Unitarian Society of Ridgewood Social Justice Weekend 2023

The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood hosted its annual Social Justice Weekend from March 2 to March 5, 2023, at their premises in Ridgewood, New Jersey. This event aimed to foster community engagement and dialogue on pressing social justice issues through a series of discussions, presentations, and activities.

The weekend commenced on Thursday evening with a Zoom discussion led by Jackie Nadler on the film "What the Constitution Means to Me," encouraging participants to explore constitutional themes and their contemporary relevance. Saturday featured an in-person session titled "Democracy: Where is it in danger? Why is it in danger? What can be done?" with speakers Bruce Knotts, former UU-United Nations Office representative, and Liza Weisberg, attorney with the ACLU's Democracy and Civic Engagement section, addressing threats to democracy and potential solutions. The event concluded on Sunday with a service led by Rev. Dr. Sarah Lenzi, focusing on democratic principles, followed by a coffee hour discussing topics like banned books, sex education, and voting rights, along with actionable steps for attendees.

The weekend provided ample opportunities for networking and community building, including a light supper on Saturday evening preceding the speaker session. Notable speakers such as Bruce Knotts and Liza Weisberg offered valuable insights into human rights and democratic engagement, enriching the event's discourse.

This event was particularly beneficial for individuals passionate about social justice, democracy, and civic engagement. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of current challenges to democratic institutions and were equipped with knowledge and strategies to advocate for positive change within their communities.