OH UU posts CommUUnity in Challenging Times: Ohio Peace Network

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OH UU posts CommUUnity in Challenging Times

Posted on Jun 28, 2009 by Unitarian Universalist for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC)

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Message*	The Economy has experienced a major meltdown in recent months. Savings and jobs continue to vanish and the recession feeds on itself. Congregations and congregants are and will be affected. Major restructuring is needed, and The Great Turning is an important part of that change! As a part of that turning to Earth Community, what is the role of our community - our church - in helping to mitigate the impact of what is surely to come to some or many of us? How can we ensure that, as society re-stabilizes, we are already on the path to a sustainable, locally-self-sufficient lifestyle? “CommUUnity in Challenging Times” was formed to identify services that we, our city, state or nation, can provide to help us to move through difficulties in such a way that we emerge in the future, stronger, more healthy, fulfilled, and environmentally and economically sustainable. Many members have professional skills and knowledge that can help: Job counseling – Jobs are being lost. “Pro-bono” (or reduced fee?) services, workshops and training have been established. Entrepreneurial opportunities – Societal changes often present new career opportunities. We’ve established links to a national support group: “Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) to support those seeking to establish new earth-friendly business enterprises. Job Training – Some occupations are less negatively impacted by job losses, or may even increase during a recession (Health care, infrastructure labor, as examples). We’ve identified training available to help re-direct the skills of our members and community to more employable occupations. Reducing living costs and footprints - cost cutting could be vital to many of us. We have links with “Simply Living”, a highly effective local organization that teaches its members and students how to live “more lightly on the earth” – teaching gardening, energy efficiency, local sustainability, etc. We encourage our members to participate? Financial advice – Some in the financial sector are providing classes or advice on sound financial decisions and practices. Earth Community - In times of difficulty human beings reach out to others – we have identified Co-operative systems to exchange food, skill banks, talents (Barter Systems); more frequent rummage sales; CSAs (Community Sustained Agriculture). Health Care – When we lose our insurance, what alternatives will be available? Several of our health professionals are developing services to ensure our continued good health. Mental anguish – Fear and worry is a likely result for some of us. We are seeking counselors and other professionals who could help with that. We will organize simple social events. Real Estate – Foreclosures will continue to mount. We have expertise in negotiating foreclosure situations and identifying better mortgage rates or in assisting with the sale (or purchase) of houses. Shelter – at some point some may be homeless. We have developed a bulletin board to link members who are ready and willing to open up their homes/residences on short or long term rentals or room-for-services basis with individuals needing such services. *Financial support – Many of our members may not be impacted to a great extent by the current recession. We are organizing a special appeal to provide assistance where it is desperately needed. See catalog of services at [url]http://www.firstuucolumbus.org[/url]. Want to set up a similar initiative in your “community”? Want to add resources to the “catalog”? Contact Michael Greenman at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio, at 614-898-5825 or [email]mgreenma@columbus.rr.com[/email].
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The Economy has experienced a major meltdown in recent months. Savings and jobs continue to vanish and the recession feeds on itself. Congregations and congregants are and will be affected. Major restructuring is needed, and The Great Turning is an important part of that change!

As a part of that turning to Earth Community, what is the role of our community - our church - in helping to mitigate the impact of what is surely to come to some or many of us? How can we ensure that, as society re-stabilizes, we are already on the path to a sustainable, locally-self-sufficient lifestyle?

“CommUUnity in Challenging Times” was formed to identify services that we, our city, state or nation, can provide to help us to move through difficulties in such a way that we emerge in the future, stronger, more healthy, fulfilled, and environmentally and economically sustainable. Many members have professional skills and knowledge that can help:

*Job counseling – Jobs are being lost. “Pro-bono” (or reduced fee?) services, workshops and training have been established.
*Entrepreneurial opportunities – Societal changes often present new career opportunities. We’ve established links to a national support group: “Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) to support those seeking to establish new earth-friendly business enterprises.
*Job Training – Some occupations are less negatively impacted by job losses, or may even increase during a recession (Health care, infrastructure labor, as examples). We’ve identified training available to help re-direct the skills of our members and community to more employable occupations.
*Reducing living costs and footprints - cost cutting could be vital to many of us. We have links with “Simply Living”, a highly effective local organization that teaches its members and students how to live “more lightly on the earth” – teaching gardening, energy efficiency, local sustainability, etc. We encourage our members to participate?
*Financial advice – Some in the financial sector are providing classes or advice on sound financial decisions and practices.
*Earth Community - In times of difficulty human beings reach out to others – we have identified Co-operative systems to exchange food, skill banks, talents (Barter Systems); more frequent rummage sales; CSAs (Community Sustained Agriculture).
*Health Care – When we lose our insurance, what alternatives will be available? Several of our health professionals are developing services to ensure our continued good health.
*Mental anguish – Fear and worry is a likely result for some of us. We are seeking counselors and other professionals who could help with that. We will organize simple social events.
*Real Estate – Foreclosures will continue to mount. We have expertise in negotiating foreclosure situations and identifying better mortgage rates or in assisting with the sale (or purchase) of houses.
*Shelter – at some point some may be homeless. We have developed a bulletin board to link members who are ready and willing to open up their homes/residences on short or long term rentals or room-for-services basis with individuals needing such services.
*Financial support – Many of our members may not be impacted to a great extent by the current recession. We are organizing a special appeal to provide assistance where it is desperately needed.

See catalog of services at http://www.firstuucolumbus.org. Want to set up a similar initiative in your “community”? Want to add resources to the “catalog”? Contact Michael Greenman at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio, at 614-898-5825 or mgreenma@columbus.rr.com.