Topic: UU Principles

“The Maravillas: Gangs, Aging, and Mattering in East Los Angeles,” by Dr. Randol Contreras

Dr. Randol Contreras spent close to a decade studying the legendary Maravilla gangs of East Los Angeles. Once celebrated in the gang world as rebels who defied the established inmate prison order, veterano Maravilla gang members now grapple with the consequences of leading violent lives. This talk sheds light on how these aging men struggle … Continue reading “The Maravillas: Gangs, Aging, and Mattering in East Los Angeles,” by Dr. Randol Contreras

“Reducto Non Absurdum: Spring Cleaning the Soul,” by Bill Casey

Spring is the season our thoughts turn to cleaning, sorting and refreshing our surroundings. What will we keep? What will we discard? It can also be a good time to do some spiritual housekeeping—soul searching and examining our belief systems to see if they align with our values and purpose in life.

“World Autism Awareness,” by Laura Luna

We will learn about world Autism Awareness month from a person who has a son with autism. Hopefully, after the presentation, we will be more comfortable living and socializing with those who have autism.

“The Promise of All Lives Mattering,” by Amanda Udis-Kessler

What does it mean to matter? How do you know you matter?  Today’s reading takes a hard look at systematic racism and how it affects all of us. Colorblindness is often well-intentioned, an attempt to see everyone as a human being and therefore as the same, without paying too much attention to race and other traits … Continue reading “The Promise of All Lives Mattering,” by Amanda Udis-Kessler

“Who’s Who in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict ,” by Alec Peck

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is once again destroying and ending lives of the people who live there, and so American citizens and politicians are once again turning their focus to this conflict. Much effort has been dedicated to determining who are the “bad” guys and who are the “good” guys, and what … Continue reading “Who’s Who in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict ,” by Alec Peck