MUUSAN Action Alerts
August 21, 2019
Upcoming Events and Important Info-PLEASE READ
Exciting events coming up!
-Immigrant Justice Solidarity Walk-August 24
-Call for Volunteers for the Common Ground Fair
-Save the Date for our next Network Meeting!
Full Action Alert Here
Upcoming Events and Important Info-PLEASE READ
Exciting events coming up!
-Immigrant Justice Solidarity Walk-August 24
-Call for Volunteers for the Common Ground Fair
-Save the Date for our next Network Meeting!
Full Action Alert Here
August 6, 2019
MARCH WITH MUUSAN at the Immigrant Justice Solidarity Walk
Maine is being invited to join others in expressing solidarity with immigrants in detention.
Full Action Alert Here
MARCH WITH MUUSAN at the Immigrant Justice Solidarity Walk
Maine is being invited to join others in expressing solidarity with immigrants in detention.
Full Action Alert Here
July 27, 2019
Welcoming the Stranger-Host Family Update
Many of you have expressed the desire to help in the resettlement of Maine's newest asylum seekers. The attached message details current housing needs and how you or your congregation can host one of these families.
Full Action Alert Here
Welcoming the Stranger-Host Family Update
Many of you have expressed the desire to help in the resettlement of Maine's newest asylum seekers. The attached message details current housing needs and how you or your congregation can host one of these families.
Full Action Alert Here
July 3, 2019
Proposed HUD Eligibility Rule Change-Can You Help?
You can help by submitting a comment in opposition. See full action alert for details.
Full Action Alert Here
Proposed HUD Eligibility Rule Change-Can You Help?
You can help by submitting a comment in opposition. See full action alert for details.
Full Action Alert Here
June 20, 2019
How to Help Portland's Asylum Seekers
Several ways you and your congregations can help asylum seekers in Portland
Full Action Alert Here
How to Help Portland's Asylum Seekers
Several ways you and your congregations can help asylum seekers in Portland
Full Action Alert Here
June 7, 2019
RCV Rally June 10
Please join us for a special lobby day at the State House on Monday, June 10th at 9 AM to rally in support of LD 1083 and ask Senators to stand with the Maine people and expand Ranked Choice Voting to include the presidential general election, as well as any new presidential primary election that may be created.
Full Action Alert Here
RCV Rally June 10
Please join us for a special lobby day at the State House on Monday, June 10th at 9 AM to rally in support of LD 1083 and ask Senators to stand with the Maine people and expand Ranked Choice Voting to include the presidential general election, as well as any new presidential primary election that may be created.
Full Action Alert Here
May 23, 2019
March with MUUSAN in PRIDE Portland-June 15, 2019
10:00 AM PRIDE INTERFAITH SERVICE
First Parish in Portland UU
425 Congress St., Portland, ME 04104 (head of Temple St. at Congress St.). Thank you, First Parish!
11:30 Marchers begin lining up with banners at an assigned location near Monument Square
1:00 Parade starts in Monument Square. Ends about 45 minutes later in Deering Oaks, where the
PRIDE Festival runs 2:00-6:00.
Wear a YELLOW SHIRT if possible. Loving signs and rainbow flags are welcome.
Full Action Alert Here
March with MUUSAN in PRIDE Portland-June 15, 2019
10:00 AM PRIDE INTERFAITH SERVICE
First Parish in Portland UU
425 Congress St., Portland, ME 04104 (head of Temple St. at Congress St.). Thank you, First Parish!
11:30 Marchers begin lining up with banners at an assigned location near Monument Square
1:00 Parade starts in Monument Square. Ends about 45 minutes later in Deering Oaks, where the
PRIDE Festival runs 2:00-6:00.
Wear a YELLOW SHIRT if possible. Loving signs and rainbow flags are welcome.
Full Action Alert Here
May 20, 2019
Solar Bill Action Alert
To get LD 1711 (the major solar bill MUUSAN endorsed as a top priority) passed, we are going to need some very targeted advocacy focused on members of the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee. And we have to act quickly - we have until the end of the day on Tuesday (May 21st) to contact committee members.
While most who testified last Thursday at the hearing were in support of LD 1711, there was strong opposition from the Industrial Energy Consumers Group, the Public Utilities Commission & the Public Advocate. Two Democrats on the committee have been influenced by their negative testimony, and one Republican senator who supports the bill is getting strong pressure from IECG and other Republicans on the committee to vote against the bill.
Full Action Alert Here
Solar Bill Action Alert
To get LD 1711 (the major solar bill MUUSAN endorsed as a top priority) passed, we are going to need some very targeted advocacy focused on members of the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee. And we have to act quickly - we have until the end of the day on Tuesday (May 21st) to contact committee members.
While most who testified last Thursday at the hearing were in support of LD 1711, there was strong opposition from the Industrial Energy Consumers Group, the Public Utilities Commission & the Public Advocate. Two Democrats on the committee have been influenced by their negative testimony, and one Republican senator who supports the bill is getting strong pressure from IECG and other Republicans on the committee to vote against the bill.
Full Action Alert Here
April 13, 2019
Support LD820
Anti-abortion advocates are flooding legislators' inboxes with messages of propaganda & stigma to defeat this critical bill. Now is the time to remind legislators of your support for equitable abortion coverage & ask them to end restrictions on access based on income and insurance provider.
Full Action Alert Here
Support LD820
Anti-abortion advocates are flooding legislators' inboxes with messages of propaganda & stigma to defeat this critical bill. Now is the time to remind legislators of your support for equitable abortion coverage & ask them to end restrictions on access based on income and insurance provider.
Full Action Alert Here
March 19, 2019
Maine Council of Churches Advocacy Days
Prophetic voices of faith can make an impact in advocating for a
culture of justice, compassion and peace here in Maine!
Join leading policy analysts and theologians who will come together for this two-day event designed to inspire and equip people of faith to speak confidently and with conviction to legislators about key issues facing our state: health care and the opioid crisis, climate justice, hunger and poverty, and immigration and racism.
Full Action Alert Here
Maine Council of Churches Advocacy Days
Prophetic voices of faith can make an impact in advocating for a
culture of justice, compassion and peace here in Maine!
Join leading policy analysts and theologians who will come together for this two-day event designed to inspire and equip people of faith to speak confidently and with conviction to legislators about key issues facing our state: health care and the opioid crisis, climate justice, hunger and poverty, and immigration and racism.
Full Action Alert Here
January 16, 2019
Exploring Wabanaki/Maine History
Maine-Wabanaki REACH and the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Augusta invite you to an interactive story-telling experience. We will learn about events in the colonizing history of Wabanaki people (the Indigenous people of Maine) and Europeans and their descendants.
Full Action Alert Here
Exploring Wabanaki/Maine History
Maine-Wabanaki REACH and the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Augusta invite you to an interactive story-telling experience. We will learn about events in the colonizing history of Wabanaki people (the Indigenous people of Maine) and Europeans and their descendants.
Full Action Alert Here
November 6, 2017
UUs Needed at Polls to Help Collect PEOPLE'S VETO Signatures to Restore Ranked Choice Voting
The Secretary of State approved these petitions the late afternoon of the day before Election Day. Volunteer at the polls to collect as many signatures as possible on Election Day.
Full Action Alert Here, with many details of contacts and locations
UUs Needed at Polls to Help Collect PEOPLE'S VETO Signatures to Restore Ranked Choice Voting
The Secretary of State approved these petitions the late afternoon of the day before Election Day. Volunteer at the polls to collect as many signatures as possible on Election Day.
Full Action Alert Here, with many details of contacts and locations
June 1, 2017
OPPOSE LD 1625, which would FULLY REPEAL RANKED-CHOICE-VOTING
Friday, June 2, 9:00 AM hearing, Room 437, State House, Augusta
UUs and friends are needed to testify at this hearing and also to stand witness for the democratic process by which Mainers passed Ranked-Choice Voting last fall by the second-largest margin of any referendum in Maine history.
Please contact your state legislators immediately and ask them to OPPOSE LD 1625.
Full Action Alert Here, with many more details including how to get help in preparing testimony
OPPOSE LD 1625, which would FULLY REPEAL RANKED-CHOICE-VOTING
Friday, June 2, 9:00 AM hearing, Room 437, State House, Augusta
UUs and friends are needed to testify at this hearing and also to stand witness for the democratic process by which Mainers passed Ranked-Choice Voting last fall by the second-largest margin of any referendum in Maine history.
Please contact your state legislators immediately and ask them to OPPOSE LD 1625.
Full Action Alert Here, with many more details including how to get help in preparing testimony
May 30, 2017
MUUSAN RANKED-CHOICE VOTING LOBBY DAY and RALLY
Thursday, June 1, Lobby Training and Lobbying 9:00-10:30
Rally outside State House at 11:00
Full Action Alert Here
MUUSAN RANKED-CHOICE VOTING LOBBY DAY and RALLY
Thursday, June 1, Lobby Training and Lobbying 9:00-10:30
Rally outside State House at 11:00
Full Action Alert Here
April 23, 2017
MAINE PEOPLE'S CLIMATE MARCH and RALLY & HEARING for LD 1373,
Sen. Berry's Solar Bill
Saturday, April 29 Maine People's Climate March
Thursday, May 4 Rally & Hearing for LD 1373
Full Action Alert Here
MAINE PEOPLE'S CLIMATE MARCH and RALLY & HEARING for LD 1373,
Sen. Berry's Solar Bill
Saturday, April 29 Maine People's Climate March
Thursday, May 4 Rally & Hearing for LD 1373
Full Action Alert Here
April 15, 2017
RALLY TO OPPOSE LD 366, Rep. Lockman's Anti-Immigrant Bill
Thursday, April 20, 12:00 Rally, 1:00 Judiciary Committee hearing
State House, Augusta
On Thursday, April 20, the Maine Legislature's Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on a bill that would force local law enforcement to participate in federal immigration enforcement. Join us at 12:00 for a rally at the State House and stay for the hearing. Please WEAR BLUE to show solidarity against this bill.
Full Action Alert Here, with links to RSVP and to further information about LD 366
RALLY TO OPPOSE LD 366, Rep. Lockman's Anti-Immigrant Bill
Thursday, April 20, 12:00 Rally, 1:00 Judiciary Committee hearing
State House, Augusta
On Thursday, April 20, the Maine Legislature's Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on a bill that would force local law enforcement to participate in federal immigration enforcement. Join us at 12:00 for a rally at the State House and stay for the hearing. Please WEAR BLUE to show solidarity against this bill.
Full Action Alert Here, with links to RSVP and to further information about LD 366
April 6, 2017
ORAL ARGUMENTS on Ranked Choice Voting, Maine Supreme Judicial Court
Thursday, April 13, 2017, 8:30 AM
Capital Judicial Center, Courtroom 7, Historic Ceremonial Courtroom, 1 Court St, Augusta, ME 04330
Last November, by passing Question 5 in statewide referendum, Mainer voters made our state the first to adopt Ranked Choice Voting to deepen and expand voter voice. On April 13 the Maine Supreme Judicial Court will hear oral arguments on Ranked Choice Voting in response to the Senate majority's request for a Solemn Occasion. Once begun, the actual arguments will take about 30 minutes. Full Action Alert here. With our partners the Ranked Choice Voting campaign and Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, MUUSAN invites you to attend and listen to the Justices question legal counsel for supporters and opponents of Maine's Ranked Choice Voting Law.
Please click here to RSVP online.
(Important details about times, security and parking included on RSVP page)
Afterward, we will go to the State House to urge the legislature to implement Ranked Choice Voting without delay.
You can read the briefs filed in support of and in opposition to Maine's Ranked Choice Voting Law here.
THANK YOU FOR DEFENDING Ranked Choice Voting and the people's vote.
ORAL ARGUMENTS on Ranked Choice Voting, Maine Supreme Judicial Court
Thursday, April 13, 2017, 8:30 AM
Capital Judicial Center, Courtroom 7, Historic Ceremonial Courtroom, 1 Court St, Augusta, ME 04330
Last November, by passing Question 5 in statewide referendum, Mainer voters made our state the first to adopt Ranked Choice Voting to deepen and expand voter voice. On April 13 the Maine Supreme Judicial Court will hear oral arguments on Ranked Choice Voting in response to the Senate majority's request for a Solemn Occasion. Once begun, the actual arguments will take about 30 minutes. Full Action Alert here. With our partners the Ranked Choice Voting campaign and Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, MUUSAN invites you to attend and listen to the Justices question legal counsel for supporters and opponents of Maine's Ranked Choice Voting Law.
Please click here to RSVP online.
(Important details about times, security and parking included on RSVP page)
Afterward, we will go to the State House to urge the legislature to implement Ranked Choice Voting without delay.
You can read the briefs filed in support of and in opposition to Maine's Ranked Choice Voting Law here.
THANK YOU FOR DEFENDING Ranked Choice Voting and the people's vote.
February 22, 2017
UUs and FRIENDS NEEDED AT TWO HEARINGS, Feb. 28 and March 3
PROTECT CLEAN ELECTIONS!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017, 1:00 PM
Room 228, State House, Augusta
MUUSAN has long partnered with Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (MCCE) to fight back against wealthy special interests in Augusta. The Governor’s proposed budget for the Maine Clean Elections Fund is shy by more than $2 million, and some lawmakers are even proposing additional measures to weaken our voter-approved law! The will of Maine voters must be respected: this portion of the budget must be fully funded. MCCE is also calling for a return of money that past legislatures raided from the Clean Election Fund.
TALKING POINTS listed on our website under Maine Clean Elections here.
DEFEND MAINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
Friday, March 3, 2017, 10:00 AM
Room 228, State House, Augusta
Gov. LePage's budget proposal cuts more than $150 million from education funding, essentially reversing the people's November approval of Question 2, a ballot initiative endorsed by MUUSAN.
Full Action Alert details for BOTH HEARINGS here.
If you cannot come to Augusta, please let your legislators know how you feel about protecting our Clean Elections system and our public schools.
Find your legislators here: http://www.muusan.org/find-your-legislators.html
UUs and FRIENDS NEEDED AT TWO HEARINGS, Feb. 28 and March 3
PROTECT CLEAN ELECTIONS!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017, 1:00 PM
Room 228, State House, Augusta
MUUSAN has long partnered with Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (MCCE) to fight back against wealthy special interests in Augusta. The Governor’s proposed budget for the Maine Clean Elections Fund is shy by more than $2 million, and some lawmakers are even proposing additional measures to weaken our voter-approved law! The will of Maine voters must be respected: this portion of the budget must be fully funded. MCCE is also calling for a return of money that past legislatures raided from the Clean Election Fund.
TALKING POINTS listed on our website under Maine Clean Elections here.
DEFEND MAINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
Friday, March 3, 2017, 10:00 AM
Room 228, State House, Augusta
Gov. LePage's budget proposal cuts more than $150 million from education funding, essentially reversing the people's November approval of Question 2, a ballot initiative endorsed by MUUSAN.
Full Action Alert details for BOTH HEARINGS here.
If you cannot come to Augusta, please let your legislators know how you feel about protecting our Clean Elections system and our public schools.
Find your legislators here: http://www.muusan.org/find-your-legislators.html
February 19, 2017
INTERFAITH VIGIL FOR A MORAL BUDGET
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Hall of Flags, State House, Augusta
ALL ARE WELCOME!
People of all faiths are invited to gather together for prayer and meditation while the Joint Committee on Appropriations holds hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to programs affecting vulnerable Mainers. Prayer leaders will be from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Quaker and Unitarian Universalist communities around the state.
Full details here, including link to Maine Equal Justice Partner's simple budget analysis.
If you cannot come to Augusta, please join us in prayer wherever you are on Feb. 22 from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM. Also, let your legislators know how you feel about the devastating cuts proposed in the Governor's budget.
Find your legislators here: http://www.muusan.org/find-your-legislators.html
INTERFAITH VIGIL FOR A MORAL BUDGET
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Hall of Flags, State House, Augusta
ALL ARE WELCOME!
People of all faiths are invited to gather together for prayer and meditation while the Joint Committee on Appropriations holds hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to programs affecting vulnerable Mainers. Prayer leaders will be from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Quaker and Unitarian Universalist communities around the state.
Full details here, including link to Maine Equal Justice Partner's simple budget analysis.
If you cannot come to Augusta, please join us in prayer wherever you are on Feb. 22 from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM. Also, let your legislators know how you feel about the devastating cuts proposed in the Governor's budget.
Find your legislators here: http://www.muusan.org/find-your-legislators.html
February 13, 2017
PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS IN MAINE.
Urge your legislators to reject LDs 121 and 155 at the Wed. Feb. 15 hearings.
On Wednesday, February 15, beginning at 9:00 AM, the Maine Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee will consider two bills to make it harder for people to vote in Maine.
• LD 121 would require Mainers to present photo ID at the polls in order to vote.
• LD 155 would require increased scrutiny of voters who list a college dorm as their residence.
Both of these bills manipulate the rules to make it harder for some people to vote - which amounts to voter suppression.
Join us to pack the hearing room, honor our Fifth UU Principle on democracy, and send the message to Maine's legislators that we won't let them roll back voting rights. PLEASE WEAR BLUE.
Full details here.
Find your legislators here: http://www.muusan.org/find-your-legislators.html
PROTECT VOTING RIGHTS IN MAINE.
Urge your legislators to reject LDs 121 and 155 at the Wed. Feb. 15 hearings.
On Wednesday, February 15, beginning at 9:00 AM, the Maine Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee will consider two bills to make it harder for people to vote in Maine.
• LD 121 would require Mainers to present photo ID at the polls in order to vote.
• LD 155 would require increased scrutiny of voters who list a college dorm as their residence.
Both of these bills manipulate the rules to make it harder for some people to vote - which amounts to voter suppression.
Join us to pack the hearing room, honor our Fifth UU Principle on democracy, and send the message to Maine's legislators that we won't let them roll back voting rights. PLEASE WEAR BLUE.
Full details here.
Find your legislators here: http://www.muusan.org/find-your-legislators.html
February 7, 2017
ASK SEN. COLLINS TO OPPOSE SCOTT PRUITT for EPA Administrator.
Call any Senator Collins office below and ask her to vote "NO" on the nomination of Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. This nominee has publicly opposed the EPA's mission.
Augusta office 622-8414
Bangor office 945-0417
Biddeford office 283-1101
Caribou office 493-7873
Lewiston office 784-6969
Portland office 780-3575
Washington, DC office (202) 224-2523
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• Sen. Angus King has already announced his "NO" vote. (Thanking him is always welcome.)
• Maine Union of Concerned Scientists statement: 76 Maine scientists call Pruitt "an unacceptable choice" and "a threat to
public health."
• "Maine Voices" op-ed by Registered Maine Guide and National Wildlife Federation regional board member Bill Houston of
Kingfield. Pruitt's "unprecedentedly poor record has led the NWF to oppose a presidential nominee for the first time in our
80-year history."
• Washington Post: "Pruitt has spent much of his energy...fighting the very agency he is being nominated to lead."
ASK SEN. COLLINS TO OPPOSE SCOTT PRUITT for EPA Administrator.
Call any Senator Collins office below and ask her to vote "NO" on the nomination of Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. This nominee has publicly opposed the EPA's mission.
Augusta office 622-8414
Bangor office 945-0417
Biddeford office 283-1101
Caribou office 493-7873
Lewiston office 784-6969
Portland office 780-3575
Washington, DC office (202) 224-2523
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• Sen. Angus King has already announced his "NO" vote. (Thanking him is always welcome.)
• Maine Union of Concerned Scientists statement: 76 Maine scientists call Pruitt "an unacceptable choice" and "a threat to
public health."
• "Maine Voices" op-ed by Registered Maine Guide and National Wildlife Federation regional board member Bill Houston of
Kingfield. Pruitt's "unprecedentedly poor record has led the NWF to oppose a presidential nominee for the first time in our
80-year history."
• Washington Post: "Pruitt has spent much of his energy...fighting the very agency he is being nominated to lead."
January 29, 2017
ASK SEN. COLLINS TO OPPOSE BETSY DeVOS for U.S. Secretary of Education.
Call any Senator Collins office below and ask her to vote "NO" on the nomination of Betsy DeVos because the nominee is unqualified to lead the nation's public schools.
Augusta office 622-8414
Bangor office 945-0417
Biddeford office 283-1101
Caribou office 493-7873
Lewiston office 784-6969
Portland office 780-3575
Washington, DC office (202) 224-2523
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will vote on this nomination Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Sen. Angus King has already announced his "NO" vote.
• Clear Jan. 27 op-ed by New York Times columnist Gail Collins.
ASK SEN. COLLINS TO OPPOSE BETSY DeVOS for U.S. Secretary of Education.
Call any Senator Collins office below and ask her to vote "NO" on the nomination of Betsy DeVos because the nominee is unqualified to lead the nation's public schools.
Augusta office 622-8414
Bangor office 945-0417
Biddeford office 283-1101
Caribou office 493-7873
Lewiston office 784-6969
Portland office 780-3575
Washington, DC office (202) 224-2523
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will vote on this nomination Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Sen. Angus King has already announced his "NO" vote.
• Clear Jan. 27 op-ed by New York Times columnist Gail Collins.
January 25, 2017
DEFEND RANKED-CHOICE VOTING from a procedural move that could lead to delay and repeal.
Call your state Senator at (207) 287-1540. Ask him/her to vote "NAY" on a proposed "solemn occasion" to delay implementation of Ranked Choice Voting.
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• The League of Women Voters of Maine says: "The law has been duly enacted by the people, and we have not seen a legitimate need for a legislative question to the Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of a law already on the books — especially one enacted by the people."
• Excellent Jan. 29 op-ed by former Sen. Dennis Damon on why the people's decision about RCV should be respected.
DEFEND RANKED-CHOICE VOTING from a procedural move that could lead to delay and repeal.
Call your state Senator at (207) 287-1540. Ask him/her to vote "NAY" on a proposed "solemn occasion" to delay implementation of Ranked Choice Voting.
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• The League of Women Voters of Maine says: "The law has been duly enacted by the people, and we have not seen a legitimate need for a legislative question to the Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of a law already on the books — especially one enacted by the people."
• Excellent Jan. 29 op-ed by former Sen. Dennis Damon on why the people's decision about RCV should be respected.
January 16, 2017
DEFEND RANKED-CHOICE VOTING from a procedural move that could lead to delay and repeal.
Call your Maine Senator at (207) 287-1540. Tell them to vote "NAY" on a procedural advisory opinion to delay RCV implementation.
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• Outstanding Jan.17 op-ed by former Sen. Dick Woodbury on why we must implement RCV without delay.
DEFEND RANKED-CHOICE VOTING from a procedural move that could lead to delay and repeal.
Call your Maine Senator at (207) 287-1540. Tell them to vote "NAY" on a procedural advisory opinion to delay RCV implementation.
Full details here. Please share with your congregation and friends.
• Outstanding Jan.17 op-ed by former Sen. Dick Woodbury on why we must implement RCV without delay.
