UUANI NEWS
Q1 2026 www.uuani.org
In 2026, we are mobilizing a
spiritually grounded defense of
voting rights, policy protections for
targeted communities, and the
integrity of our democracy. UUANI
will leverage our resources and
partnerships to bolster existing ‘get
out the vote’ projects and resist
disenfranchisement; advocate for
policies that strengthen protections
for people and communities
targeted by policing, and mobilize
our base to participate in mass
movements that resist
authoritarian abuses of power.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
UUANI’s Action Strategy work involves amplifying the influence of our base, and amplifying the work of our partners through a variety of opportunities, including volunteering with an Action Strategy Team focused on one of three pillars: Resistance, Electoral, and Legislative.
To assist our volunteers, members, and partners in staying connected with current opportunities to get involved in social justice work, we have created several pathways to action, based on the following opportunities to build power:
1. Taking Action, Building Power
2. Action Strategy Teams
3. Community Partners
Check out our website to sign up for
Actions of the Week and/or to join an
Action Strategy Team.
Rev Beth (UUANI Board) and Natasha (ED)at the
IL State Capitol for an Advocacy Day in March
ACTION STRATEGY AGENDA
In 2026, UUANI will connect Unitarian Universalists and network members with values-aligned resources and opportunities that support:
1. Collective action against authoritarian abuses of power
2. Access to safe and informed voting
3. Legal protections for people targeted by local and federal policing
CONGREGATIONS VISITED
MetroEast Elgin
Peoria Countryside
Evanston Carbondale
NATASHA’S NOTES
I want to offer my deepest thanks for the incredible warmth and guidance everyone has extended to me since I stepped into the role of Executive Director. Transitioning into this work of our statewide advocacy has been inspiring and a lot to learn, and your support has been the fuel for that journey.
Currently, my days are filled with the vital work of onboarding: meeting with our congregational leads, connecting with our partners, and listening to the stories that define our 34 Illinois congregations. I am learning the unique approach and concerns of each community, and it is clear that our collective conscience is vibrating with a shared urgency for justice.
I know that in the world of systemic change, progress can sometimes feel slow. When we are pushing against the crushing weight of current events, it can feel like the wheels are turning without traction. But please know that beneath the surface, the "transmission" is shifting into gear. Every conversation we have and every connection we forge is building the architecture of care that will sustain our long-term wins.
We are moving from the fragility of the individual to the resilience of the collective. While we pave this path together, I ask for your continued patience and your fierce, persistent imagination. And don’t forget to be patient with yourself. The work is underway, the vision is clear, and I am so honored to be building this possibility alongside you.
With gratitude and in awe of all that we do,
Natasha
COMING UP IN Q2
Keep an eye out for:
UUANI Action Strategy Calendars of events Advocacy Days with Partners
Action Strategy Team Meetings
GRACE training
Open House session to check in with Natasha and Atena
Q2 Congregational Visits
Rockford
Urbana-Champaign
Geneva
Bloomington Normal
North Shore
CONTACT US
Natasha Walker, Executive Director
Atena Danner, Action Strategy Director
Michael Skilton, Communications Co-Chair
Sallee Lowery, Board Chair
