Adopt-a-Highway

The UUFC values environmental wholeness in general and the appearance of our community in specific. We value one another and enjoy opportunities to interact and learn about each other in informal settings. We value individual and community health. Given these values, we have chosen to be a part of the Oregon Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway Program. We are the guardians of a 2.4-mile section of the Philomath Highway (Highway 20/34) from the outskirts of Corvallis to the outskirts of Philomath. Highway cleanups allow opportunities for fellowship and conversation; for fresh air and exercise; and for a very tangible way to improve our local environment. We are asked to pickup trash along the highway four times each year under our agreement with the ODOT.

Corvallis Adopt-a-Minefield

In March of 2003 the Social Concerns Committee of the UU Fellowship of Corvallis conceived the idea of spearheading a citywide project to raise $25,000 for clearing a field of landmines in Afghanistan. The Committee began by mailing invitations for a public organizational meeting to the major religious organizations in Corvallis. At that meeting a name was chosen, Corvallis Adopt-A-Minefield Project (CAMP) and representatives from several churches agreed to form a steering committee.

The steering committee began by seeking endorsements from various organizations in order to lend an air of substance to the project at the same time that they were asking for contributions of time and money. Their flyer began with the sentence, "Here is an opportunity for people of all faiths and political persuasions in Corvallis to cooperate in good work that can be a symbol and example for diffusing hostilities in the world." Soon the Project had endorsements from sixteen organizations including many churches, the American Legion Corvallis Post 11, Corvallis Alternatives to War and two service clubs. The mayor proclaimed October to be Adopt-a-Minefield Month in Corvallis.

It was slow work in the summer spreading the word in the city whenever the opportunity arose but gradually awareness grew and the response was uniformly positive. Money and publicity came from many sources including a dance, two films, two concerts, various church dinners, the raffle of an Afghan rug, and presentations by two couples who had been in Afghanistan. A call went out for seldom worn jewelry to be sold at the UU Fellowship holiday bazaar. Contributions of jewelry came from many people and that raised more than $2,000. Printed inserts that people could buy to put in their Christmas cards also raised $500.

January 22, 2004, at a final celebration two speakers spoke movingly of their personal relationship with landmines, and the announcement was made that a check for $28,000 was mailed to the national Adopt-A-Minefield organization. The organization disbanded proud of their accomplishment and sobered by their realization of the enormity of the worldwide problem.

Social Concerns Committee

Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations. The Social Concerns Committee is especially charged with actions expressing this UU principle. We support and promote social action causes through fundraising, education and volunteer activities. The Committee's aim is to educate and to raise consciousness of the UUFC congregation and wider community about social and environmental problems. The Committee gives special consideration to those programs in which UUFC members are actively involved. Our lunches, newsletter articles, volunteer activities and collection baskets help to provide the means for everyone to take responsible action. Click here to see how you can contribute to the goals of the Social Concerns Committee: Social Concerns Schedule for 2007-2008

Social Justice Action Group

Peace and Social Justice The mission of the Social Justice Action Group (SJAG) of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis (UUFC) is to work for peace and social justice, seeking to apply our UU values and principles within and beyond UUFC. Learn more about the Social Justice Action Group-sponsored Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Peace Action Plan here: uufcsocialjustice.org

South Corvallis Food Bank

The South Corvallis Food Bank (formerly Tunison Food Bank) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides food boxes to low-income individuals and families of south Corvallis on a monthly basis. As an integral part of the Oregon Food Bank/Linn-Benton Food Share distribution network, we purchase food and distribute it to people in need three times a week. Nearly 200 households a month are currently using our services. For more information, go to www.southcorvallisfoodbank.org

The South Corvallis Food Bank, although no longer under the UUFC non-profit umbrella, is still supported by the UUFC in several important ways:

  • Once a year the Social Concerns Committee holds an Action Lunch for the food bank
  • The food bank is the recipient of one month's special collections at Sunday services
  • Several UUFC members volunteer at the food bank on a regular basis and serve on its board.
  • Non-perishable food items are collected in the foyer, on an ongoing basis, to be delivered to the food bank.

The South Corvallis Food Bank will gratefully accept donations of food or money. To donate, you can leave non-perishable food items in the foyer of the UUFC (baskets are provided), or you can donate money in our special collection box near the baskets. Others may send donations to:

South Corvallis Food Bank
1750 SW 3rd Street
Corvallis, OR 97333


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