Tents of Hope become focal points within their communities.
The painting of a tent is a great way to rally a community.
Take Action
September's Action of the Month:
Tents of Hope for Darfur
Each month, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is implementing robust action campaigns that aim to engage congregations and individual Unitarian Universalists (UUs). The monthly actions focus on accomplishing concrete objectives that reflect our faith values. September's Action of the Month is the Tents of Hope for Darfur.
Build a Tent of Hope for Darfur
All across the nation communities are standing in solidarity with the Darfuri people by building Tents of Hope. The Tents of Hope project gives communities the opportunity to respond to the crisis in Darfur, Sudan by creating tents that are both unique works of art and ongoing focal points within communities. Through the tents, communities are learning about, assisting and establishing relationships with the people of Sudan. You can purchase, construct and/or share a tent. The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) is providing informational and advocacy resources to accompany the Tents of Hope project which are available for download. They include tips on how to start this project and educational materials to share with your community. You can also order campaign materials for your event at no charge.
Bring Your Tent to Washington, DC
In November, you can accompany or ship your tent to Washington, DC, for a gathering of tents on the National Mall. The national gathering will last from November 7-9th and will include workshops, vigils, and worship. Afterwards, many of the tents will be shipped to Darfuri refugee camps to be used as shelters for homes, schools, and community centers.
Register on the Tents of Hope website if you plan on coming to DC.
Advocacy Postcards
If erecting a Tent for Hope is not a good fit for your congregation, the UUSC is offering a simple action that everyone can do - advocacy postcards! The postcards urge the U.S. Congress to provide oversight to ensure that the UN peacekeepers in Darfur are trained to respond to the dangers of rape and violence that Darfuri women face. The postcards are uniquely shaped like tents, and you can order them online. The postcards will come with an action packet explaining all you need to know to get your cards into the hands of key policy-makers.
Download the one-page congregational mailing describing the Tents of Hope action (PDF). Consider posting it in your congregation.
Send an Email in Support of Darfur
Take a moment to send a message to key policy makers. Recipients and content of the message will reflect the latest developments.
UUA Tents of Hope Photo Album
The UUA is creating a Tents of Hope photo album to profile participating congregations. For your congregation to be represented, please send photos of your tent and a short blurb about your activities (no more than one paragraph) to la_international @ uua.org.
For more information contact la_international @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, August 29, 2008.
