A new fund at First Parish will support greater engagement in activism and social justice activities. The Lydia Maria Child Fund (LMCF), created in response to the congregation’s desire for expanded activism activities, is named for Lydia Maria Child, a celebrated 19th century abolitionist and advocate for rights for women and Native Americans. Child lived in Wayland and attended First Parish.
First Parish’s Covenant and UU Principles will guide the congregation’s activism work. Examples might include efforts to support:
• Religious and cultural tolerance
• Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, trans or queer (LGBTQ) rights
• Environmental protection
• Refugees or underprivileged members of our community
• Racial justice
LMCF could be used to enable a wide range of activities related to creating social and political change. Funding is to be used for activities of the church, but not as a source of donations to other organizations. Any First Parish member may suggest activities for funding.
The Fund will be created as part of the 2017-2018 Stewardship Campaign through donations above those needed to support existing church operations. A generous anonymous donor has agreed to initially match all donations to the Fund up to $100,000. It is intended that the Fund will kick start social justice activities in the First Parish community by providing seed funding for four or five years.
A new committee will manage the fund and make decisions about how it will be used. Any individual member or group within First Parish, including our youth, may submit requests for funding.
For more details about this exciting new opportunity to live our values, click here.