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 Charter
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.
Donate-The-Plate
Once each month, we donate our Sunday offering to local organizations that serve the community. Many local and national nonprofits have received our monthly collections. For more information on how to apply to be a donate the plate recipient please email church@smuuchurch.org
Organizations for 2026:
January: Friends of the KAW
Friends of the Kaw (FOK) serves the Kansas River, known locally as the Kaw. The Kansas River is the largest prairie-based river system in the world. The river originates at the junction of the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers and runs 173 miles to meet the Missouri River at Kaw Point in Kansas City, Kansas. The Kansas River is also a drinking water source for over 950,000 Kansans.
February: First Act KC
First Act Theatre Arts inspires excellence, fosters character and builds community through theatrical arts training, performance, and fellowship in a Christian faith-based environment.
March: Decarcerate KC
Decarcerate KC aims to raise awareness, build power, and create change around issues of incarceration and policing in Kansas City. We are a multiracial, multigenerational organization that centers those impacted by incarceration and policing in order to end the reliance on incarceration and policing, and build a safer Kansas City for all.
To see past donate-the plate recipients 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.
Anti-Racism Resources
Dismantling White Supremacy: UUA Resources
10 Common Things Well-Intentioned-Allies Do That Are Actually Counter-Productive
13 Habits of White Supremacy Culture, Kenneth Jones and Tema Okun
Stories of Bystanders in Death of George Floyd:
Nine year old Judeah Reynolds
Darnella Frazier, Teen Who Filmed The Death
Get in touch about the budding Diversity and Accountability Committee here
To learn about how to connect to the Diverse Religious Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (as member or white ally), contact Micah Emerson.
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. Once the trees and bushes mature, the harvest will be used to help the food insecure in our local community. 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.