Social
Justice
Justice is at the heart of who we are. At Beacon, we believe our faith calls us to act with courage and compassion in the face of injustice. Together, we strive for equity, peace, and sustainable living—working both within our community and out in the wider world. Guided by love, we seek not only to heal but also to transform, creating a more just and inclusive world for all.
SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY
At Beacon, our values come alive through action—locally, statewide, nationally, and globally. We believe spiritual transformation and social justice are deeply interwoven, and our ministry reflects this truth.
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Our justice work embraces LGBTQI+ rights, environmental justice, democracy defense, and reproductive freedom. We also engage directly with our neighbors: supporting a food pantry in Plainfield, sustaining a long partnership with Chancellor Avenue School in Irvington, and hosting the Summit Warm Hearts day program for those experiencing food and housing insecurity. In 2020, we launched Neighborhood Beacon, a community effort that expands access to food by partnering with local pantries and small businesses.
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Partnerships are central to how we live our faith as Unitarian Universalists. Here in Summit, we work closely with the Summit Interfaith Council, while our regional presence across three counties connects us with Faith in NJ, the Union County Interfaith Coordinating Committee, and Side with Love.
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In 2019, we established the Beacon Hope and Equity Center to deepen our commitments to anti-racism and anti-oppression by decolonizing wealth. Twice a year, Beacon Hope provides microgrants to individuals facing urgent crises rooted in systemic poverty and racism.
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There are many ways to get involved—whether you have ten minutes or an entire day. From coordinating projects to following legislation, from mobilizing volunteers to strengthening partnerships, your gifts can make a difference. We also invite members of our community to consider leadership roles within our social justice ministry.
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If you feel called to serve, we’d love to connect.
Please reach out to Rev. Robin to learn more.
Environmental Justice Team
Beacon’s Environmental Justice Team is led by Cynthia Gutierrez Bernstein and Nancy Griffeth. Balancing legislative advocacy with hands on action, our team meets monthly to plan congregation-wide events.
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Right now we are focused on the UU Climate Revival on September 29th from 12pm-5:30pm at 4 Waldron Ave in Summit, NJ. Come for a portion of the time or the entire event. Along with UU congregations across the country, Beacon UU is hosting this event to raise awareness and support engagement in environmental justice.
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The UU Climate Revival is designed to help us enter into a new era of climate action—one that intentionally and faithfully breaks down silos and cultivates relationships that lead to flourishing collaborations, transforming our congregations through climate justice.
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We will hear from Maya Van Rossum (Founder of Green Amendments for The Generations and Leader of Delaware Riverkeeper Network) and a panel of New Jersey environmental justice advocates, learn about native plants, share in an art build and an interfaith service to name just a few of the opportunities!
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Register here. Vegetarian lunch is included as is childcare. All are welcome.
Chancellor Avenue Partnership Program
News from Chancellor Avenue School Beacon congregation has been involved with Chancellor Avenue School in Irvington for almost 2 decades. Over this long partnership, our volunteers have provided coats & gifts, tutored students, wrapped many gifts at the holiday bazaars, served meals and played games at the game nights, refurbished the library, redecorated the staff lounges and hosted staff appreciation luncheons and more.
The pandemic interrupted some of the programs but this year things are a bit more open. This year there is a new principal at CAS, Andrea Tucker. Beacon’s CAS team was finally able to meet with Ms Tucker this week and she is enthusiastic about our partnership. She will be seeking approval from the Irvington school board for various programs. It will take some time to get things off the ground but we are excited to begin working with CAS again. Please be on the look out for various volunteer opportunities!
LGBTQ Drop In Center
