In 2009 St James United Church formed a “Social Justice Committee”.  After multiple exploratory meetings we’ve developed a mandate to solidify our focus. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at noon in the Parlour.    We welcome new members and input from the congregation.

    Our approach will be to “think globally and act locally”.  We want to educate ourselves about topics of world concern and inform the congregation of our findings.  We encourage everyone to act individually on these issues.  As a committee, we will act collaboratively on those matters that seem particularly relevant to our community.

    Our mandate includes, but is not limited to:

1)  connecting with other social justice agencies and participating in related activities within our community (including attending meetings and events either as individuals or as representatives of St James; creating formal and informal liaisons with other organizations; and reporting information gathered to both the committee and the congregation)

2)  communicating about social justice issues and events to the committee and the congregation (including educating ourselves about these issues and presenting that information in a relevant manner; publicizing dates, times and descriptions of events we can attend; preparing articles for our Church website, newsletter and bulletins; and updating the congregation during services)

3)  planning and carrying out social justice projects (including organizing congregational or community events with speakers; taking part in awareness campaigns;  beginning fundraising drives – either alone or  in conjunction with other organizations and related events; and working with other congregational groups such as the Sunday School.)

Our exploration of social justice issues shows us that they can be broken down into the following six general categories: poverty, environment, equality, peace, health, and education.  The committee has decided to concentrate on one area at a time.  Our first focus will be poverty issues, specifically food, housing and transportation concerns in our community.  However, we will also highlight environmental issues by holding an interfaith event in conjunction with Earth Day in April.