UUCJ has been actively involved in ICARE (Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment) for over two decades. This direct-action organization in Jacksonville identifies problems of injustice, researches doable solutions, demands action from appropriate leaders and monitors subsequent actions. UUCJ is a Pacesetter in ICARE through its high participation in the Annual Nehemiah Action Assembly, the research committees, and in personal investments.

ICARE has achieved numerous successes, including the implementation of Juvenile Civil Citations, which hold young people accountable for minor offenses without leaving them with an arrest record. However, ICARE continues to address several pressing issues, such as:

• Criminal and Justice Reform by issuing Civil Citations for adults with minor infractions,
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) enhancement in the JSO to improve interaction of police and the mentally ill,
  Violence Reduction and
• Care for Creation to mitigate flooding problems.

Joining the efforts to make a positive change in our community is easy. Attend one of the small-group listening sessions held each fall to start working towards a better future. The sessions are led by the ICARE Team, which consists of Lois Hoeft, Brian Lapinski, Meg Rohal, and Terry Doland. You can also become a Justice Ministry Network (JMN) member and contribute by researching a problem and encouraging others to join us at the Nehemiah Assembly in the spring. With over 1000 attendees from 38 congregations the positive energy is inspiring! City leaders who can implement solutions know they will be supported. ICARE tackles systemic problems of injustice. Life is improved for many people in Jacksonville. UUCJ knows that when supporting ICARE “Great things happen”!