At First Parish Dorchester, our commitment to justice is rooted in our mission to serve as a spiritual home where all can enrich their spirituality, cultivate relationships, and promote service to others. Our justice initiatives reflect our dedication to embodying the Unitarian Universalist principles of equity, compassion, and active engagement in creating a more just society.

✉️ Vote Forward Letter Writing Campaign
In 2020, we supported democratic participation by writing 1,500 letters to underrepresented voters in North Carolina. This year, our efforts continue as we write letters to encourage young voters (35 and under) to participate in the 2024 Pennsylvania general election. Vote Forward is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes grassroots volunteers to send handwritten letters encouraging fellow Americans to vote. Organizers Bruce Shatswell and Jennifer Johnson are leading this initiative. Email dorchesterdistrict@abgrumpplacematters.com to get involved!

🕊️ Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace
The Mother’s Day Walk for Peace is a cherished Boston tradition honoring those we have lost to violence. This event is the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s largest fundraiser, supporting their essential services and advocacy. In 2024, we committed to raising $2,500 and surpassed our goal by raising $4,212 to support their mission.

🏠 Meetinghouse Hill Civic Association Monthly Meetings
We host the monthly meetings of the Meetinghouse Hill Civic Association every third Wednesday. This longstanding neighborhood association provides a platform for community members to address public safety concerns, plan local events such as the Meetinghouse Hill Block Party, and engage with elected officials. Email MHHCivic@gmail.com to participate!

Serving Our Neighborhoods

In addition to our targeted initiatives, First Parish Dorchester actively supports the larger Bowdoin/Geneva and Fields Corner neighborhoods. We are an essential resource for Dorchester’s Vietnamese, African-American, Caribbean, Irish, Latino, Haitian, and Cape Verdean residents. Our collaborations with educators, health-care providers, and local civic groups aim to enhance community engagement and address issues such as hunger, violence, racism, and poverty. A comprehensive list of our collaborators is available on our Partners page.