UUCV’s mission is to transform lives and care for the world. We believe that neither of these things is possible alone. We go out into the world to work to heal the broken places of our world and then we bring those experiences back to our community to begin the work of healing the broken places in our own souls. From this place of healing and transformation we are reenergized to carry our message into the world.

At UUCV we focus on direct action and advocacy in our local community as well as internationally. We pack food at our local food bank and work to support the education of girls in Mozambique. We raise money, walk in parades, protest, meet with our legislators, paint houses and more. Check out the Social Justice Committee to see how you can get involved.

March Events

You are invited to view the film Marshall 

The Social Justice Committee will show Marshall at 1:00 pm & at 6:30 pm on Friday, March 15^th.  Marshall is based on the incredible true story of future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and one of the landmark cases of his life.

Project SHARE Farm Stand

Please join us at the Farm Stand on Thursday, March 14^th and 28^th from 9:30 to 11:00.  It’s easy work that provides a big benefit to a lot of people by providing fresh fruits and vegetables to those who may not be able to afford them.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Carlisle CARES Host Training and Shelter Setup

Training for UUCV volunteers serving as CARES hosts during the month of April will take place after service on Sunday, March 31^st.  Set up for the shelter will begin following the training.

Change For The World – Camp Koala

The mission of Camp Koala is to provide grieving children with the tools and resources to help them manage their grief in a healthy way, and to offer companionship in a supportive environment.

February

Fill Kit Karnsey (our beloved grocery cart)

Donate non-perishable food and/or money to the Mt Holly Food Bank.  This is our local food bank that supports the Boiling Springs, Mt Holly Springs, and Gardner’s area. Note: If donating by check please make payable to Mt Holly Springs COG Food Bank.

Sign the petition supporting U.S. House Bill H.R.8.  This bipartisan legislation is designed to require a background check for ALL firearm sales.  This Act removes the deadly loophole in the current federal background check process which allows firearms to be purchased without background checks at gun shows and on the internet.

Project SHARE Farm Stand

Please join us on Thursday, February 7^th and 28^th from 9:30 to 11:00 as we help provide food for those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle. Please note this is the first and fourth Thursday of February.

Black History Festival – a free family event organized by Hope Station

Saturday, February 23^rd from 10 to 3 at Hamilton Elementary School, 735 Clay Street, Carlisle.

Volunteers are needed too.  If interested in helping, contact Cindy Good.

Change For The World – Dress For Success, South Central PA

Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Our local branch is located in Harrisburg, PA.

January

Project SHARE Farm Stand

Please join us on Thursday, January 10^th and 24^th from 9:30 to 11:00 as we help provide food for those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Women’s Rally on the Square

          Saturday, January 19^th from 10 AM to Noon in Courthouse Square in Carlisle.

          The Women’s Rally (Men too) will be issue-focused, diverse, and non-partisan.

MLK Jr Walk and Commemoration Service

Join us on Sunday, January 20th at 2:45 pm as we participate in Carlisle’s annual MLK Walk.

2:45 – Walk from the St John’s Episcopal Church on the square in Carlisle to the Old Courthouse for a short service.

4:00 – Commemoration Service at St John’s Episcopal Church.

Change For The World – PRIDE Festival of Central PA

The 27th Annual Pride Festival of Central PA will be held on Saturday July 27th, 2019 in Soldier’s Grove Memorial Park, Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg. This event will celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and Half a Century of LGBT+ Liberation. The Pride Festival of Central PA is a project of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), fiscal sponsor.

December

Project SHARE Farm Stand

Please join us on Thursday, December 13^th and 27^th from 9:30 to 11:00 as we help provide food for those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Blanket Drive for the Shalom House – a homeless shelter for women and children

The Shalom House, located in Harrisburg, has an urgent need for new or gently used blankets.  The SJC will collect these items through the end of December.  Donation tubs are located in the Social Hall.

Mozambique Bursary Project – Donations are currently being accepted

The forever gift of an education transforms the lives of girls in rural Mozambique and benefits not only the young women, their families, communities, and nation. Three hundred dollars educates a girl for one year.  All donations contribute to these girls’ well-being. Checks payable to the UUCV Mozambique Bursary Project can be put into the offering or mailed to UUCV. Thank you for your generosity.

Change For the World – Domestic Violence Services for Cumberland and Perry Counties

DVSCP supports the empowerment of those who are experiencing domestic violence through the provision of direct services and the promotion of nonviolence through social and systems change.  Services provided include: Emergency Shelter, Counseling and Advocacy, Children’s Programs, Protection From Abuse Orders, 24 Hour Hotline, Public Education and Outreach.

NOVEMBER EVENTS

VOTE – Tuesday, November 6^th  

                       Your vote makes a difference!

Project SHARE Farm Stand

Help is needed on Thursday, November 8^th and 29^th from 9:30 to 11:30.  Volunteers sort donated food for distribution to those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Mozambique Luncheon and Kick-off – November 11^th 

Join the Mozambique committee in the dining room immediately after service for a simple lunch and presentation.

Change For The World – Operation Veterans Hope

Operation Veterans Hope (OVH), a local 501(c)3 organization, helps homeless veterans get work, job skills, and housing. Their goal is to be a support, referral and collaborative partner with other area organizations that can help Veterans and their families prevent homelessness.

Veterans taking part in the “Work2Stay” program with OVH have a job and a place to live so long as they work at the organization’s thrift shop on North Baltimore Avenue in Mount Holly Springs

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OCTOBER EVENTS

Project SHARE Farm Stand

Help is needed on Thursday, October 11^th and 25^th from 9:30 to 11:30.  Volunteers sort donated food for distribution to those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Sign our petitions – October 1 through October 14

Stop at the SJC table to sign petitions supporting the passage of SB501 and HB2060. Both bills are designed to enhance safety for all parties involved in Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence that require relinquishment of firearms.

Social Justice Movie Night

Friday, October 19^th.  Join us at 7 PM in the Board room to watch “Immigrant Prisons”.

Change for the World –

UUA Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Florence

We know that long after the initial clean-up, real recovery can take months or years. The UUA stands with its congregations and is ready to provide assistance to help congregations in repairing any damage, and to support them in responding to the needs of their members’ and their community’s efforts to get back on its feet.  Please give generously to help UUs and others impacted by Hurricane Florence.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Save the dates

Before your summer plans consume your calendar take time to save a few dates to help UUCV live our mission.

Farm Stand – several opportunities this summer

All ages are welcome to help at Project SHARE’s Farm Stand for a couple of hours every other week.  The dates are: June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23.  We show up at 9:30 and usually finish our work by 11:30.

Central PA PRIDE Festival

UUCV has been a visible presence at the Central PA PRIDE Festival for many years.  Volunteers are needed to staff UUCV’s booth at this event, which will take place on Saturday, July 28 in Harrisburg.

Trained Silent Witness Peacekeepers are also needed.

Fill the Bus/Carlisle4Kids

UUCV will not be collecting school supplies for Project SHARES’s “Fill this Bus/Carlisle4Kids” this summer.  However, we want to continue to support this important campaign by providing volunteers.

On July 20 and 21, volunteers are needed to distribute flyers and collect donations of needed school supplies at the Carlisle Walmart.  Shifts will be 2 or 3 hours in length.

On August 9, volunteers are needed to distribute backpacks and school supplies to the children.

Additional information will be provided as we get closer to the events.

Signup sheets for the volunteer opportunities listed above will be located on the Social Justice table in the social hall. 

UUCV….Let’s walk the talk! – May Social Justice Events

Advocacy Action for Gun Violence Prevention – a UUPLAN focus in May

Stop by the Social Justice table in the social hall to sign petitions.  Pick up contact information for local representatives so you can let them know it’s time for sensible gun legislation.

Project SHARE Farm Stand – an easy and rewarding way to help others

Help is needed on Thursday, May 10 and May 24 from 9:30 to 11:30.  Volunteers sort donated food for distribution to those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Change For The World – World Food Program USA

“World Food Program USA proudly supports the mission of the World Food Programme, the leading agency fighting hunger worldwide…Assisting 80 million people in around 80 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.” “WFP is working to save the lives of 20 million people facing starvation.”

The need is great. WFP has the expertise to make a difference. What UUCV gives via Change for the World will save lives.

UUCV….Caring for the world – April Events!

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Service Day 

Join UUCV’s team for the 4th Annual “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Community Service Day on Saturday, April 14 from 8 am – Noon (Rain date April 28). Check-in will be begin at Heberlig-Palmer Park, Carlisle, at 7:30 am. A picnic lunch will be provided in the park at Noon. Sign up at the Social Justice table by Sunday April 8^th.

Project SHARE Farm Stand

Help is needed on Thursday, Apr 12 and Apr 26 from 9:30 to 11:30.  Volunteers sort donated food for distribution to those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Social Justice Movie

The movie Born Into Brothels will be shown April 25^th at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm.

Change For The World

The UUA’s initiative – the Promise and the Practice Campaign – funds our opportunity to address our history of upholding white supremacy by collectively working to dismantle it.  The campaign promotes the work of UU organizations of color in building the beloved community. To do the work of justice in the world we must do the work of justice in our own communities.

Join the March for our Lives Movement

We have 3 opportunities to join the March For Our Lives movement. 

Sunday, March 11^th at 2:00 pm at the Old Courthouse in Carlisle. Students from Carlisle High School will hold a gun control rally.  Speakers include: Mayor Tim Scott, Borough Councilman Sean Crampsie, Teacher Ellie Park, and several students.

Saturday, March 24^th in Washington D.C. Ride the UUCV bus to the March For Our Lives.  Bus fare is $25. Signup at the Social Justice table in the Social Hall.  More details to follow.

Saturday, March 24^th at noon at the State Capitol in Harrisburg.  Students, teachers, and community members will hold a rally and take to the streets of Harrisburg.  They will demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today.

SHOW UP and ADD YOUR VOICE to the movement!

March 2018

Volunteer in our local community

When: Thursday mornings, March 8^th & 22^nd from 9:30 – 11:30

Where: Project SHARE’s Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln Street, Carlisle

Why: To provide fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need.

Fun for all ages!  Please sign up at Social Justice table.

Save The Date – March Social Justice Film

Join us on Wednesday, March 28^th at 1:00 pm OR 6:30 pm as we view the film, Making a Killing: Guns, Greed, and the NRA.

Making a Killing: Guns, Greed, and The NRA tells the stories of how guns, and the billions made off of them, affect the lives of everyday Americans. It features personal stories from people across the country who have been affected by gun violence, including survivors and victims’ families. The film exposes how the powerful gun companies and the NRA are resisting responsible legislation for the sake of profit – and thereby putting people in danger.  The film looks into gun tragedies that include unintentional shootings, domestic violence, suicides, mass shootings and trafficking – and what we can do to put an end to this profit-driven crisis.

Change for the World – Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council

The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council (CVTRC) is an all-volunteer, non-profit, charitable corporation dedicated to conservation, historic preservation, recreation and alternative transportation in the Cumberland Valley through the development of multi-use trails along former railroad corridors and other areas.  The CVRTC depends on local membership dues and contributions for its operational funds.

Once a stretch of railroad tracks, the 11-mile Cumberland Valley Trail, from Shippensburg to Newville, was donated to CVRTC by Conrail in 1995.  CVRTC has spent the last 19 years developing the former Cumberland Valley Railroad into an improved multi-use trail to serve all ages and abilities.  Trail enthusiasts can enjoy walking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding and other non-motorized recreational uses.  The trail, which is wheelchair-accessible, has a crushed limestone surface except for the last ½ mile at the Newville trail head which is paved.  All of the road crossings between these two points have been graded to meet ADA specification and paved if it is a long grade.  Plans are currently in the works to extend the trail into Carlisle.

February 2018

Souper Bowl Day of Caring  – Be a part of the National Campaign to End Hunger.  Bring canned goods to UUCV on Sunday Feb 4 and Feb 11.  Let’s fill Kit Karnsey.

Project SHARE Farm Stand – Help is needed on Thursday, Feb 8 and Feb 22 from 9:30 to 11:30.  Volunteers sort donated food for distribution to those in need.  The Farm Stand is located at 123 Lincoln St, Carlisle.

Black History Festival – Hope Station is sponsoring the 2018 Black History Festival on Saturday, Feb 24^th from 11 am until 2 pm at Hamilton Elementary School, 735 Clay Street, Carlisle.  The event will feature speakers and performances.

Change For The World – All change donated this month will support the efforts of the The Mt Holly Springs Food Bank which provides food to needy individuals and families in Boiling Springs, Mt Holly Springs, and Gardners communities.   The food bank is open every Tuesday from noon until 2:00 pm.  Your donations will help fight hunger in our own community.

January 2018

Carlisle’s MLK Jr Walk and Commemoration Service – Join us on Sunday, January 14^th at 2:45 pm as we participate in Carlisle’s annual MLK Jr. walk.  The walk begins at 2:45 at the First Lutheran Church on East High Street in Carlisle.  We will walk a short distance to the Old Courthouse for a short service.  The MLK Jr. Commemoration service follows at 4:00 pm at First Lutheran Church.

Volunteer opportunities – Project SHARE Farm Stand  – If you want to get involved in helping the local community, JOIN US at the Farm Stand on Thursday mornings, January 4^th and January 25^th.  Project SHARE’s Farm Stand, located at 123 Lincoln Street, Carlisle, provides fresh produce, perishable products, and bread two or three days a week to anyone in the Carlisle community who is in need.  Volunteers are needed from 9:30 am until about noon to sort the fruits and produce donated by local grocery stores and farmers.  It’s NOT hard work and it’s FUN. All ages are welcome.  If interested, SIGN UP at the Social Justice table in the social hall. 

Change for the World – PET Carlisle, Inc. – Donate your loose change to help bring mobility and dignity to disabled individuals in developing countries by providing Personal Energy Transportation (PET) wheelchairs at no cost to people who have lost the use of their legs.  These wheelchairs are built in Mt Holly Springs, PA. 100% of all donations go towards building and shipping the PET wheelchairs.

UUCV Living Our Mission In 2017

The Social Justice Committee at UUCV would like to thank all of those who volunteered their time, services, financial support and talents as we contributed to the following organizations in 2017:

Project SHARE Farm Stand

MLK Jr Walk and Commemoration

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Fill the Bus

Mt Holly Food Bank – Kit Karnsey

Change for the World

Social Justice-related films

Building Bridges / Friendship Dinner

Carlisle C.A.R.E.S.

Advocacy: petitions, rallies, phone calls

PRIDE Festival

Silent Witnesses

Gleaning for Project SHARE

United Way Day of Caring

National Public Lands Day

Gerrymandering presentation

Mozambique Bursary

Mitten Tree (YUUTH)