Justice Work

By Sheri S., Justice & Generosity Committee

When we think of justice work, it can be difficult to even know where to begin. The present and past abound with acts of injustice that call for us to respond and remedy, and it's a topic I've reflected on a lot in my own life experience and the experiences of those around me. My name is Sheri. I started attending WUUC in early 2025, became an official member on July 20th, 2025, and joined the Justice and Generosity Committee, where I hope to facilitate our approach to this topic.

The four pillars: restoration, awareness, time and money.

To simplify the justice framework, I think of it in four pillars: restoration, awareness, time and money. In a consumerist-oriented culture, people tend to gravitate toward the latter three because they call for action: Protests, marches, tangible outcomes. These are important tenets of justice, and if those are the areas where you feel called, that's amazing. However, the emphasis on these doing-focused acts tends to come at the neglect of the restoration pillar, the pillar of being.

All the pillars are essential for the continuity of justice work. And when you think of justice, taking a nap, meditating and gratitude journaling usually aren't the first acts that come to mind. But in the framework of a culture that embeds constant dissatisfaction, hunger, and labor in its people, acts of healing and thankfulness are forms of protest. Imagine the impact in your personal community if everyone you interacted with had gotten enough sleep and reflected on eight things they were thankful for that day. Intentional moments of restoration create internal satisfaction, and internal satisfaction doesn't compel you to attempt emotionally or physically purchasing it from an external source.

As we honor the areas of abundance in our lives this season, think on the pockets of gratitude that exist among the darker arenas of the broader world. Consider all the food options we have at public markets. Contemplate the nature you encounter when stepping outside, the loved ones that fill you with prosperity. It's impossible to change the world in one day, but it is possible to change one person's day for the better, even if that person is yourself. What's an offering of restoration you can make to nature, your community or yourself in this season?