Adopt-a-Highway

The UUFC values environmental wholeness in general and the appearance of our community in specific. We value one another and enjoy opportunities to interact and learn about each other in informal settings. We value individual and community health. Given these values, we have chosen to be a part of the Oregon Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway Program. We are the guardians of a 2.4-mile section of the Philomath Highway (Highway 20/34) from the outskirts of Corvallis to the outskirts of Philomath. Highway cleanups allow opportunities for fellowship and conversation; for fresh air and exercise; and for a very tangible way to improve our local environment. We are asked to pickup trash along the highway four times each year under our agreement with the ODOT.

Environmental Action Committee

The Environmental Action Committee was organized in June 2008 with about 14 members. Its purpose is to increase the work of the UUFC in preservation and stewardship of the Earth. It will work to insure:

• the sustainability of the Earth's resources.
• public awareness of threats to environmental health and stability
• the protection of biodiversity and ecological services.
• the connection of spirituality and environmental action.
• environmental justice around the world.

We will work to accomplish these goals by use of the following tactics:

• education of ourselves and others.
• reform and improvements in our lifestyles as individuals and as a fellowship.
• outreach to the neighborhood, the community and the region.
• building coalitions.

The EAC works in the spirit of honor and respect for the Earth as our one and only home, not only for the human species, but for all living beings.

EAC Activities

We continue an ongoing environmental reading group that meets twice a month in a member's home.

On July 8, 2008 we sponsored a community forum on Liquified Natural Gas. A panel of 4 speakers including Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury described the issues. About 80 attended and the next day the local paper, the "Gazette-Times" featured this event as the headline story on its front page.

From member donations we purchased compact fluorescence light bulbs. We sold these at below market price to members and we donated them to needy folks through the South Corvallis Food Bank. We donated about 150 bulbs.

In November we began an environmental film/lecture series on the third Sunday evening of each month at the fellowship.

On December 1, 2008 we sponsored a public forum on "Marine Sanctuaries". After a brief film, 4 speakers described the issues. About 80 attended. Many signed cards that were mailed to the governor supporting the establishment of Marine Reserves along the Oregon coast.

At the end of March 2009 we submitted the UUFC application for candidacy for the UUA Green Sanctuary Program. At the end of April we were notified that we were admitted to candidacy.

With funding from the UUFC Board of Trustees we have organized fluorescence lighting upgrades for the UUFC building. Retaining the same fixtures, old T-12 bulbs and ballasts are being replaced by newer T-8 bulbs and ballasts. (This excludes lighting on dimmers.) Old exit signs will be replaced by LED exit signs. Having worked with the Energy Trust of Oregon, we will be reimbursed for a part of the cost of these improvements. We simultaneously lower our lighting bill and reduce our carbon footprint.

In 2009, John Elder and Elizabeth Waldorf serve as co-chairs of the EAC. We welcome your participation.

Social Concerns Committee

Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations. The Social Concerns Committee is especially charged with actions expressing this UU principle. We support and promote social action causes through fundraising, education and volunteer activities. The Committee's aim is to educate and to raise consciousness of the UUFC congregation and wider community about social and environmental problems. The Committee gives special consideration to those programs in which UUFC members are actively involved. Our lunches, newsletter articles, volunteer activities and collection baskets help to provide the means for everyone to take responsible action.

Social Justice Action Group

The mission of the Social Justice Action Group (SJAG) of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis (UUFC) is to work for peace and social justice, seeking to apply our UU values and principles within and beyond UUFC. Learn more about the Social Justice Action Group-sponsored Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Peace Action Plan here: uufcsocialjustice.org

South Corvallis Food Bank

The South Corvallis Food Bank (formerly Tunison Food Bank) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides food boxes to low-income individuals and families of south Corvallis on a monthly basis. As an integral part of the Oregon Food Bank/Linn-Benton Food Share distribution network, we pay a member share for food and distribute it to those in need. Nearly 240 households a month are currently using our services.

The South Corvallis Food Bank, although no longer under the UUFC non-profit umbrella, is still supported by the UUFC in several important ways:

• Once a year the Social Concerns Committee holds an action lunch for the food bank
• The food bank is the recipient of one month's special collections at Sunday services
• Several UUFC members volunteer at the food bank on a regular basis and serve on its board.
• Non-perishable food items are collected in the foyer, on an ongoing basis, to be delivered to the food bank.

The South Corvallis Food Bank will gratefully accept donations of food or money. To donate, you can leave non-perishable food items in the foyer of the UUFC (baskets are provided) or you can donate money in our special collection box near the baskets. Others may send donations to:

South Corvallis Food Bank
1750 SW 3rd St., Suite M
Corvallis, OR 97333