Sinkford Visit with UUSC Partners Underscores UU Faith in Action

UUSC's theory of change understands that human rights are not won without struggle.

We believe that justice is about people living together in respect and dignity, sharing resources fairly and equitably, and affirming hope, human potential and creativity.

Toward that end, our human rights and social justice work is driven by two key engines:

• the work and leadership of our courageous partners around the world; and
• the support and engagement of our members and supporters — including, in large number, Unitarian Universalists.

Both of these came together in a historic moment this November when UUA President William Sinkford took a trip to Africa to meet with African UUs and social justice leaders and partners across the continent.

During their tour, Rev. Sinkford’s group of met with several UUSC partners who are strengthening economic and environmental justice and rights in humanitarian crisis in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa.

Sale of "mitumba," or second-hand clothes, is a major part of the informal economy. KENASVIT is lobbying for set spaces for sellers of mitumba clothes, which are easily damaged by the sun and become hard to sell. The group is seeking stalls, roofing, and storage, not just for those who sell mitumba, but for many of the other sellers in the area. One of KENASVIT's recent achievements was to acquire a community space for vendors of perishable wares, making it easier for people to keep their goods longer.

One of those partners, the Kenya National Alliance of Street Vendors and Informal Traders (KENASVIT), shared with President Sinkford an important aspect of their work in the aftermath of Kenya’s post-election crisis (following the December 2007 contested election).

In response to the violence and resulting economic and humanitarian crisis, KENASVIT launched a revolving loan fund for street vendor members that delivers essential financial support to devastated livelihoods while also providing peace and reconciliation and conflict resolution training. KENASVIT has done exceptional work modeling inter-ethnic cooperation, and responding concretely to the needs of street vendors and traders so that their vital livelihoods — and organizing and policy work — can continue.

Without the support of Unitarian Universalists for this fund and this partner, this work would not be taking place.

Rev. Sinkford’s presence also put a tangible “name and face” on the UU denomination for our partners. The visit by Rev. Sinkford and his delegation and the interest they expressed in their work bring to life significant UU principles, which comprise both a foundation and a mandate for putting faith into action.

As we celebrate the holiday of “Thanksgiving” in the United States this week, I am grateful to be inspired by the resilience, leadership, and principles of both our partners and Unitarian Universalists — as evidenced by this joining of hands this November.