Archive of COTV Social Justice Ministries
The Church of the Village is committed to work for God’s justice in the world. We have five areas of special focus:
Undermining white supremacy and white privilege in the pursuit of repairing harm and achieving deep-going racial justice.
Working to eliminate barriers, violence, and other harm done to persons because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
Advocating for social policies and practices that address the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Striving for economic justice through radical redistribution of wealth and power.
Advocating for just immigration policies and laws that affirm the humanity and sacred worth of every person seeking to become a citizen.
Promoting care for the environment along with deep concern for environmental justice.
Further resources on ways to enact Social Justice in the world can be found via the links listed below. Have an idea for action with the Church of the VIllage community? Reach out to Social Justice Minsitries Coordinator, Sarah Witman (make her name a hyperlink to: ssw246@nyu.edu )
COTV Social Justice Ministry in Partnership with Black and Pink
As part of our social justice ministry, the Church of the Village partners with the New York chapter of Black and Pink to do joint work in support of LGBTQ and/or HIV positive prisoners. Black and Pink’s resources introduce newcomers to prisoner support and to the organization’s prison abolition work. You can register with Black and Pink’s pen pal program online: https://blackandpinkpenpals.org
Resistance & Solidarity Opportunities
Resistance and Solidarity can come in a variety of forms, but it starts with a willingness to act with fierce compassion and love. The Church of the Village is committed to connecting members and friends with opportunities for local and national engagement. Don't see your favorite organization here? Want to engage these opportunities for service with other members of COTV? Contact Pastor Jeff (make PJ’s name a hyperlink to his email…)
Image credit: Shepard Fairey and amplifier.org
Click a title below for additional information.
Anti-Racism Advocacy
Color of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. The organization moves decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America.
LGBTQ Advocacy
Reconciling Ministries Network
United Methodist Queer Clergy Caucus (UMQCC)
Methodists in New Directions (MIND)
LGBT Religious Archives Network
Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy
New Sanctuary Coalition (New York City) - What to do if you are in danger from ICE or want to help someone who is
If you are in danger of being arrested and deported by the Immigrant and Customs Enforcement agency, we encourage you to contact the New Sanctuary Coalition on one of their hotline numbers: 903-884-4357 or 908-791-5309. They can help you find an attorney or find a safe place to be while they work to help you.
If you want to help a friend who may be in danger, you can also contact the Coalition or go to their website for information on “how to be a buddy.” Click on the links below for documents provided by the New Sanctuary Coalition that may be helpful:
Know Your Rights: What to Do During an ICE/CBP Encounter
Conozca Sus Derechos: Qué Hacer Durante un Encuentro con ICE/CBP
Immigration Task Force (New York Annual Conference-UMC)
Church of the Village is a part of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and we have a local Immigration Task Force. The Task Force helps congregations to engage in ministry with immigrants and advocates for just immigration reform. Join with other Methodists here.
Justice for Our Neighbors JFON is a United Methodist Immigration Ministry that advocates for immigration laws that are just, humane and righteous. It is a national organization with a local focus on welcoming immigrants with compassion, dignity and love. Sign up as a volunteer for one of their clinics in Manhattan or Brooklyn here.
New York Immigration Coalition NYIC serves to unite immigrants, members & allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. You can join their calls to action, attend relevant events, become a member of the coalition or donate here.
Resisting ICE Deportations & Solidarity with Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors The Church of the Village is proud to share the information below from our friends at the National Immigration Law Center and the National Immigrant Solidarity Network. Click here to learn more.
American Civil Liberties Union: Immigrant Rights The Church of the Village stands in solidarity with immigrants and refugees. We are proud to share the ACLU’s “Know Your Rights” page here you can find information sheets and videos in Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Spanish, Chinese, and several other languages.
Social Justice Advocacy & Activism in NYC
Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has fought for more than 20 years for the civil rights of American Muslims. The New York chapter is one of the busiest and most dynamic of CAIR’s thirty nationwide affiliates, defending, representing, and educating over one million Muslims in the New York area. Sign up to volunteer with them here.
Faith in New York Part of PICO, this organization serves to activate the voices of New Yorkers of faith by building, training, and supporting grassroots congregational-based teams of congregants across the city who identify, advocate, and organize New Yorkers around issues, policies, and elections that affect our communities, neighborhoods, and city.
New Alternatives for LGBT Homeless Youth provides case management, community organizing, life skills groups, community-building recreational activities, and, in the long-term, supports employment opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Learn more about how to help this cause here.
New York Cares Find the volunteer opportunity that works best for you and suits your gifts and passions. Learn more here.
Picture the Homeless is a grassroots organization, founded and led by homeless people, and organizing for social justice around issues like housing, police violence, and the shelter-industrial complex. Their work is focused on Civil Rights, Housing, and Education & Training. Learn more about getting involved here.
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) moves White people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice with passion and accountability through community organizing, mobilizing, and education. Connect with the New York Chapter here.
Rise and Resist was formed in response to the 2016 U.S. election, is a direct action group made up of both new and experienced activists committed to opposing, disrupting, and defeating any government act that threatens democracy, equality, and our civil liberties. Their credo: We work collaboratively, creatively, respectfully, and with all the joy we can muster for the health of the people and the planet. We reject State sanctioned violence, bigotry, and systemic discrimination in all its forms, including those directed at people because of their disability, gender identity/expression, immigration status, race, religion, sex, and sexuality. We condemn all the oppressive policies that define the current government regime. We strive to intentionally honor the complex challenges we face. Join us in fighting for justice.
Get involved with the city’s legislative work and it’s citywide initiatives through the NYC City Council.
Connect with your local Community Board and be a part of the change you’d like to see in your area.
Find your precinct and lend your voice and action when your New York Police Department Precinct Community Council meets