THE OTHER PROTEST RALLY

Strategy was the main topic of discussion at the UUFANJ Fall Conference on October 18, 2025. There are two fronts to the battle we are facing. One is visible – rallies and marches. One not so much – legislative action. Both require large scale participation. Both are equally important. The latter was focal point of the conference.

UUFANJ has been working with a coalition of 35+ secular and faith-based organizations to put together THE PEOPLE’S AGENDA. The coalition will focus on getting seven agreed upon bills passed and signed into law during the Lame Duck session – by the end of December. There will be a virtual press conference on November 13 to introduce The People’s Agenda to the public. Bills on the agenda are: (Bill summaries quoted from LegiScan)

• IMMIGRANT TRUST ACT: Establishes protections for immigrants interacting with government agencies.

• JOHN R. LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF NJ: Protects against voter intimidation, discrimination, and suppression.

• CLIMATE SUPERFUND ACT: Holds large fossil fuel companies liable for damages caused by climate change.

• GENDER AFFIRMING CARE PROTECTIONS: Protects patients and providers accessing and providing legally protected health care activities and establishes the right of residents to legally protected health care services restricted in other states.

• REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE INSURANCE COVERAGE: Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services and prohibits adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers in relation to performance of legally protected health care services.

• REHABILITATIVE RELEASE/SECOND LOOK: Provides for rehabilitative release for certain incarcerated persons. (Complex, stringent requirements.)

• USE OF FORCE POLICY: Requires the Attorney General to review use of force policy at least every two years. (S2348/A4175)

To accomplish these goals the coalition will be organizing rallies, engaging in hallway and committee lobbying, visiting legislators at district offices, and organizing/participating in phone/email campaigns. Training and support will be provided. First and Third Friday Action Hours will be very important and may increase in frequency if needed. Every act, no matter how small, has an impact. Do whatever you can to get out the vote and continue to demand that you be heard. We are powerful when we work together.

I am going to end up where Rev. Charles began. He requested that each of us consider three questions then share our answers. May these three questions help guide your actions:

1. What is it that keeps you up at night?

2. What are your UU values calling you to do at this moment?

3. What is your honest hope for achievable change in the near future?