Washington, DC – This is the fifth in a series of “snapshots” on the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) and its member organizations.
Who They Are: The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization advancing human rights together with an international community of grassroots partners and advocates. (uusc.org / @UUSC)
What They Do: Since its founding in 1939, UUSC has advanced human rights around the world and defended the rights of people displaced due to climate, conflict or economic hardships. UUSC also responds to natural and humanmade disasters where it can best address systemic inequities in aid distribution and support impacted communities as they rebuild their lives.
UUSC utilizes an “eye-to-eye” partnership model that builds relationships with grassroots partners and supports leaders in the communities most impacted by injustice and climate change. In addition to providing our partners with financial resources, UUSC provides technical assistance, a space to convene partners to strategize and build relationships, and strategic communications support. UUSC collaborates on participatory research projects , and works to educate and equip its members to jointly organize and mobilize for various human rights campaigns.
Where They Operate: Based in Cambridge, MA, UUSC collaborates with more than 60 partners in over 20 countries. In the United States, UUSC has partners in Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington D.C.
Core Value: Guided by Unitarian Unitarian Universalist principles and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UUSC is grounded in the belief that all people have inherent worth and dignity — and that their voices should be heard by those in power.
Noted For: Deep and sustained partnership with grassroots organizations on the frontlines of human rights struggles around the world. Nimble and innovative responses to human rights crises.
UUSC has provided rapid response grants for NGOs in nations experiencing political turmoil; has rallied UU faith leaders to bear witness to the plight of immigrants coming into this country on the southwestern border; and served as an expert resource on the harmful impacts of immigration detention on children and families.
Leadership and Key Contacts:
- Rev. Mary Katherine Morn, President & CEO
- Rev. Ned Wright, Board Chair
- Rachel Gore Freed, JD, Vice President and Chief Program Officer
UUSC was founded to help Jews escape the crushing authoritarianism of Nazi Germany, to save lives, and to show the world that no human being is expendable. Nearly 80 years later, we are still fighting to ensure that all people—including immigrants who are targeted and terrorized by the current administration—are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
Mary Katherine Morn, CEO and President
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 53 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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