Unitarian Universalist Association President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt was arrested by Capitol Police on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Hart Senate Building in Washington, D.C., where several hundred people protested the actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which oversees ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

SAC has been working with Irma Solis, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) Suffolk County Representative, and with Sonia Spar, the Community Relations Coordinator for Spanish in Southold Town on a program entitled Camino al ÉXITO (Path to Success). The informational meeting held on MLK Day attracted 13 volunteers. Unfortunately, we needed to cancel the originally scheduled training due to ICE activity in the area.

We have come up with an alternative plan to ensure everyone’s physical and emotional safety. The NYCLU program for Hispanic/Latino families will be moved to a different location, however we are expecting increased program costs. The grant that we hope to receive from the New York State Convention of Universalists should cover much but not all of the program’s anticipated costs.

SAC plans to support additional initiatives and schedule projects/events over the next year which will require funding. Therefore, we have made a request to the Board to approve proposed SAC budget increase from $ 1000 to $ 3000 for the upcoming year. We hope congregation members will also approve that increase when they vote on the 2026-2027 budget. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The annual SOCK DRIVE was held Feb. 21 at Winterfest in Southold for two local winter sheltering programs: MAUREEN’S HAVEN HOMELESS OUTREACH in Riverhead and JOHN’S PLACE in Greenport. Note that we will continue, until March 29, to collect new and gently used socks and will gratefully accept monetary donations, that will be used by these two organizations to offer new
underwear, tee shirts, thermals, and gloves as needed by guests.

From my weekly email from Side With Love on 2/16 that opened with the following words:
“Our Unitarian Universalist principles ground us: justice, equity, compassion, and the interconnected web of all existence. These aren’t abstract ideals – they’re the compass by which we navigate uncertain terrain.  When we center solidarity with marginalized communities and commit to political education that sharpens our understanding of systemic injustice, we can move forward with both boldness and integrity.  The possibilities before us are vast. Our calling is to explore them faithfully, together, with hearts wide
open.” ~ India Harris, UU the Vote 2026 Leader

“At a time when fear, violence, and extraction dominate our politics and our planet, we practice another way.” ~ Side With Love

Let’s build a more just and loving world together.

The next meeting of SAC / 8th Principle Task Force will be March 11, 2025, from 4:00-5:00 pm, in the small gathering space OR via Zoom link emailed prior to the meeting.

With love and in Faith and Solidarity,
Patte McManus (she, her, we)
(631) 997-9405; pattemcgoo@yahoo.com