Democracy in Action
"It takes deep faith and a lot of hard work to keep a democracy vibrant."
-- Rev. Wm. G. Sinkford, Former UUA President
In the Fifth Principle of Unitarian Universalism, we covenant to affirm and promote “The
right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Our faith is grounded in democratic ideals. With the benefits of
democracy comes the obligation to maintain a just and inclusive process. At MUUSAN’s
inaugural meeting, in November 2012, our members approved an organizational
emphasis on democracy — that government remain of, by, and for the people.
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Current MUUSAN Legislative Agenda: 129th Legislature, 1st Session (Jan.-August 2019)
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Areas of Focus include:
-- Rev. Wm. G. Sinkford, Former UUA President
In the Fifth Principle of Unitarian Universalism, we covenant to affirm and promote “The
right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Our faith is grounded in democratic ideals. With the benefits of
democracy comes the obligation to maintain a just and inclusive process. At MUUSAN’s
inaugural meeting, in November 2012, our members approved an organizational
emphasis on democracy — that government remain of, by, and for the people.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Current MUUSAN Legislative Agenda: 129th Legislature, 1st Session (Jan.-August 2019)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Areas of Focus include:
- Campaign Finance Reform: MUUSAN supports a Constitutional Amendment to permit effective campaign funding laws and a publicly funded election process. MUUSAN is an endorsing partner with Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, a nonpartisan organization committed to strengthening Maine’s campaign finance laws, including especially public financing that allows moderate income persons to run for office.
- Voter education and turnout: MUUSAN empowers congregations and members to participate in public discourse. We provide educational resources on how to be active in the democratic process and enable and encourage congregations to interact with their local, state, and federal legislators.
- Ensuring fair election practices: MUUSAN monitors election laws and supports full restoration of the Voting Rights Act.
- Ranked Choice Voting
- Civil Discourse
Useful Resources and Links
ACLU of Maine Let ME Vote resources
Maine Citizens For Clean Elections
Maine Ranked Choice Voting
Maine Legislature Information Pages
Find Your Elected Officials online lookup service
Maine Council of Churches Covenant for Civil Discourse
UU Statements of Conscience or Action of Immediate Witness on Democracy:
• GUIDE to the Congregational Study Action Issue 2016-2020: The Corruption of Our Democracy
