Phyllis Morales

2009 Outstanding Local Representative Award Winner

Phyllis Morales has served as a UUSC local representative in her congregation of Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC), in Golden, Colo, since 2005. Several other dedicated UUSC local representatives have worked alongside her over the years, but she has gone above and beyond, taking a primary leadership role on UUSC programs in her church. To deepen JUC's commitment to UUSC and its mission, Phyllis has built a UUSC Task Force, comprising over 20 active participants. Her abilities as a facilitator, organizer, and team leader have helped make the task force a success.

UUSC is a continuing presence at JUC, with regular UUSC announcements in the church newsletter, UUSC Sunday table activities, and other events. Each of the last two years, JUC sold more UUSC holiday cards than any other congregation! For the past few years, the church has received the James Luther Adams Award, which recognizes churches that consecrate their commitment to human rights through a budgeted gift to UUSC. Additionally, the church is close to again receiving the Creating Justice Banner Society Award for its exceptional level of UUSC membership.

As a participant in three different JustJourneys trips, Phyllis is passionate about UUSC and has shared that passion with others. Her presentations at JUC and Denver-area congregations have inspired many to participate in these service-learning experiences, including 35 people at JUC alone. In addition to motivating others to take this step, Phyllis has continued to be involved in the human-rights work she saw personally on her JustJourney to Guatemala. Working with UUSC and its partner the Maya Achi Association for the Integral Development of Victims of Violence, she and other trip participants set up a scholarship fund, raising thousands of dollars to help indigenous youth stay in school after fifth grade. Many have already benefitted from this work.

UUSC Volunteer Regional Coordinator Jim Bole says of Phyllis, "As a leader, she is resourceful, well-organized, diplomatic, and able to engage the help of others through her low-key warmth and welcoming." Phyllis's work and example have touched the members of the UUSC Task Force, her congregation, and the many people around the world whose lives are touched by UUSC projects.

UUSC is pleased to recognize Phyllis Morales and her work in support of UUSC with this year's Outstanding Local Representative Award.