Our History & Successes
UU Mass Action is the original state-wide UU organizing and advocacy group in the US. Our mission is to connect the 140 Unitarian Universalist congregations and 25,000 members, to “work smarter, not harder” for social justice by sharing ideas and joining forces to raise our compassionate voice in Massachusetts so we can have an impact.
UU Mass Action was officially founded in September, 2006, UU Mass Action’s first major event was the first Advocacy Day in May, 2006, when 100 Unitarian Universalists descended on their State House in support of Marriage Equality. Legislators expressed surprise and, often, gratitude that a religious organization was advocating in support of gay marriage. Five weeks later, following many years of effective advocacy, the major challenge to Marriage Equality was defeated. This important action demonstrated that UU values and the values will have an impact if we are organized and mobilized to take action.
Since then, Unitarian Universalists at Advocacy Days have helped to pass important legislation. All of our work is in partnership with larger campaigns and coalitions.
Successful campaigns we have supported include:
Climate Change Control Action — 2008
Energy Efficiency Bill — 2008
Prevent Homelessness: $10 million in new funding, and the Eviction Prevention Act — 2010
Prevent Homelessness through Rental Vouchers– 2009, 2012, 2011
Transgender Rights Bill — 2011
The Three Strikes Bill – 2012
The Domestic Worker Bill of Rights – 2014
Raise the Minimum Wage, increased from $8 to $11, the highest in the country!- 2014
The Mass Trust Act, the first pro-immigrant bill to make it through the committee process since 2006!- 2013, 2014
Transgender Rights, ballot Initiative – 2016
RMV Collateral Sanctions Bill, removed punitive five year wait and $500 fine to reinstate a person’s driver’s license after a drug related conviction 2016
Comprehensive Energy Bill, created the highest level of commitment to wind power for any state in the country 2016
Stopped the pipeline tax, taxpayer money will not be used to fund pipeline projects 2016
Earned Sick time passes as a ballot initiative – 2016
Comprehensive Criminal Law Reform – After a decades of tireless organizing and advocacy, the historic Criminal Law Reform bill passes! 2018
Raise the Minimum Wage, Increased from $11 to $15 over 5 years 2018
Paid Family and Medical Leave – the strongest protection plan in the country! 2018
Compromise Clean Energy bill – Very weak bill, but tiny steps taken in increasing the RPS, energy storage, solar, offshore wind & gas leaks requirements – 2018
Change the State Flag & Seal - creates a commission to create a plan to change the racist state flag and seal - 2020
An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate - 2021
Work and Family Mobility Act - 2022
An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind - 2022
Fair Share Amendment (Yes on 1) - 2022
Protect Work and Family Mobility Act (Yes on 4) - 2022
No Cost Calls/Keeping Families Connected - 2023