The Social Action Council at First Parish comprises a number of committees that actively work for social action and change. They focus on a wide range of issues and concerns. It’s easy to get involved and make a difference!
Domestic Violence Roundtable
First Parish supports and collaborates with the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, which provides shelter and recovery services for victims and works to prevent all forms of abuse in our local communities.
Family Promise Metrowest
First Parish offers support to this organization that helps families experiencing homelessness, and low-income families, achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
The First Parish Pantry Garden
The First Parish Pantry Garden, located in Wayland’s Community Gardens, is tended by First Parish volunteers. The food and flowers grown at the Pantry Garden are taken weekly to SMOC shelters, including Turning Point and two family shelters, also in Framingham. Mainstone Farm’s Neighborhood Farm has generously donated seedlings. Since 2021, Stop and Shop in Wayland Center has designated the Pantry Garden as a recipient of its Bloomin’ for Good program, which donates money for every Bloomin’ for Good bouquet they sell.
Lydia Maria Child Fund for Activism
First Parish’s Lydia Maria Child Fund (LMCF) supports engagement in activism to improve our world. The Fund, created in 2017 in response to the congregation’s desire for expanded activism, provides grants to fund social and environmental justice initiatives by First Parish members and friends, including those initiated by youth.
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization advancing human rights together with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates. First Parish supports the UUSC with financial contributions and volunteer time.
Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry
First Parish is one of 50 UU churches in the Boston area that supports the UU Urban Ministry both financially and with volunteer time. The UUUM supports survivors of domestic violence, works to close the achievement gap for urban youth through academic and life skills coaching, and supports families in the Roxbury area as they strive to build a better future.
Uganda Project
This group works together with Ugandan immigrants living in nearby communities to support their hopes and provide vital assistance to people in their home regions of Uganda.
Designated by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation, First Parish extends a warm welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We support LGBT people and issues in our congregation and in the wider world. We provide programming to educate and increase awareness.