Virtual Connections Fair: Stories of Us, Stories of Service
Sunday, May 23, immediately following worship
In the spirit of this month’s worship and learning theme, the Virtual Connections Fair is an opportunity not to be missed: to mix and mingle with other congregants and to connect with members and leaders of First Unitarian Oakland programs and ministries. Two dozen people(!) have committed to telling STORIES about their passion for and experiences in serving our mission. Email connect@uuoakland.org
Boost! West Oakland Advisory Board Seeks New Members
Founded by First Unitarian Oakland members, Boost! West Oakland has been working with underserved students in West Oakland for over 20 years to grow reading, writing, and math skills through weekly tutoring and mentoring sessions with a team of dedicated community volunteers. We’re currently recruiting new members for our Boost! Advisory Board to help oversee the program, make strategic decisions, and increase financial sustainability. We’re particularly looking to diversify by adding skills in PR/marketing, fundraising, and relationship building with potential funders. If you might be interested in serving on the board, please submit this form to share a little bit more about yourself or email Natalie Ingraham for more questions.
Join the New West Oakland Education Justice Team
Natalie Ingraham is looking for folks interested in joining a West Oakland Education Justice Team. This would bring together programs that church already supports (like Boost! West Oakland tutoring and the McClymonds Scholarship program) as well as supporting partnerships with organizations like Black Organizing Project, working to get police out of OUSD schools. You can read more about the proposed team in this Google document. If you’re interested in joining this justice team, please email Natalie.
Accompanying a New Friend
The core Accompaniment Team has learned that the migrant our church is accompanying in her asylum journey from Guatemala, has arrived in Oakland and reunited with her now 16 year old daughter, from whom she was separated at the border in late 2017. The core team and Pastor Theresa will meet and welcome “E” to Oakland in the coming week, witness to her story, and learn her priority needs. A second circle of team members is ready to support, and the core team will continue to keep the congregation informed. Please hold “E,” her family, and the Accompaniment Team in your care.
Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, May 25, 6:45 to 9:00 PM
The next board of trustees meeting is on Tuesday, May 25, and begins with a 15-minute public comment period at 6:45 PM. You also may send comments to secretary@uuoakland.org, to be read aloud for you. View the meeting packet for the agenda. To receive the meeting link, email yesplease@uuoakland.org
Supermarket Treasure Hunt – Field Trip for the Climate
Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday
May 29 at 9 AM, May 30 at 1 PM, and May 31 at 10 AM
Join the Eco-Challenge field trip! Families and all are invited to hunt for climate-friendly refrigerants in your supermarket! (We’ll meet on Zoom for half an hour first, to learn about environmental effects of refrigerants.) We’ll connect our findings with a map of supermarkets around the world. Sign up here to get the Zoom link and join us! More info on the form, or contact Heather with any question.
Register NOW for the Women’s Retreat
Saturday, June 26, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Women’s Retreat will take place on the grounds of the UU Congregation of Marin, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael. For women and non-binary people 16 and older if fully vaccinated by June 12; also babies under 1, any gender. Free! Accessible! Carpools will be arranged. Come for a joyful day of crafts, singing, pagan ritual, yoga, qi gong, walking meditation, discussion groups, play reading, poetry, walking a labyrinth, and more. Register now, as space is limited! Email womensretreat@uuoakland.