[Fuusmchat] Fwd: Protecting Democracy in the South: rapid response needs

Mon May 18 09:15:49 CDT 2026

Hi, FUUSM friends! I'm back--and here to stay for a while! But I received a
lot of worth-sharing email while I was gone last week, so, be prepared.
Here's the first one, FYI.

--dawn

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Side With Love <love at uua.org>
Date: Wed, May 13, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Subject: Protecting Democracy in the South: rapid response needs
To: Dawn Hewitt <fuusm.office at gmail.com>

View this email as a webpage.
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335858/620743852/950476107?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>

*Image description*: The Side With Love logo with "Side With Love" in
orange block letters next to a hand drawn black heart.

Dear Dawn,

The Robert's Court gutted one of the last protections of the historic
Voting Rights Act. Almost immediately, politicians in Louisiana, Alabama,
and Tennessee called for redistricting schemes that would further entrench
one-party rule and weaken Black political power across the South. That is
not democracy.

In a democracy, the people choose their leaders. Any party declaring unjust
and absolute control over a state is not democracy. Expelling three sitting
Tennessee legislators for demanding action on gun violence is not
democracy. Attacking peaceful "No Kings" attendees in Memphis and
responding to calls for accountability with closed-door meetings is not
democracy.

We know that the erosion of democracy and the suppression of Black
communities go hand in hand.  The *Louisiana v. Callais* Supreme Court
decision to gut the Voting Rights Act did not happen in isolation. It was a
signal. Within weeks, Republican-controlled legislatures across the South
moved swiftly to gerrymander congressional and judicial maps, strip away
the protections and representation of all voters in these districts and
attempt to restore a power structure that this country has long rejected.

Today, we must reject it again! We are not going back. Join us in taking
action in whatever way you can:

   - Make a gift to the Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute
   <https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335860/620743854/487901308?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>
   - Join our UU the Vote events
   <https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335861/620743855/380774288?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>
   for ongoing voter contact across the country
   -

   *Support our work mobilizing UUs in TN*
   <https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335862/620743856/-2037853345?segmentCode=uutvweb&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>

Recently UUs showed up for a rapid response phonebank, called their
representatives, and joined community leaders at the TN State Capitol to
demand action and accountability. This is what democracy looks like!

Side With Love is investing deeply in organizing and leadership in
Tennessee because we know the South and Black voters cannot be ignored or
sacrificed to partisan politics and authoritarianism.

Alongside our emerging Tennessee State Action Network (TUUCAN), we are
preparing for a UU the Vote Solidarity Summit in Memphis this September.
This gathering will bring together local, state, and national leaders for
political education on the role of faith in justice movements, hands-on
skill-building and strategic training, and the sharing of concrete tools
for community safety, resilience, and collective action. Just as
importantly, it will create space for deep relationship-building among
faith leaders, organizers, and movement partners, strengthening the
collaboration needed to sustain long-term power in the region.

The Civil Rights Act was not inevitable—it was *won*. It was won because
ordinary people like you organized, took risks, built strategy, and acted
together with courage and clarity.

*SAVE THE DATES: UU the Vote Solidarity Summits *

UU the Vote with our State Action Network Partners are hosting Solidarity
Summits to build power along frontline partners.

The Solidarity Summits are a place for learning and practice. We are
working with state and local partners in order to support sustained
relationships and long-term network building. We also want every training
to lead directly to opportunities for practice—both at the Summit and
beyond.

We are prioritizing trainings that strengthen participants’ capacity to
organize in real time, build durable community infrastructure, and deepen
collaboration across faith communities and movement partners. Our goal is
for every session to equip participants with concrete skills, shared
analysis, and actionable next steps that grow our capacity to care for one
another and build power together.

*Join us! *

   - Info Session
   <https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335863/620743857/455330755?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>:
   on Zoom - June 9 @ 7pm ET / 4pm PT
   - Allentown, PA
   <https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335864/620743858/185457203?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>:
   Aug 28-30
   - Memphis, TN
   <https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335865/620743859/196277663?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>:
   Sept 18-20
   - Houston, TX
   <https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335866/620743860/1038369640?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>:
   Oct 2-4

*In faith and Solidarity,*

*Nicole Pressley *

PS: This is the work we are investing in now. And it is only possible
because of people like you.
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335867/620743861/-2037853345?segmentCode=uutvweb&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>
Thank you for being on the side of love and in support of democracy. Over
the past few election cycles we have witnessed our faith make big
commitments to our values and to our neighbors. That commitment has
delivered in beating anti-democratic ballot measures and winning ones that
have expanded reproductive rights, decriminalized our communities, and
shifted the material realities of our communities.
*BLOG*
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335868/620743862/801148631?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>
*DONATE*
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335869/620743863/-1405617028?segmentCode=SWLEMNEWS&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>
*EVENTS*
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335870/620743864/1227692060?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>

[image: Image of crowd. Text reads: Supporter Center. Update and change
your information.]
<https://click.everyaction.com/k/131335871/620743865/1439696840?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImQ3MmQzODYxLWY5NGUtZjExMS04ZWYyLTAwMGQzYTE0YjY0MCIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiZnV1c20ub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbSINCn0%3D&hmac=YL1aHD9Zr8HuFSajsWvYtdyjWSWBoxumzDP5IHxhbaQ=&emci=6019b3af-e64e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=d72d3861-f94e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=30479610>

Unitarian Universalist Association
24 Farnsworth St
Boston, MA 02210
United States

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-- 
Dawn Hewitt
Office assistant
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta
232 Third St.
Marietta, OH 45750
(740)373-1238
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.--2 p.m.
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