Act for the Earth

The Act for the Earth Ministry Team is committed to helping Unity Church-Unitarian be a leader in climate action, environmental justice, and sustainable living through educational offerings, hands-on projects, policy initiatives, and opportunities for reflection and celebration. For more information about the Act for the Earth Team email UnityActfortheEarth@gmail.com.

Food for Thought

Wednesday, January 5 • 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Online • Register Here

We live in troubling times and it is difficult not to retreat into despair when contemplating the crises facing us: racial injustice, climate change, mass extinctions, broken communities, dysfunctional political systems, the pandemic ….but what if decisions we make every day could make a difference? We all eat, and that food must come from somewhere. Could our consumer choices drive changes in how our food is raised? It happened in Europe, when consumers demanded organic produce, zero packaging and reusable packaging. It can happen here.

As part of a larger conversation about food, Unity’s Act for the Earth Team invites you to a conversation with farmers making a difference: Jacqueline Zita of the Women’s Environmental Institute and Haley Ball of Urban Roots. Our guests will consider:

Where does our food come from?
How can we get our food locally, and why does it matter?
What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?
With thin profit margins, how can farmers also support environmental and social justice initiatives?

Dr. Jacquelyn Zita is Director of Education and Operations & Farm Manager. Jacquelyn holds a BS in Biology and Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Washington University, St. Louis. She brings twelve years of experience running our CSA farm and extensive knowledge of organic farming, biology of farming, women’s health issues, and gender, environmental and social justice studies.

Hayley Ball is the Executive Director of Urban Roots, a CSA in St Paul, MN. Hayley holds a BA in History from Augsburg University and has a passion for creating equitable life-long learning opportunities. Previously she was the Adult & Community Programs Coordinator for TriDistrict Community Education in Dakota County. In her spare time, she facilitates training sessions and workshops on addressing and dismantling structural inequities and creating inclusive spaces.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Foxtail Farm and Turnip Rock Deliveries at Unity Church

CSA Farm Directory

Farmers Markets & Pick-Your-Own

I’ve found CSAs to be economical sources of ingredients for wonderful soups, salads and entrees. As a single person, I’ve split a share with a friend. It’s been a delicious adventure!

What We Do
We work to engage the congregation through education, action and advocacy.

Help Unity Church become a UUA certified Green Sanctuary
Continue to support the Children’s Garden and new Pollinator Garden
Educate the congregation to be better earth stewards
Sponsor monthly films and presentations
Provide opportunities for Unity Congregants to act on environmental initiatives
Nurture our relationship with the earth
Celebrate successes!

Action Teams: Get Involved
What is our place in this world? How do our purchasing habits and lifestyle choices affect the earth? How can we engage the congregation to act for the earth? Whatever your strengths and interests, there is room for you on our Action Teams:

The Stop Climate Change Action team is working on initiatives to lower GHG emissions individually and as a congregation, and to enhance carbon sequestration. It also will foster healthy consumer and food choices. Contact Priscilla Morton: prismorton@comcast.net
The Stop Extinction Action Team is working on initiatives that promote habitat, sustainable agriculture, and making the earth safe for life. Contact Anna Newton: asnewton3@gmail.com
The Ensure Justice Action Team will help other Action Teams include justice in all their efforts. This team will also promote independent justice events and activities where needed. Contact Jean Hammink: jhammink@earthlink.net