What it looks like and feels like to be…
Socially Responsive
Some of our NEWEST responses
“Unity could offer a weekly viewpoint on where help is needed in the community and from that be able to get all of us to help more.”
— Mike H.
“The Unity community is at the forefront of being socially responsive. It shares passions, and programs that keep us moving forward, and pathways for solving contemporary issues in society. These programs are empowered through the Jesus tenant of unconditional love, and support. Unity presents a BODY of individuals that elevate their dreams through authenticity, ingenuity, and adaptability to a changing world. It is a community that does All that it can, for All the people that it can, for All the while that it can!!! It teaches us to ‘See the light, feel the light, and Be the light’.”
— Deb P.
“One of the most moving and "growthful" experiences I found at Unity was the online group working on "uncomfortable conversations with a Black man". It was a nationwide zoom group, but a number of participants were from our Unity congregation. We had a chance to explore how our upbringing and communities influenced our early experiences with race. We all wanted to grow along with our leader, and become more aware. The author of the book is a phenomenal man. Where else could I experience a class like this?”
— DianeG.
“A socially responsive spiritual community would be well-informed on current events that support the vision of transforming lives and healing our world. Learning to respond to current events rather than react to them could be a helpful presentation/discussion.
Action groups for current events could announce activities online and in person. Collaborations with other agencies could be powerful. By doing so, spiritual community members could feel empowered to speak and live the spiritual truths of these situations.”
— Marti R.
“A spiritual community that is socially responsive would look and feel current. It would openly address issues happening in the world and not wait until something happened. It would make staying current relevant.
Example: There will only be conversations about police brutality when the police attack and kill or injure someone. There will only be conversations about gun violence when we have another mass shooting. They will only be outraged when another individual from the LGBTQ family is harmed.
Socially responsive means we keep things in the forefront all the time with conversations and activities.”
— Ahmondra M.
“To me this is to be courageously Spiritually Progressive and Unapologetically Inclusive.”
— Kayla W.
“I think it means a person or a Church or an organization has an obligation to contribute to their community or county that makes life and the environment better for those around them. That's why I always include "Mother Earth" in my/our prayers.”
— Barbara J.
“I think socially responsive may include: Social/psychological services provided to our members/community for free or a reduced fee. Providing food and basic necessities for those in need. Providing a place of refuge for more than just Sunday mornings.”
— David S.
“A socially responsive community would do the actual work of checking their privilege and helping to amplify marginalized voices by stepping back and letting the people in the back speak. White tears will need to be put in check, and white feelings put on hold while assisting marginalized people in day-to-day life or in times of protest. It means taking a backseat so they can speak of their lived experiences.
It means following Jesus', Buddha's and other teachers' examples of walking among and lifting up people who are outcast within our society. It goes beyond well-meaning donations. It means addressing the very real needs within their communities. I've been to congregations within the poorest neighborhoods, and they have a rich array of services: food pantries, youth programs, elder visits, etc. that reach beyond Sunday morning. I've also been to affluent congregations/communities that have none of those programs despite incredible resources.
A socially responsive church/spiritual community does the hard work of looking within and asking themselves how they can help...for the long haul.”
— Elaine N.
“We would help immigrants to be safe and meet their needs in this new country.”
— Jo Ann P.
“The church door should be open and available at all times. Someone in need should not feel left out. Socially we are the catalyst of our community. A person should know what we stand for in our community. We are all here to serve. We are all ministers of God. We all can help.”
— Martha M.
“Societies are made up of individuals and as we recognize a group in our society at large as one that is hurting and/or needs an opportunity to better thrive, being socially responsive, we reach out to support without judgment, thus uplifting society at large and as a reflection of ourselves.”
— Sandy L.
“Being aware of the wants and needs of the community to which you belong. Being responsive includes taking action to react to those wants and needs and trying to satisfy them in a meaningful and kind way.”
— Rob I.
“When I think of Socially Responsive, the term Social Justice, and Cultural Justice always comes into my mind.”
— Dallas C.