All our lives we are in need, and others are in need of us.
We need one another when we would accomplish some great purpose, and
cannot do it alone.
-George E. Odell
As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Because UUs share these fundamental principles, we seek to live our values through social action.
In 2007, WUU launched the Share the Plate program, which continues the UU tradition of faith in action. Share the Plate designates a local organization to receive financial support from a collection on Share the Plate Sunday.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Share the Plate Coordinator at stp@wuu.org
What is Share the Plate?
Share the Plate is a program at many Unitarian Universalist congregations in which money from the offering is donated to a local charitable, non-profit human service organization. At WUU, we Share the Plate on the Second Sunday of each month. All money donated during the offering is given to an organization that we feel connects to our UU principles.
Why Share the Plate?
Sharing the Plate is an important way of deepening our relationship with our community and showing greater Williamsburg who we are and what we stand for. It is a way for WUU to intentionally cultivate a habit of generosity to our community. We publicize the month’s donation in advance and provide the congregation with information about the chosen organization. We invite a speaker from the organization to share their work at our Sunday service. Our vision is to not simply give money; but also increase our connections to the organization and its work.
With whom do we Share the Plate?
WUU chooses organizations that provide direct services to people. It does not support groups that are solely discussion groups or primarily educational in nature. Over the years, we have given to over thirty different groups. Recently, we have been prioritizing groups that are not as well-known or well-funded in the community, where our contributions can make a difference. We also make an effort to prioritize groups with whom we have a working relationship.
Some of the groups to whom we have contributed in the past twelve months include:
- Williamsburg House of Mercy
- Greater Williamsburg Outreach Mission
- Navigators USA
- Hampton Roads Refugee Relief Project
- Dream Catchers
- Spirit Works Foundation
- NAACP Scholarship Fund (see NAACP Scholarships and York-James City-Williamsburg NAACP Branch)
- W&M Immigration Legal Clinic
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- Williamsburg Walk the Talk
If you know a local organization that could use our financial assistance that you feel reflects or connects with our UU values, please contact stp@wuu.org.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Share the Plate team at stp@wuu.org.