with and through other regional and Virginia organizations, including:

• Catholic Worker
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Elizabeth River Project
• Hampton Roads Pride
• Interfaith Alliance at the Beach
• Lynnhaven River Now
• Unitarian Universalist Social Committee
• Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
• Latinos En Virginia
• Edmarc

Social Justice Committee members participate in many of these regional activities, bringing a Unitarian Universalist perspective and amplifying our congregation’s voice in important regional affairs.

Our Social Justice Committee sponsors a monthly offering supporting local programs, non-profit organizations, and national and international service programs. Each month, CVUU shares 50 percent of the collected funds with a local nonprofit through our Share the Plate program.