From the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the hills of the Ozarks and from issues of the environment to issues of environment to issues of gay marriage, racism and oppression the congregations of MidAmerica are doing the work of social justice. The MidAmerica Region aims to tell the story of this work and form with those leaders working on this a learning community to extend and deepen the work.

In accord with this we make are weaving social justice into all that we do in MidAmerica including our personal development as leaders. Whether it's running a workshop or doing a consultant, coaching or mentoring, we believe that a social justice framework undergirds all that we do. As we work with your congregation, we hold up lens of justice and inclusion: who is here, who is not, and in what ways do we by our very actions (consciously and unconsciously) foster a broader reach toward justice making.

We also want to help our congregations further their own social justice actions inside their walls, and out in the world. We'd love to connect your congregation with other congregations who are interested in the same issues. Whether that's across the city, across the state, or across the Region, we can support your connections with each other. We also provide support to our state advocacy networks in Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio, and can help other states develop similar kinds of ministry.

We will also be holding a conference on intercultural competency March 15-17, 2014, in the Chicagoland area. This will be a great opportunity for you to bring a team from your congregation to learn more tools on how to bridge differences that too often keep us apart. More information on this conference will appear on our website, but feel free to address questions to Lisa Presley, [email protected].

(Photo: Nancy heege and other UUs rally for marriage equality on the steps of the State Capitol in St. Paul Minnesota.)