An Age-Old Idea for a New Moment
UU Class Conversations is launching a new mutual aid pilot designed to help working class and economically marginalized Unitarian Universalists support one another through trust, relationship and shared care.
Thanks to generous support from the New York State Convention of Universalists, UU Class Conversations is ramping up its new mutual aid pilot project across participating congregations.
This is not a charity program or a traditional assistance fund. It is a way to practice community differently.
Why This? Why Now?
In a time marked by rising costs, shrinking safety nets, economic instability and increasing isolation, we believe mutual aid is not optional. Communities survive because people care for one another materially, relationally and collectively. This pilot asks:
What would it look like for UU communities to move resources quickly and relationally?
How Will the Pilot Work?
We will begin with a small four to six (4–6} month pilot involving a limited number of congregations.
Each participating congregation will form a small Steward Circle of two to three people who will help:
- identify needs relationally
- move funds quickly and carefully
- participate in shared reflection with other pilot sites
The pilot is intentionally small so we can:
- learn together
- examine class and classism through UUCC trainings
- develop healthy, best practices
- avoid reproducing charity models
- build something sustainable and community-rooted
Over time, we hope to grow this into a broader mutual aid network accessible across the denomination.
What Makes This Different?
This is not a ministerial discretionary fund or benevolence program.
Instead:
- resources move through relationship and trust
- there are no applications or proof-of-need requirements
- participation includes both giving and receiving over time
- care can move locally or across the broader network when appropriate
This model is rooted in solidarity, not charity.
Interested in Participating or Learning More?
We are currently identifying pilot congregations and stewards. If your congregation or community is interested in learning more, participating or supporting this effort, we would love to connect at uuclassbridges@gmail.com or info@uuclassconversations.org. Denise Moorehead will get back to you.
More information about steward training, participation and next steps will be shared soon.
We believe communities are strongest when care moves freely between us. This pilot is one small step toward practicing that together.
UU Mutual Aid Pilot FAQ
Questions? Read our FAQ section on this new project. Learn how mutual aid works and how it is different from charity. Who is this for? How will people receive and give help? How might congregations participate, and what support, including UUCC’s well-regarded workshops, will they receive?