Unitarian Universalist EcoSocialist Network (UUESN) Podcast

Minnesota is shutting it down! In this solidarity statement released on Friday, January 23, UUESN sides with immigrant communities and organizers calling for a general strike style action: no work, no school, no shopping. As ICE storms Minneapolis in an occupation like surge, clergy and faith leaders are mobilizing across traditions to watch, document, and resist the violence of deportation. We reject neutrality, affirm the movement’s demands, and proclaim what our faith requires in a time of repression: solidarity, refusal, and organized working class power! Solidarity forever!!

Today’s episode is a short one but I think this document offers an important framework for approaching the political work we have before us today. As the United Snakes is lit up by our dictator in chief, millions of people are being radicalized and brought into the movement for revolutionary social change through working class power. Many are wondering, but what exactly are we supposed to do to meet the moment? So, I’ve drafted a short Marxist-Leninist approach that we hold as our theory of change at UUESN. It’s titled:  What the hell are we supposed to do now? A short vision of what is to be done from the Unitarian Universalist EcoSocialist Network 

In this episode from the UU Ecosocialist Network, we explore why socialism is not only compatible with Unitarian Universalist values, but a faithful extension of them. Riding the wave of recent victories like Zohran Mamdani’s election in New York, the episode examines how socialism offers a tangible path to realizing justice, equity, and interdependence in our lifetimes. Drawing on UU theology, early Christian communal practices, labor history, and contemporary eco-socialist initiatives, the podcast unpacks socialism as the democratic organization of the economy for the common good, confronts common myths about human nature and freedom, and highlights the importance of organization, strategy, and solidarity. Ultimately, it is a call to action: to transform our faith into revolutionary practice, building a Beloved Community grounded in dignity, care, and love.Follow us to stay in touch and help build ecosocialism:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠tinyurl.com/UUESN⁠⁠⁠Reach out for more info: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of our ecosocialist podcast, we expose the deep ties between militarism, imperialism, and ecological destruction. Titled "War Is Not Green," this episode challenges the illusion that war and environmentalism can ever coexist—especially as U.S. and Israeli military campaigns escalate across the globe.Grounded in a Leninist framework and infused with Unitarian Universalist values of justice and interconnectedness, we explore how war serves capitalist interests at the expense of people and the planet. We dig into hard science and current events, including the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Iran and Gaza, revealing the environmental devastation—from oil fires to water contamination—that accompanies every missile strike.We uplift Palestinian and Iranian voices, challenge the greenwashing of war, and reject false solutions like "eco-friendly bombs" or "sustainable militaries." Instead, we call for international solidarity, divestment from weapons manufacturers, and revolutionary transformation that puts life before profit.This episode is both a lament and a call to action: faith communities, climate activists, and anti-imperialists must unite to stop the war machine—not just for peace, but for planetary survival.Follow us to stay in touch and help build ecosocialism:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠tinyurl.com/UUESN⁠⁠Reach out for more info: ⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode, we dive deep into the radical roots—and revolutionary potential—of Unitarian Universalism by reclaiming the "Universal" in our tradition. What does it mean to believe in a faith that affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person, not just spiritually but politically, economically, and socially? We explore Universalism not as a vague ethic of inclusivity, but as a bold demand for universal social policy: healthcare, housing, education, safety, and liberation—for all.Drawing from the legacies of Universalist preachers, socialist theologians, and contemporary movements for justice, we ask: How can UU communities move from charity to solidarity, from symbolic welcome to systemic change?💡 Whether you're a lifelong UU, a curious leftist, or someone seeking a liberatory spiritual practice, this conversation is an invitation to imagine what faith looks like when it refuses to leave anyone behind.Follow us to stay in touch and help build ecosocialism:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠tinyurl.com/UUESN⁠Reach out for more info: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode we look to the recent "Hands Off” protests—a wave of actions across the country demanding Trump’s administration get their hands off key aspects of our liberal republic (with the glaring absence of anything about Palestine). So here’s are some of the main questions we’re exploring today:What does it mean to show up in solidarity at a protest that’s not revolutionary? And how do we, as socialists and spiritual people, find alignment - possibly even provide leadership - in liberal movements?”How do we act in solidarity while also staying grounded in our revolutionary politics? And what lessons can we bring back to our congregations, our climate work, and our movement spaces?Follow us to stay in touch and help build ecosocialism:Instagram: ⁠⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠⁠Website: tinyurl.com/UUESNReach out for more info: [email protected]

Today we’re talking about the complete and utter failure that Capitalism as an economic and social system is. We discuss the dire need for a new system, well, that is, if you hope for our species and other non-human life to not only survive but thrive we will absolutely need a socialist system run by and for workers. Follow our socials to stay in touch: Instagram: ⁠⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠⁠Reach out for more info: [email protected]

In this episode we look to the failures of movementism, or what I've called "Whack-A-Mole Resistance", and why organized revolutionary communist struggle is the best pathway to collective liberation capable of taking on capitalism. We have nothing to lose but our chains! Stay faithful. Follow us to stay in touch and help build ecosocialism:Instagram: ⁠⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠⁠Website: tinyurl.com/UUESNReach out for more info: [email protected]

In this next episode we discuss the radical history of our UU faith tradition by looking to our ancestors who inspire our work today building the socialist world we know is absolutely necessary. Dare to struggle! Dare to win!Follow us to stay in touch and help build ecosocialism:Instagram: ⁠⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠⁠Website: tinyurl.com/UUESNReach out for more info: [email protected]

In this episode we explore the ecological necessity of socialism in the face of climate catastrophe. We also look at the ways the Biden/Harris administration has obliterated the world by producing more oil than any country ever in human history and through the genocide of Palestinians. Follow our socials to stay in touch: Instagram: ⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠Facebook: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠Website: tinyurl.com/UUESNReach out for more info: [email protected]

In our first episode we introduce the project through our five Points of Unity.Only socialism can solve the climate crisis.Climate change is a class struggle; the capitalist class is driving ecological catastrophe.Reforms under capitalism will not achieve an ecosocialist future - we need a revolution.Western imperialism attempts to divide us, but we must combat this with global cooperation.We accept nothing less than a full transformation of society for the complete liberation of all people and the planet. Follow our socials to stay in touch:Instagram: ⁠@UUEcoSocialistNetwork⁠Facebook: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Av0Cc2⁠Website: tinyurl.com/UUESNReach out for more info: [email protected]