The Social Action Council at First Parish comprises a number of groups 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
Volunteers tend the First Parish Pantry Garden, which is located in Wayland’s Community Gardens. Garlic and flowers grown at the Pantry Garden are sold at Russell’s Farmers Market. The money is used to buy CSA shares from Stearns Farm in Framingham, which are donated to local shelters and food pantries. In addition, 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.
MetroWest Climate Solutions
MetroWest Climate Solutions is a local partnership of organizations including First Parish in Wayland, First Parish in Lincoln, First Parish Church in Weston, First Parish in Framingham, CFREE (Lincoln), Energize Wayland, Sustainable Weston Action Group (SWAG), and a growing list of communities and individuals. The organization’s mission is to offer information on climate change and to provide activities for individuals to get involved in bringing about solutions.
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.
Welcoming Congregation
First Parish is an official Welcoming Congregation as certified by the UUA in 1996 and recertified in 2020 and 2022. This means we warmly welcome all LGBTQIA+/TGQNB* people to our services and all our gatherings. Our Welcoming Congregation Committee helps to weave Welcoming themes throughout our worship services, offer adult education experiences, promote awareness of issues impacting these communities, and coordinate allyship.
*Transgender, Genderqueer, Non-Binary