Amanda Heads to Standing Rock

On February 3 WES Senior Leader Amanda Poppei heads to North Dakota for a week to support the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Bismarck-Mandan and their solidarity work with the Water Protectors in Standing Rock.  The Trump Administration recently gave the green light for construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which is opposed by the Standing Rock Sioux and many other indigenous people.  As a Minister-in-Residence, Amanda will volunteer as needed, to help a small sister UU congregation in its social justice efforts.  Safe travels, Amanda!

WES Plans for Inauguration Week

WES is planning a full week of activities aimed at inspiring a spirit of hope and resistance during this challenging time. 

On Monday, January 16, we’ll honor Martin Luther King Day with our second Bystander Intervention Training, an opportunity to learn strategies to intervene if you witness harassment.

On Friday, January 20 from 3:00-5:00, we’ll observe the inauguration by having an all-WES conversation on who we are called to be and what we should be doing in the months ahead.  This will be followed by our Resistance Un-Ball in the main hall from 5:00-10:00, a fun and festive way to launch our social justice work for the coming period.  Enjoy music, dancing, open mic, inauguration bingo, and the chance to express thanks to the Obamas with art and cards.  Kids will have their own social justice corner!  Please share potluck food and drinks.  All attire welcome. To help support the evening's activities and for any questions, please contact Shelby French at shelby.french@rescue.org or Becky Klabunde Tomer at beckyann1110@gmail.com.

Saturday, January 21, WES will join with Unitarian Universalist congregations for the Women’s March on Washington.  The march will be held at 10:00 am at 200 Independence Ave. SW.  To be part of the WES delegation, please complete this form: www.remind.com/join/ethicaldc.

Sunday January 8-Focus on El Salvador

The platform service on Sunday, January 8 will focus on the work of our Global Connections team and its relationship with ethical heroes of El Rodeo, our sister community in El Salvador.  Music  will be performed by Brooklyn Ethical Society member Jean Rohe.  In between the platforms, at 11:00, will be WESTalks, this month featuring guest speaker Alexis Stoumbelis on the topic of "Water Rights in El Salvador."  Alexis is Organizational Coordinator for CISPES (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador).