Sparks of Justice

Rev. Leslie Mills: Leaving Our Comfort Zone (Immigration and Civil Disobedience) BONUS EPISODE

In this clip from Episode 5, Rev. Leslie Mills shares her story of traveling to Phoenix in 2010, getting arrested, and spending the night in Sheriff Joe Arpaio's 4th Avenue Jail. She explores the narrative arc of the events that led up to her decision to drive across the country to participate in the National Day of Non-Compliance, while drawing out the interconnected web of people that had to come together for something like this to happen. Sparks of Justice is a podcast hosted by Leslie Mills with the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). The first season consists of six episodes interviewing UU activists from Minnesota, exploring each person's path to getting involved in social justice, resources for overcoming heartbreak, and the rewards of being involved in movements for change.

Rev. Kelli Clement: Waking Our Hearts (Reproductive Justice)

In this lively conversation, Rev. Kelli Clement shares her journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister deeply engaged in social justice, particularly reproductive justice. As a bonus, she turns the tables on our host and draws out Leslie's story about traveling to Phoenix to get arrested while protesting anti-immigration legislation in 2010. From the importance of relationship to the deep human need for play, Kelli emphasizes the need for action as a response to despair and a source of resilience in the work of justice. She also highlights the role of young activists and the importance of personal connection to justice issues, advocating for a covenantal approach couched in Unitarian Universalist values. 00:00 Introduction 01:39 We've Got a Live One! 04:08 Early Influences and Understanding of Justice 06:46 The Shift to Justice in Ministry 09:20 Showing Up for Reproductive Justice Work 11:10 The Importance of Engaging in Justice Work 13:58 Leveraging Institutional Strength 16:34 Getting Involved in Justice Work as a Lay Leader 20:36 Play and Art for Spiritual Resilience 22:16 The Antidote to Despair 23:35 The Importance of Choosing to Get Involved 25:07 Grounded in Religious Naturalism 30:07 Kelli Turns the Tables 41:58 Living Within Our Limits 43:47 Healing Religious Wounds 52:48 Finding Glimmers 54:11 Waking Our Hearts Sparks of Justice is a podcast hosted by Leslie Mills with the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). The first season consists of six episodes interviewing UU activists from Minnesota, exploring each person's path to getting involved in social justice, resources for overcoming heartbreak, and the rewards of being involved in movements for change.

Julica Hermann de la Fuente: Creating Our Future (Institutional Change through ARAOM Ministry)

Julica Hermann de la Fuente is a coach, educator, and healer dedicated to moving our Unitarian Universalist institutions towards social justice and liberation. This episode explores Julica's journey from being a passionate college activist through burnout, healing, and finding a more sustainable and fulfilling path forward. From the importance of institutional change, to the healing aspects of activism, Julica shares her experiences with heartbreak in the field, coping with vicarious trauma, and using education as a means of preparation for when tragedy hits. Together, we explore the intersection of faith and activism, encouraging listeners to engage in justice work as a means of personal and collective growth so we can create the future our children dream of. 00:00 Introduction 01:46 Moving to Minnesota 02:51 Being Mexican in Michigan 04:54 Social Justice Work and Evolution 06:43 Approach to Justice Work: Educator and Healer 09:23 Creating Change in Institutions 11:23 Occupying Bridges 12:38 The Art of Preparing for Change 15:34 The Momentum of Institutions 17:19 Passing the Baton 21:19 Commission on Institutional Change 24:23 Embodied Awareness and Dealing with Overwhelm 29:08 Choosing Allies and Finding Your Role 31:54 Sheet Cake 34:07 Mama Moses 37:09 Making Miracles 39:59 Gotten by Faith 42:19Unitarian Universalism's Commitment to Change 45:30 Ethics, Morality, and What is Good 46:18 Out of the Comfort Zone 47:56 Leaning into Opportunities for Engagement Sparks of Justice is a podcast hosted by Leslie Mills with the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). The first season consists of six episodes interviewing UU activists from Minnesota, exploring each person's path to getting involved in social justice, resources for overcoming heartbreak, and the rewards of being involved in movements for change.

Rebecca Donley: Healing Our Stories (Advocacy for Survivors of Abuse)

Rebecca Donley is a professional advocate for people who have survived domestic and sexual abuse. With warmth, grace, and candor, she shares the story of her journey into this deeply emotional work, her experiences with burnout and recovery, and ultimately her vision for building strong communities that are sustained on a network of healthy relationships. How can we help bring this new world into reality? By reaching out to one another, building trust, and healing our stories -- together. 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Finding Unitarian Universalism 03:10 Getting Involved in Advocacy 08:07 How to Hold Someone Else's Story 11:53 Pod Mapping 15:11 Emergent Strategy 18:21 Love and Rage 21:31 Evolving Activism 26:22 Where Burnout Comes From 29:03 Healing Burnout and Finding a Different Way Forward 32:45 Another World is Possible 35:40 Creating Healing Everywhere 41:22 It All Comes Back to Us 45:37 An Ecosystem of Care 48:39 Orienting Towards Utopia 51:10 What Makes You Come Alive Sparks of Justice is a podcast hosted by Leslie Mills with the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). The first season consists of six episodes interviewing UU activists from Minnesota, exploring each person's path to getting involved in social justice, resources for overcoming heartbreak, and the rewards of being involved in movements for change.

Nico Van Ostrand: Finding Our Joy (BIPOC Youth and Emerging Adult Ministries, UUA)

Nico Van Ostrand is a Youth and Emerging Adult Ministries Specialist with the UUA. In today's episode, Nico emphasizes the interconnectedness of diverse justice movements and the deep need for intergenerational activism in community. Whether engaging on a large scale or a very personal level, Nico believes that social justice should be joyful, even as it is challenging and sometimes painful. Join us as we explore the deep interdependence between social justice and faith, and what justice work can look like when we hold love at the center. How can Unitarian Universalism address white supremacy culture and create a more inclusive and justice-centered faith community? By finding our people, and following our joy. 01:55 Relationship to Unitarian Universalism 04:15 Early Engagement in Social Justice 07:33 College Activism and Finding Purpose 10:53 The Power of Community and Collective Action 13:53 Attitude and Approach in Activism 16:55 Balancing Theory and Praxis 22:58 Interconnectedness of Justice Movements 23:27 Finding Ways to Engage in Activism 31:04 The Importance of Relationships in Justice Work 36:50 The Joy and Fulfillment of Justice Work 40:51 Impact of Disengaging from Justice Work 43:09 The Importance of Joy and Connection 44:42 Navigating Racism in Beloved Communities 47:44 Intergenerational and Multicultural Approaches in Unitarian Universalism 53:36 Why Get Involved? 56:52 Love is at the Center 59:01 The Use of Ritual 01:00:52 Activism Informing Faith 01:05:08 The Intersection of Filipino Community and Unitarian Universalism 01:08:56 Find Your People Sparks of Justice is a podcast hosted by Leslie Mills with the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). The first season consists of six episodes interviewing UU activists from Minnesota, exploring each person's path to getting involved in social justice, resources for overcoming heartbreak, and the rewards of being involved in movements for change.