Greetings dear KUUF community,
As the last two weeks have unfolded and we have seen a powerful sustained witness to the tragic death of George Floyd, I am uplifted by the photos I have seen of our members participating in protests around Kitsap County. Our banners have been everywhere! How wonderful that because of the commitments we have taken in the past, we are able to show up in such a meaningful way when the Movement for Black Lives needs us the most.
This Friday, June 12, Black Lives Matter-King County has invited everyone to participate in a statewide day of action in support of all Black lives in Washington State. There are several ways to participate and I wanted to take a moment to outline these opportunities for you. Because of the risk of COVID-19, and because of the spike in cases we saw in Kitsap County this week, it is important to weigh the risk of each action and decide for ourselves what we feel most comfortable doing.
The general strike in Seattle is happening at Judkins Park at 1pm. This is a high risk event. Our parish nurse, Jennifer, recommends not attending this if you are over 60 or have any immuno-concerns. If you attend this march, you should consider getting tested for COVID-19 afterward, to monitor your exposure. Tests are available from primary care physicians.
There is a solidarity march happening that day in Silverdale, from 1-4pm, organized by the Kitsap Youth Activism Team. This is a medium risk event. Folks will be standing at the intersection of Silverdale Way and Ridgetop Boulevard. Nurse Jennifer recommends following all precautions to the best of your ability (masks, 6-feet distancing). If you are not able to maintain social distancing at this event, you might consider getting tested for COVID-19 afterward.
KUUF members and friends are hosting a witnessing in Port Orchard. This is a low risk event. Attendees are required to wear masks and maintain strict social distancing. Folks will be standing outside City Hall at 216 Prospect, from 3:30-4:30pm. Social interaction will be minimal so as to maximize safety.
If you have attended multiple protests in the last two weeks, your risk of having been exposed to COVID-19 is high, and I encourage you to consider other ways of protesting in the days ahead. We will continue to see spikes in coronavirus cases in the next few weeks and it is important that we take care to manage the spread as much as possible.
If you are unable to protest in person and are wondering how you might participate, I invite you to read this open letter from Kitsap ERACE:
As part of our congregational commitment to dismantle white supremacy, Kitsap UU Fellowship has joined many other local organizations as part of the Kitsap ERACE coalition. We are dedicated to this movement for the long term. And it will take all of us working together, doing what we can where we are at and with what we have, to make lasting change.
And lastly, I want to express my gratitude to all of you. Again and again I am reminded what a privilege it is to serve as your minister. And during this time of uprising, I am continually uplifted by your dedication to building the beloved community. Blessings to you all.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions or want to discuss how you might participate in this effort. You can also email Nurse Jennifer at nurse@kuuf.org if you have questions or concerns about COVID exposure.
In love, faith and solidarity,
Rev. Jessica
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Rev. Jessica Star Rockers
(she/her/hers)
Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
360-377-4724 x. 2
To schedule a meeting:
https://calendly.com/revjessicastarrockers