The Democracy Advocacy Team was established in August 2025 to provide an organized means for UUC members and others in our community to affirm their commitment to democracy and speak out against authoritarianism.

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While emphasizing that UUC remains a non-partisan entity, the Board of Trustees approved creation of the team following passage of an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) at the 2025 Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly. That AIW called on UU congregations to adopt a resolution affirming their collective commitment to protect and strengthen freedom and democracy and to resist, through peaceful and principled means, encroachment by authoritarian forces seeking to strip citizens and non-citizens of their rights, voices, and power to hold leaders accountable.

 

The AIW also asked congregations to create a team that will:

• Build on existing infrastructure, guidance, and support by engaging with UU organizations and local, state, and national organizations, religious groups, and allies.

• Work collaboratively with current congregation efforts to support immigrant, racial, LGBTQ+, environmental, and other related social justice (all are impacted by authoritarianism);

• Provide needed education and training opportunities to engage the congregation and keep members safe and protected in non-violent protest and non-cooperation actions;

• Organize and communicate pro-democracy congregation actions and events that align with local grassroots efforts to protect and assist those directly harmed by injustice;

• Promote, support, and participate in national and local rallies and non-violent actions that are consistent with our UU values and principles;

• Provide a faith-based presence to local pro-democracy actions and events.

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Here are some of our folks during a recent sign-decorating gathering.

They went on to protest at a local "No Kings" protest.

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Actions taken by the DAT:

• Held an introductory meeting and training session in collaboration with One Million Rising.

• Hosted a sign-making party in preparation for the No Kings demonstration at Clearwater Mall.

• Many UUC members attended the No Kings demonstration at Clearwater Mall and other demonstrations in the Tampa Bay area.

• Many UUC members attended Freedom Vigils at Pinellas County Courthouse