The First Universalist Society in Franklin is proud to announce it is one of only four congregations nationwide selected to receive this year’s prestigious Unitarian Unitarian Association’s (UUA) Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action. The award to FUSF was in recognition of the congregation’s longstanding commitment to Food Justice and partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry. 

The UUA award said, in part, “We were impressed by the intentionality you have put into crafting a robust program that embodies solidarity rather than charity in the practice of mutual aid. The longevity of your partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry, coupled with your . . . team’s collaboration to develop multigenerational opportunities to engage, is a profound example of the impact congregations can have locally when they are attuned to the needs of their broader community. Furthermore, the range of ways your team and congregation have shown your commitment to a complex understanding of food insecurity—including collecting donations, advocating for critical legislation, and organizing a community care campaign during a time of real crisis—is reflective of the power and responsibility we know congregations have to be engaged in collective and transformative care.”

FUSF President Caitlin MacDonald said, “While this is not why we do this work of social justice, it is an honor to be recognized by our national denomination.”

FUSF Minister Beverly Waring said, “This award represents our commitment to social justice as a congregation. We consciously work to put our faith into action in many ways. FUSF believes in giving back to the greater Franklin area community.”

In addition to an honorarium of $1000 and a certificate, FUSF and our food justice work will be featured in an article on the UUA website.