Although our “First Church” has been active in serving community needs since its founding in 1836 (e.g. during Civil War, after the Chicago Fire, city’s first soup kitchen, 1950’s Urban Renewal) the present Social Justice Council [SJC], one of three semi-autonomous church councils, was not established until about 1990. The central purpose of the SJC is to provide opportunities for church members and like-minded associates to “live out our shared values in the larger world” as affirmed in our Mission statement.

The Chair of the SJC is elected annually by the congregation and its monthly meeting attendees include its officers (Chair & Secretary), Task Force Chairs (or designates) and others who are actively involved in community organizations with a strong social justice outreach, e.g. The Hyde Park Interfaith Council.

The Social Justice Council:

✓Coordinates the SJC First Forums, held on the third Sunday of most months.

✓Organizes a social justice film series, featuring films recommended by a task force or the SJC as a whole.

✓Takes stands in its own name, but not in the name of the church as a whole.

✓Holds up to four special collections in each church year, to benefit a social justice cause of special interest.

✓Organizes or co-sponsors community forums on social justice matters.

✓Brings our congregation's social justice views to the UUA at  General Assembly, plus to  regional/district and area assemblies.

At present the SJC meets on the second Thursday of each month, starting shortly after 7:15 p.m., in the large RE classroom.  All are welcome to attend and participate in discussion, though voting is limited.

Task Forces [TF] are groups of three or more members engaged in action or study in specific areas, either on a continuing basis or to accomplish a time-limited task then disband. 

The mission of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Task Force is to reduce inequalities in the quality of education within the CPS system. This year's project is to  research the differences in financial and other resources provided to open enrollment CPS schools vs. those provided to closed enrollment schools, as the basis for advocacy and possible legal action. Chair of the task force is Michael Brunson.

The mission of the Global Studies Group (GSG) is to study current international events. Members identify critical areas of the world that they would like to learn about, and select readings for discussion.  Over the years, the group has focused on different areas of the world, such as the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and has investigated political themes such as imperialism, terrorism and immigration.  While the emphasis is on reading and discussion, the group occasionally  becomes involved in  social justice action, marching against war, or on behalf of immigration reform, writing letters to government representatives, doing collections for various causes, and, most recently, supporting the Occupy movement. Meetings are held on the first  Sunday of most months, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the home of Elvira Pellitteri. Refreshments are  provided. Co-Chairs are Elvira Pellitteri and  Ellen LaRue.