Love in Action: Healing Justice July Meeting Recap

by | Jul 25, 2025 | Healing Justice

🌱 Love in Action: Healing Justice July Meeting Recap

“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 22nd 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:
📧 gro.l1772393097fulca1772393097@zemo1772393097gd1772393097
📞 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