Social Justice

Justice & Inclusion

First Parish has a long history of dedication to peace, equality, and fairness. Members of the congregation continue this tradition of promoting positive social change through a variety of groups and activities addressing environmental concerns, LGBTQ equality, economic justice, diversity and inclusion, and more. Explore our Justice section and learn how First Parish members are putting their faith into action every day.

Social Justice Committee

At First Parish we make a difference in the world in many ways. We give blood and donate food. We work toward racial equity. We support advocacy and education for prisoners. We educate ourselves about climate change, issues of diversity, and economic justice.
First Parish’s Social Justice Committee is the central resource and conduit for social justice work expressing the values, concerns, and interests of the congregation. Various action groups are supported and funded by the committee,
The Social Justice Committees also
Has established a Grant Program which provides small grants ($300 – $500) for projects enhance the effectiveness of our efforts
Coordinates two worship services annually (The Shinn Service and Living our Faith Service)
Runs the Pie Palace at Arlington Town Day each September
Selects and administers the Giving First Program (50% of our Sunday collection plate goes to a non-profit organization
Holds annual Social Justice potluck each winter.

For further information please email the co-chairs of the committee at socialjustice@firstparish.info

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Social Justice Committee Grant Program

The First Parish Social Justice Committee is excited to announce its initiation of grant program to increase the breadth and effectiveness of our efforts to change the institutions and structures of power that keep injustice in place, and to provide direct support to those suffering the effects of social injustice. These grants will most likely be in the $300.00 to $500.00 range but larger amounts might be considered.
The goals of the grants include:
enhancing the effectiveness of our current working groups,
increasing the involvement of First Parish members in social justice cause,
reaching out and collaborating with organizations involved in social justice causes that are priorities also at First Parish,
educating our communities about social justice issues and what we can do to rectify injustices.
Applicants must make clear how the proposed project would contribute to the goals listed above. Every grant request must be sponsored by a pledging member of First Parish or a child of a pledging member. The grant request should provide the information listed on the Social Justice Grant Application form. Applications should be submitted to the Social Justice Committee at SocialJusticeGrants@firstparish.info or submitted online.