Peace & Social Justice | Auckland Unitarian Church

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The Peace and Social Justice (PSJ) Group affirms and promotes the inherent worth and dignity of every person with direct charitable action through projects and services external to the church community. We aim to “Walk the Talk” with action that aligns with the Unitarian Universalist Principles. Members of the PSJ Group are church members who have a special interest in PSJ activities and new members are always welcome.

All projects are evaluated and must be approved by the congregation’s Management Committee, and in the case of long-term projects also by the Church Trust Board. PSJ funds are derived from PSJ pledges, donations, and a PSJ monthly congregational offertory. Fundraising for special PSJ causes also happens regularly.

Updates on PSJ projects and initiatives are given to the church congregation, generally monthly.

Long-term PSJ Projects (2-10 years)

Duffy Books in Homes at Glen Taylor School

The church, through a Peace and Social Justice project, has been in a Duffy Sponsorship Partnership with Glen Taylor School since 2016, and has helped fund books for students twice a year, as well as funding books for kids “caught being good”. The Duffy Books in Homes organisation is a very successful programme that aims to foster the love of reading and literacy by giving primary school aged students at least 5 books (of their choice) a year. It is a very popular programme in those schools where the students’ homes are often without books. Members of the PSJ Group regularly attend the Duffy Role Model Assemblies and often help distribute packages of books to each class.

Glen Taylor School Reading Help

Building on our long-term relationship with Glen Taylor School, volunteers from the church help with the older students’ reading. The aim is to work with the children on a one-on-one basis, focusing on conversation, comprehension along with the reading and getting to know the students and their hobbies and aspirations. Volunteers are required to be Police vetted and when they are working with the students there are always at least two adults present. A special relationship is built with each student.

Dyslexia and Literacy Aid

The church, via a PSJ long-term project, is supporting dyslexic children and general literacy by funding Glenavon School’s purchase of licences for StepsWeb. StepsWeb is a dyslexia and literacy programme based on computer activities and worksheets currently being used by 1,200+ schools. It was created and is run by a family company near Christchurch. The PSJ Group successfully used StepsWeb in its project work in Samoa and Tonga from 2013 through to 2020. Regular visits are made to Glenavon School and good rapport has been established with their Assistant Principal (Special Education Needs Coordinator).

Variety – the Children’s Charity

With PSJ funds and through Variety – the Children’s Charity, we sponsor two students in order to financially help the family to purchase schoolbooks, stationery and other essential items to assist with the students’ ongoing education. Sponsorship continues until they are 18 or no longer require financial assistance. Through our PSJ Funds, we are also able to help them celebrate their birthdays and Christmas.