Social Justice
For some, God is understood as the source of love or hopefulness, or as the creative force in our universe. Others find that the notion of a god has little meaning for them. We seek to act as a moral force in the world and believe that ethical living is the supreme witness of religion. The here-and-now and the effects our actions will have on future generations deeply concern us.
Unitarian Universalist history is inseparable from social justice action, advocacy, and education. Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church makes a commitment to a wide variety of social justice activities.
“Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained.”
Read the Entire Social Justice Policy
If you have an idea on how to make our church more accessible to all, please fill out this form.
SMUUCh is actively involved in these social action initiatives:
Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church FUUD Pantry
The FUUD pantry is an affiliate of the Harvesters Food Bank. It is open every Tuesday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and is located around the back of the church. For more information see http://www.fuudpantry.org/
If you would like to make a monetary donation to the pantry, please click here.
Boots on the Ground
Since January 2025, Boots on the Ground Midwest has been focused on helping the community through action. Initiatives include Wednesday Workshops, community building events, non-profit support, protests, rallies, Kansas coalition building. All the efforts are communicated through our weekly Substack newsletter and social media. Shawnee Mission UU Church donates space in our building for Boots on the Ground meetings.
Project 1020
Project 10❤️20 is Johnson County’s only no barrier shelter and case management service for adults who are experiencing homelessness. We provide transportation to and from the shelter, a hot evening meal, and a grab-and-go breakfast in the morning. We’re a safe place to sleep and to receive care, compassion, and support. The shelter is housed in Shawnee Mission UU Church.
Giving Grove
The SMUUCh Giving Grove is an edible tree and shrub garden tended by SMUUCh and other community volunteers in partnership with Giving Grove and Kansas City Community Garden. The harvest from the trees and bushes are used to help the food insecure in our local community through our food pantry. Volunteer opportunities for weeding, watering, pruning and general tree tending are available throughout the year. There are also opportunities to assist in other Giving Groves around Kansas City. For more information, click here.