Community service

Harmony is committed to making a difference in the world through community service, social justice, and outreach. This commitment reflects the Unitarian Universalist belief in putting our faith into action, working together for social justice and a better world.

Since half of our members happen to be children, we strive to choose service projects where kids can get involved. In fact, some of our service projects are 100% designed and run by kids (see Children for Others to learn more about that). And to increase the peace in our neighborhood, we started an initiative in 2017 called Be My Neighbor.

We also participate in Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio, a statewide advocacy organization that represents thousands of UUs in congregations across Ohio.

Harmony members are involved in many projects for both local and national organizations, including:

• Supporting LGBT rights in local pride events
• Running to raise money for pancreatic cancer research
• Making sandwiches to feed hungry working people through Peanut Butter Ministries
• Collecting soda can tabs to support Ronald McDonald House
• Adopting needy families to provide holiday gifts
• Assembling school supply kits at Matthew 25: Ministries
• Hosting an annual baked goods/book sale to raise money for a good cause (kids vote to choose one each year)
• Making Valentines and placemats for Meals on Wheels
• Making blankets for Project Linus
• Volunteering at The Hope Factory
• Collecting donations for local food pantries and children’s shelters
• Volunteering at Granny’s Garden School
• Collecting pajamas and children’s books for the Nationwide Pajama Program
• Collecting donations to support disaster relief
• Fixing up the playspace at Child Focus, Inc. (see video below for highlights)

 President’s Volunteer Service Award

In 2016, Harmony became a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). This premier volunteer awards program encourages citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition.

Each team must volunteer for a total of 200 hours, with a minimum of 25 hours per person. Teams must have at least eight members to apply. Harmony Sequoia students (grades 6 to 8) formed a team of 11, and have already exceeded the 200-hour community service requirement to receive this prestigious honor.

For more information about community service at Harmony, or to find out how to get involved, contact us at outreach@harmonyuu.org.