UUA, UUSC Presidents Embark on Joint Trip to Haiti

Presidents, Seminarians Take Part in Eco-Village Project to Provide Homes for 40 Haitian Families

In response to last year's devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) continue to work together to support recovery for all Haitians, especially those overlooked by mainstream aid. We are grateful and proud of Unitarian Universalists everywhere who have helped the people of Haiti rebuild their lives.

Our latest effort is happening now as the UUA and UUSC launch an experiential learning journey to Haiti's Central Plateau. This UUA-UUSC joint trip allows participants to be part of the UUSC's unique model of work — eye-to-eye partnerships — through a hands-on building project that will provide new homes for 40 Haitian families.

As we write this, ten Unitarian Universalist seminary students — thanks to the generosity of UUA donors — are on their way to Haiti. They will be providing meaningful service and assistance to UUSC's partner Papaye Peasant Movement (MPP), as part of UUSC's Haiti Volunteer Program. This reflects our conviction that all those preparing for our ministry should have experience in the developing world. MPP has planned an eco-village for families fleeing the destruction in Port-au-Prince, one that MPP's Executive Director Chavannes Jean-Baptiste says will provide not just shelter but a means of livelihood from cultivating the land.

Truly, this is faith in action. The seminary students chosen to take part in this program are building not just houses, but a multicultural understanding that is vital to their calling as ministers in the modern world. We are honored to join them, and to have the opportunity to meet with some of the UUSC's social justice partners in Haiti, as we continue to build a strong relationship between the UUA and UUSC for future social-justice collaborations.

We invite you to follow our on-the-ground updates through UUA and UUSC websites, where we and the students will reflect on how this transformative journey connects to the basic tenets of UU faith and ministry. The group will post on the UUA's Faith Without Borders blog and the UUSC's JustWorks blog.

Unitarian Universalism has always been a faith of action and compassion, working for justice, and this JustWorks experiential learning journey exemplifies those convictions. We urge you to take time to follow along as this story unfolds.

In faith, 

The Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, UUSC President
The Rev. Peter Morales, UUA President

Due to a sudden illness, UUA President Peter Morales will not be joining the UUA-UUSC contingent in Haiti. Instead, the Rev. Eric Cherry, the UUA’s International Resources director, is traveling to Haiti with the group.