In this episode, we will learn how people are harnessing UU values to create meaningful change in their communities.

Our guests include:

• Kathryn Jane Hazel from Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter

• Kayoki Whiteduck and Lynn Kofmel-Preston from Ajaski Project (Ottawa First Unitarian Fellowship)

• Yvette Salinas (Executive Director) and Joanna Barrington (Camp Director), Unicamp, Ontario

• Karen Dunk Green, Lay Chaplain, Toronto

• Rev Wendy Luella Perkins, Founder of Soulful Singing

  Questions for further discussion:

  1. What feelings arise when you hear about these community-based ministries?

  2. What, if any, beliefs would you need to challenge within yourself to embrace the notion of community-based ministries as legitimate expressions within UUism?

  3. The difference between relational support and structure support was mentioned. In what ways could we remove barriers to full inclusion for community-based ministers/ministries within our local and national structures?

  4. What are some needs that exist in your community and world? What assets (physical, monetary, skills, etc.) does your UU group have that you could utilize to meet those needs in a creative way? What UU value(s) could you draw upon?

  5. Lay Chaplains engage many non-UU's in meaningful ways. How could we amplify the work of lay chaplains, understanding that this is valuable outreach?

  
  Lynn Kofmel-Preston of the Ajashki Project spoke about how this initiative brought about changes that were hard for some folks at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. What animal best embodies your views, beliefs, and feelings related to change in your own life? UU community? What shifts would need to happen within you and your group to embrace something new, such as a community-based ministry?

  Notes and Research Links

  • Ajashki Project at Ottawa First Unitarian Fellowship

  • Unitarian Shelter- Founded by Nanaimo Unitarian Fellowship; now run by Nanaimo Family Life Association

  • Lay Chaplaincy- Canadian Unitarian Council

  • Report of the Task Force on Polyamory- Canadian Unitarian Council, May 2020

  • Soulful Singing - Rev. Wendy Luella Perkin's online singing ministry

  Note 1: E.D. is short for Executive Director

  Note 2: Since this recording, Ottawa First Unitarian Fellowship shared this exciting announcement (Sept 8, 2024- Leaders List Announcement):

  "The 1st Unitarian Ottawa Board is pleased to inform everyone that Ottawa City Council, at its meeting this past Wednesday, September 4, gave approval to the zoning and other changes required for our campus redevelopment and the creation of Odayanhaway, Little Village.

  This was the final level of approval needed to move forward with this important project, which will provide 220 units of almost entirely affordable rental housing for Ottawa within 200 meters of a new light rail station. This will include 60 units in a 6-story building being built by Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services on land given to them by the congregation.

  A year of further planning now begins, which will be conducted with input from all on our campus, aiming at construction to begin roughly a year from now. For more information, please visit the First U affordable housing page."

  Note 3: MAiD, mentioned in the section on Lay Chaplains, stands for Medical Assistance in Dying.