“Even as fear abounds and reverberates, may I notice the life-saving, persistent presence of Love. May I be that love for others.”
— Manish Mishra-Marzetti, from UUA’s Braver/Wiser

As autumn deepens, our Healing Justice community continues to nurture connection, courage, and collective action. Below are highlights and opportunities from our October meeting — and an invitation to join us in honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance this November.

🌍 Racial Justice

Our Racial Justice team is collaborating with the Worship Team to bring a special speaker to UUFBR in March 2026 — stay tuned for details.

We also encourage participation in the ongoing Community Healing & Transformation Initiative, co-hosted by United Way and DISC. These Community Healing Action Workshops build trust across differences and turn dialogue into meaningful action for change.

📅 Upcoming Workshops

• Sunday, Oct 26, 2025

• Saturday, Nov 9, 2025

• Sunday, Nov 23, 2025

• Sunday, Dec 7, 2025 (possible location change)
  🕑 2:00–4:00 PM
  📍 First United Methodist Church, 625 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
  ☕ Refreshments provided

RSVP to Gwyn Williams: gwynettewilliams@unitedwaypbc.org

🕊️ Immigration Justice

At our October meeting, Amanda shared an excellent presentation on Immigrant Advocacy in Palm Beach County — thank you, Amanda!

🌆 Vigil Against the 287(g) Agreement

Join us to oppose harmful immigration enforcement policies and stand with our immigrant neighbors.
📅 Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 | 7 PM
📍 West Palm Beach
🚗 Carpool departs from UUFBR at 5:45 PM
👉 Sign up here

🤝 Get Involved with the Florida Immigrant Coalition

Learn about statewide immigrant rights work and how to help:
secure.everyaction.com/VXH3a3aErE-WGzUGls8rxw2

Amanda serves on the South PBC Immigration Rights Committee and continues to represent UUFBR in this vital work.

Further Reading from the UUA:

• Immigrants Are People Who Have Inherent Worth and Inalienable Rights

• Immigration as a Moral Issue

💜 Reproductive Justice

Stay connected through Floridians for Reproductive Freedom: floridareprofreedom.org
Sign up for their newsletter to receive updates on state and local reproductive rights advocacy.

🩸 Service Project:
Make Travel Care Kits & Period Packs with UU Palm Beaches
📅 Saturday, Nov 1 | 1–3 PM EST
🔗 Register here

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Justice

While the Delray Pride Intersection has been removed, Delray Beach is considering a statue honoring the LGBTQ+ community.
If you live in Delray, please attend City Council meetings or contact your representatives to express your support for visible LGBTQ+ inclusion.

✊ PEACE (People Engaged in Active Community Efforts)

Nine UUFBR members attended the Community Problems Assembly on Oct 27, where Immigration was chosen as PEACE’s new focus issue for 2025–26.  A research team — including Amanda — is forming now, and new participants are welcome!

Learn more or get involved: peacepbc.org

🗓️ Save the Date:
Nehemiah Action Assembly
📅 Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 7–9 PM
📍 Jupiter First Church

🥫 Supporting Families During the Government Shutdown

The Florida Department of Children and Families reports that while October SNAP benefits were distributed as usual, November benefits may not be issued if the federal shutdown continues — affecting 3 million Floridians, most with children.

🧭 Find local food resources: 211.org
🌽 Access statewide Farmshare maps and regional distribution sites
📞 Call 211 for assistance with food, material, or financial needs (note: some centers may refer callers to anti-abortion organizations).

If your family is not affected, please consider donating to food pantries or diaper banks to help those most in need.

🕯️ Transgender Day of Remembrance

Together, we will honor and remember the lives of our transgender siblings who have been tragically lost to violence — and reaffirm our shared commitment to justice and safety for all.

📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 The Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

🕯️ 6:30 PM – Memorial Event
Following the march, join us for an evening of reflection and solidarity including:

• Spoken word and music performances

• A shared community meal

• Space for mourning, remembrance, and hope

🔗 Register here: Transgender Day of Remembrance (link to be added when available)

This day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and the lives that have been tragically cut short. Let us gather as a community to honor those we’ve lost and to stand united in the fight for dignity, equality, and love.

We opened with a grounding prayer from UUA’s Braver/Wiser:

“Even as fear abounds and reverberates, may I notice the life-saving, persistent presence of Love. May I be that love for others.” – Manish Mishra-Marzetti

That call to embody love guided the evening’s work across racial, immigration, reproductive, and LGBTQ+ justice, as well as upcoming opportunities for direct community action.

🌿 Racial Justice: Building Understanding and Action

Our recent screening of Race: The Power of an Illusion sparked meaningful discussions. Feedback emphasized the importance of expanding our reach by inviting other groups earlier in the planning process. Looking ahead, we’re considering a program on intersectionality, with possible training sessions in February 2026.

Meanwhile, Linda shared her experience at the Community Healing Circle in Boca Raton. Through diverse table conversations, participants unpacked prejudice, privilege, and discrimination in powerful and personal ways. One concrete idea already emerging: restructuring Boca’s City Commission so each commissioner represents a district, rather than serving “at large”—a change already in place in Delray Beach.

✊ Immigration Justice: Standing with Our Neighbors

Amanda is leading the way with an upcoming event: Empowering Our Neighbors: A Workshop on Immigrant Advocacy in Palm Beach County
📅 October 26, 2025, 9 AM
📍 UUFBR, Parker Room

This workshop will highlight local organizations like the Florida Immigrant Coalition, ACLU of Florida, and Indivisible’s Immigrant Committee. Attendees will learn hands-on ways to support immigrant communities.

In the spirit of generosity, we’ll also be collecting food, supplies, and holiday gifts for immigrant families. Items include rice, beans, pasta, diapers, sunscreen, cooling towels, and new/unwrapped toys. Donations will go to the Guatemalan-Maya Center and Caridad Center.

Amanda also shared recent outreach in Lake Worth, where volunteers distributed Know Your Rights packets to local businesses. The urgency is real: Florida Highway Patrol is working with ICE under the state’s 287(g) program, increasing risks for immigrant communities.

Progress continues in shutting down the Everglades Detention Center, though challenges remain. Many who have been moved are not anywhere in ICE’s records – they are missing. Interfaith vigils are still held Sundays at 5:00 PM.

💜 Reproductive Justice: Protecting Healthcare Access

The Presidential Women’s Center in West Palm Beach continues its 40 Days of Light witness (9 AM – 3 PM daily). Volunteers are always welcome to escort patients seeking care. See Amanda if you want to get involved.

Upcoming virtual events:

• Sept 24, 6:00 PM – Planned Parenthood Statewide Training: Access to Care in Florida
• Sept 25, 3:00 PM – Policing Pregnancy: The History of Personhood

Both programs will help us understand the ongoing assault on reproductive rights and equip us to fight back.

🌈 LGBTQ+ Justice: Creativity Amid Challenges

While Delray’s City Commission has ended its legal fight to defend rainbow crosswalks, community members are exploring other ways to visibly honor LGBTQ+ residents. Ideas include banners, murals, plaques, and rainbow light projections on city landmarks. The conversation continues at the Commission’s October workshop.

🕊 PEACE: Listening to the Community

As part of its mission, PEACE (People Engaged in Active Community Efforts) begins each year with listening sessions. Our UUFBR session is scheduled for Sunday, Sept 28, after service. 

Listening is not just symbolic—it informs PEACE’s campaigns.

📣 Upcoming Actions You Can Join

• De-escalation Training with Corky resumes late October: Register here
• NO KINGS Protest – Stand up against authoritarianism.
  📅 Oct 18, 10 AM – 12 PM
  📍 Boca Raton City Hall, 201 W. Palmetto Park Road
  Learn more & RSVP

💫 Moving Forward in Love and Justice

Our work touches many areas—racial equity, immigrant dignity, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ visibility, and more—but they are bound by one shared truth: justice begins with love in action.

We invite you to join us, whether through showing up at a protest, contributing supplies, listening in community, or simply holding space for conversations that matter. Together, we can continue creating hope, resilience, and meaningful change.

✨ “May I notice the life-saving, persistent presence of Love. May I be that love for others.”

In Love,

Karen E. Matroni

Our Healing Justice Committee gathered this week in a spirit of love, courage, and action. We opened with a grounding prayer from UUA’s Braver/Wiser:

“Even as fear abounds and reverberates, may I notice the life-saving, persistent presence of Love. May I be that love for others.” — Manish Mishra-Marzetti

That theme of love-in-action carried us through powerful updates, reflections, and new calls to justice.

Women’s Equality Day

On this Women’s Equality Day, we were reminded of the decades-long struggle for the Equal Rights Amendment. Our members have been pushing for over 50 years, and the call is simple: sign on, speak up, and keep pressing forward until equality is fully recognized. Sign and Share the ERA Petition. We also encourage everyone to contact their Senators and urge them to vote NO on the Save Act by clicking here:   Write My Letter

Race: The Power of an Illusion Film Series

The Race: The Power of an Illusion series has been a moving reminder of how history shapes the present. We had 41 people at the first session and 39 at the second, both in-person and online. The conversations have been timely, energizing, and deeply relevant. Upcoming sessions:

• August 31st
• September 14th 

Rev. Edith shared this powerful Instagram reflection on doing the internal work of anti-racism: Click here to read.

Immigration Justice Updates

This continues to be a central focus of our work. Amanda shared urgent updates:

• Everglades Detention Center: Environmental harm arguments have temporarily won in court, with an order to shut down the facility, but the state will appeal. Vigils and demonstrations continue—bring water, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and hope.
• Community Action: The Guatemalan Maya Center hosted an interfaith vigil, and we stand with them in solidarity.
• Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Released from jail, then rearrested at his immigration hearing. Now facing deportation to Uganda. We will keep raising our voices.
• Upcoming Protests & Vigils:
  • Aug. 30 – Boca City Hall protest against ICE
  • Sept. 5 – Protest at FAU over their 287(g) agreement
  • Sept. 10 – Interfaith vigil (details to come)
  • Sept. 10 – BRICA Immigration Vigil at St. Gregory’s, 7:00 pm
• Calls to Action:
  • Opposing Palm Beach County’s 287(g) agreement—emails and calls to the Sheriff and legislators are essential.
  • Learn more at GroundAvelo.com about protests against Avelo Airlines transporting detained immigrants from Palm Beach International Airport.
  • Report ICE activity through the RAISE hotline: 888-600-5762.

Amanda is also exploring a Zoom learning session on 287(g) and immigration justice—stay tuned.

We are also planning a creative skit and postcard-writing campaign on Sept. 21st during coffee hour to raise awareness about ICE practices.

Reproductive Justice

No major updates this month, but our commitment to reproductive freedom remains strong.

LGBTQ+ Justice

The fight for visibility and dignity is alive in Delray Beach. The Pride rainbow crosswalks are under attack, with the federal government ordering their removal nationwide. Local communities are resisting this erasure:

• Delray Beach is holding an administrative hearing on Sept. 2 in Orlando.
• Orlando police are “guarding” the Pulse Memorial rainbow crosswalk against repainting.

For those who want to help, here are trusted organizations supporting LGBTQIA2S+ communities and mental health:

• ACLU Florida
• SAVE https://www.save.lgbt/donate
• Compass Community Center https://compasslgbtq.com/donate/ 
• Pridelines https://pridelines.harnessgiving.org/donate/?checkout=1667&campaign_id=0&selected-method=one-time&amount=50 
• Aqua Foundation https://aquafoundation.org/donate/ 
• Latinos Salud https://checkout.square.site/merchant/PHFMQ5CDZXC23/checkout/N6E4N364TEQNZOFFP6HFHLES 
• Equality Florida https://act.eqfl.org/a/donate?ms=webdonate&_ga=2.8534838.249937457.1755891452-1282883623.1755720722 
• SAGE https://give.sageusa.org/give/501252/#!/donation/checkout 
• PFLAG https://pflag.org/donate/ 

PEACE Update

Betty shared important next steps with PEACE (People Engaged in Active Community Efforts):

• Sept. 11 – Attend the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission meeting on racial equity and ICE holds. (301 N. Olive Ave., 7th Floor, West Palm Beach)
• Sept. 28 – After service at UUFBR: PEACE Listening Session with Paige Shortsleeves, PEACE Director. Each fall, PEACE begins by listening—your stories shape the campaigns we take on.

Next Healing Justice Committee Meeting 

September 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm

A Closing Reminder

Our committee embodies the truth that justice is love in action. Whether you show up at a vigil, sign a petition, make a phone call, or simply hold space for others in prayer and conversation—you are part of this movement.

Stay connected, stay hopeful, and let’s keep moving forward together!

Below are some of the ways we’re showing up—and how you can too.

💥 Opposing 287(g): A Call to Conscience

Right now, Palm Beach County is at a crossroads. Local law enforcement agencies are entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE, allowing officers to act as federal immigration agents—a move that has led to increased fear, profiling, and family separations.

Our Healing Justice Committee has officially partnered with South Palm Beach County Indivisible in a campaign to oppose these agreements.

✅ What You Can Do Today:

• Follow & Engage: Go to the South PBC Indivisible Immigration Rights Facebook page
  👉 Like. Comment. Share. Your engagement helps grow the reach and power of the movement.
• Stay tuned for action alerts. We’ll need everyone’s voice to pressure local officials, attend events, and amplify our message.

🎓 Campus Defense Hubs: Empowering Students to Take Action

The ACLU of Florida is building Campus Defense Hubs to organize resistance and educate young leaders. One of the first campuses in their sights? Florida Atlantic University.

Do you know an FAU student, alum, or faculty member?
Encourage them to join this important work by reaching out to the ACLU of Florida’s Dariel Gomez:
📧 dgomez@aclufl.org
📞 786-363-4434

📖 Your Story Can Change Minds

We know that stories move hearts—and policies. That’s why the ACLU is collecting immigration-related stories to help shift public perception and inspire change.

You do not have to be an immigrant to tell a meaningful story. Maybe you…

• Have a friend or loved one facing immigration challenges
• Are a teacher or employer who’s seen fear firsthand
• Have been touched by the richness of immigrant contributions in your community

💬 Share your story here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeygtBKg0Z5OTihsQwqLZ84FoC_h7miHVuJnjmhV4-5NwcHDQ/viewform

⚠️ NOTE: If you or your family are undocumented or legally insecure, please don’t fill out the form. Instead, contact the ACLU of Florida’s Dariel Gomez (dgomez@aclufl.org or 786-363-4434) directly for a safer way to participate.

🖊️ Speak Out Against Camp Blanding internment camp

The ACLU has drafted a letter opposing military collaboration and training practices at Camp Blanding, which may harm immigrants and communities of color. Our Healing Justice Committee voted unanimously to sign on.

Want to learn more before the letter is submitted? Reach out to Amanda with any questions or concerns.

📄 Read the Camp Blanding Letter Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3RnVSRU9Dd-u_lH3nPuJ5M61KHNLwZJ9vRd06sQA91srctQ/viewform

📢 Protest: Shut Down the GEO Group

The GEO Group, a private prison corporation that runs inhumane ICE detention centers, has its headquarters right here in Boca Raton. That’s why we’re protesting—because we cannot ignore injustice in our own backyard.

📅 Saturday, July 26
📍 Boca Raton
🕘 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
✅ RSVP for the protest
🎯 Let the Healing Justice group know if you plan to attend!

💪 Volunteer for Justice: Citizenship Drive

Want to do something hands-on that changes lives? Volunteer at a Citizenship Drive with Amanda and the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)!

📅 Saturday, July 26
📍 Location provided after signup
🧠 Includes a 1-hour training on Thursday evening

✅ Sign up here: https://secure.everyaction.com/ta4V8jkcJ0Skjo-IKgnx4g2
🚗 Amanda is happy to carpool—just let her know if you’re joining!

💌 Pressure Campaign: Stop Corporate Profiteering from ICE

Private companies profit from ICE’s cruelty—and it’s time to hold them accountable. This week’s focus: US Tent Rental, a contractor complicit in ICE operations.

📧 Contact list to email: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nYKqKQMP7WEEEu-SfSRTkTpO-MQuqzKdGOCU1Wdgh0M/edit?gid=0#gid=0
📄 Template + campaign info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VFNGBurD9mjtNZneg48nX6qE4ZzVP3X2WQAWx1B-8RI/edit?tab=t.0

Let’s flood their inboxes with truth and demand they stop supporting detention and deportation.

🌟 Know Your Rights: Spanish-Language Training

We are thrilled to celebrate Ambar, who will be leading a Know Your Rights training in Spanish for FLIC and the ACLU of Florida!

📅 Coming up next week
💻 Virtual
✅ Sign up here
Whether you speak Spanish or just want to witness a powerful moment of community leadership, this is a training not to miss.

💬 Hope Is a Verb—Let’s Use It

At UUFBR Healing Justice, we know that immigration justice is about more than policies. It’s about people. It’s about keeping families together. It’s about building a world where no one has to live in fear because of where they were born.

The work ahead is big—but so is our love, our power, and our commitment.

Let’s keep showing up.
Let’s keep speaking out.
Let’s keep building a community where love has no borders.

✨ Want to get more involved?

Contact Amanda through the Healing Justice Committee and we’ll get you connected to the right action for your gifts and your voice.

“Even as fear abounds and reverberates, may I notice the life-saving, persistent presence of Love. May I be that love for others.”
— Manish Mishra-Marzetti (Source)

At our July 22^nd meeting, the Healing Justice Committee gathered to share stories, plan bold actions, and recommit to the deep, sustaining work of justice. We are holding fast to hope, grounding ourselves in love, and taking real steps to build a more just, compassionate world.

Here’s what’s happening, how you can get involved, and what we’re prioritizing moving forward:

🐊 Protest Against GEO Group: This Saturday, July 26

The GEO Group profits from the suffering of detained immigrants—and their headquarters are right here in Boca Raton. Join us in protest.

📍 4955 Technology Way, Boca Raton, FL
🕘 Saturday, July 26 | 9:30–11:00 AM
📝 RSVP Here

✨ Good news flashback: Years ago, FAU students successfully stopped the GEO Group from naming the Football Stadium!

🎬 Racial Justice Film Series: Race—The Power of an Illusion

We’re joining with partners across faith and justice communities to host a film series unpacking the roots of racism in America.

📅 Sundays: Aug 3, 17, 31 & Sept 14
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM (In-Person at UUFBR & on Zoom)
🎟️ RSVP on Eventbrite
🔗 Film site

We’re inviting the NAACP, Urban League, law enforcement, first responders, faith leaders, and YOU. Let’s talk, learn, and grow—together.

🧡 Reproductive Justice

Thanks to Susie for continuing to send out timely action items—your leadership is powerful! More updates soon as she returns from vacation. Follow Florida Repro Freedom to stay engaged.

🧭 Immigration Justice: Taking the Lead

Amanda shared powerful updates and opportunities:

🔥 Protest & Partnerships

• UUFBR Healing Justice is now a partner in the South PBC Indivisible Immigration Rights Committee’s anti-287(g) campaign.
• 📲 Take action: Follow and engage on Facebook to amplify our impact.

🏛️ Courthouse Accompaniment Program

Plans are forming to support immigrants navigating the court system. Stay tuned for more info.

🎓 Campus Defense Hubs

The ACLU of Florida is organizing student-led hubs at FAU. Know someone at FAU? Have them contact Dariel Gomez:
📧 dgomez@aclufl.org
📞 786-363-4434

📖 Tell Your Story

Change hearts by sharing a personal immigration story.
🔗 Submit your story here
❗ If your legal status is insecure, please contact Dariel Gomez directly.

🛑 Say NO to Camp Blanding

Another detention site is being planned. We signed onto the ACLU’s opposition letter—and you can too!
🖊️ Sign as an individual here

📨 Pressure Campaign: Targeting ICE Contractors

This week’s focus: US Tent Rental.
📧 Email contacts: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nYKqKQMP7WEEEu-SfSRTkTpO-MQuqzKdGOCU1Wdgh0M/edit?gid=0#gid=0
📄 Message template & background: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VFNGBurD9mjtNZneg48nX6qE4ZzVP3X2WQAWx1B-8RI/edit?tab=t.0

🧾 Citizenship Drive & Volunteer Opportunity

Join Amanda and FLIC this Saturday in Lauderdale Lakes!
📝 Sign up here
🧠 Training: Thursday night
🚗 Contact Amanda if you’d like to carpool!

💫 Know Your Rights (Spanish-Language Training)

So proud of Ambar, who’s leading a Know Your Rights workshop in Spanish with FLIC and ACLUFL!

✅ Register here

🕊️ P.E.A.C.E. Upcoming Dates: 

• 🎤 August 17: Pulpit shared by Rev. Edith and Paige Shortsleeves from P.E.A.C.E.
• 🗣️ September 28: Possible congregational listening session, one more in October
• 🧭 Strategic Planning: July 28, 2025

📌 2025–2026 Priorities for Healing Justice

All gave input on our focus areas for the coming year. Ideas shared included:

1. Immigration
2. Racial justice
3. Voting rights
4. Reproductive freedom
5. Workers’ rights & the labor movement
6. LGBTQ+ and trans justice
7. Fighting fascism (Possible overall/umbrella focus for us for this year)
8. Wealth inequality
9. Public education

📣 How We Bring People In

• Verbal announcements at service
• Email blasts
• Bulletin inserts
• Personal invitations
• Visible signs, actions, and energy
• A skit after Sunday service during coffee hour
• Fun, simple activities like postcard writing

🧘 And most importantly: Take care of yourself. Healing justice starts within. This work is heavy—lean on each other, rest, and return with love.

✨ Final Reflections

This month’s meeting filled our cups. It reminded us why we gather, why we act, and how we heal. Healing Justice is not a side project—it’s a way of life, and everyone is welcome.

📅 Next Meeting: August 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Let’s keep showing up. Together, we are love in motion.

💜 Written by Karen E. Matroni, with love and justice