United Church of Christ

Contents:

1. UCC and Reproductive Justice

2. Op-Ed Tips and Guidelines

3. Legislative Toolkit

4. Action Alerts

5. Responding to Challenging Conversations

6. Social Media Messaging

7. Graphics

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UCC and Reproductive Justice

The United Church of Christ has supported reproductive justice issues since the 1960s. Here is a compilation of statements and General Synod resolutions on freedom of choice, family planning, and reproductive health. The United Church of Christ General Synod has, over the past 40 years, affirmed an individual’s agency to follow their personal religious and moral convictions in consultation with their family and medical care team about whether to complete or terminate a pregnancy. It has also lifted up the importance of ensuring full access to the full range of reproductive health care services regardless of economic circumstances

As a human rights issue, reproductive justice promotes the rights of people to bear children they want to have, to not bear children, to raise the children they do have in safe and healthy environments, and express their sexuality without oppression.

UCC responses to the SCOTUS decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade and taking away our right to abortion:

• UCC leader speaks out on leaked court draft that would strike down Roe v. Wade
• D.C. policy advocate: Continue the fight for reproductive justice
• ‘We will stand with you in protest’: National officers speak out after SC overturns Roe v. Wade

Op-Ed Tips and Guidelines

Op-Ed’s are opinion pieces that are effective in impacting people around a particular issue or topic. Knowing the basics of an op-ed will help you to have your piece published. All newspapers have guidelines for submitting an op-ed, which can usually easily be found on their website or with a Google search. Typically around 500 to 700 words, an op-ed piece should be timely and should be exclusive (meaning you only submit to ONE paper at a time). 

A general guideline for op-ed format is to include an introduction that includes an opening and hook as well as your thesis for the piece, a body section that lays out your key points backing your opinion, a “some may say” section acknowledging the opposing viewpoint, and a closing section with the big picture and a call to action.

For examples, check out The Washington Post’s Best Op-Ed’s of 2020.

Legislative Toolkit

Kentucky State Toolkit

Missouri State Toolkit

Oklahoma State Toolkit

Texas State Toolkit

Wisconsin State Toolkit

Don’t see your state? Check on the status of laws in your state using this tool from Center for Reproductive Rights

Action Alerts

• Fight for Reproductive Justice and Abortion Access - Act Now
• Take Action to Support Maternal Health – Act Now

Responding to Challenging Conversations 

In the United Church of Christ we are free to believe and act in accordance with our perception of God’s will for our lives. We are called to live in a loving, covenantal relationship with one another, but it can feel challenging at times when the issue in question is so emotionally charged. Within the UCC we may experience a range of opinions and emotions related to reproductive justice. 

In using the messaging offered in this toolkit, you may find the need for tools to engage in challenging conversation with those who feel differently. Here we offer a list of tips for engaging in such conversations while caring for self and others in the process: 

• These conversations can be triggering for many of us. Take a deep breath before you speak, remove yourself for a moment if necessary, hum a song to yourself, think of a place or person that makes you feel safe, try a quick meditation. We can better respond when we feel calm and safe.

• Ask questions, AND listen to the answers. Often a differing view is tied to some fear, emotion or value. Ask about it, you may be surprised to hear that you share some of the underlying values or concerns.

• Share why your belief is grounded in your faith. “I support a person’s right to bodily autonomy because my faith teaches me that…” 

• Reference the long standing history of the UCC’s support for reproductive justice (since the 1960’s). Here is a compilation of statements and General Synod resolutions on freedom of choice, family planning and reproductive health.

• Finally, you have the option to not engage. If you are being harmed by the interaction, remove yourself in a way that maintains your safety.

Social Media Messaging

Now, more than ever, we are facing nationwide attacks on reproductive healthcare access on both the state and federal level. Through social media, we have the opportunity to educate about these harmful waves of legislation, to lift up the voices of those that are not being centered in the conversation, and to assist others with the sharing of resources. Please use our sample social media for your own accounts or use these prompts to write your own posts!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and tag us in your posts!

These Identity Standards provide the guidelines for proper use of the various United Church of Christ (UCC) visual identity elements recently refined to provide a refreshed, updated and consistent look to the UCC Brand. These Identity Standards include a comprehensive identity system including logo and crest usage, typefaces, color palettes, photography use, correspondence guidelines and templates for Conferences and Churches to use when using both their logos/names and the United Church of Christ logo/name.

These standards have the endorsement of the General Minister and President; oversight for proper use is the responsibility of the Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity & Communication (OPTIC).

Proper and consistent use of the United Church of Christ logos, crest, and marks will enable the UCC to achieve clarity, accuracy and efficiency in all print and digital communications and better position the UCC brand while better aligning throughout its organizational and operational structure – from the National Setting offices in Cleveland to Conferences, Churches and other UCC-affiliated entities.

United Church of Christ Logos, Crest, and Mission Marks

Our logos, crest and mission marks are the most visible and recognizable elements in our identity. The new UCC logo features an updated typeface as well as a modified “ICON” which is known as the “God is Still Speaking Comma”; various alternative UCC marks are also approved for use. The “God is Still Speaking Comma” symbol continues the foundation build by just the comma in the “Still Speaking” campaign. The traditional UCC “crest” has been slightly modified to better align with the refreshed UCC logo identity. Finally, new mission marks have been developed to bring consistency to the work of the Church and, consistency that better aligns this work with the United Church of Christ.

United Church of Christ Logo

The United Church of Christ logo is the most visible and recognizable element of our identity. Our logo includes a version with and without the tagline “A Just World for All.” The logo consists of three colors: black, UCC dark blue, and UCC light blue.

Full-Color Logo Usage

The full-color logo may only be used on either a white background or on a neutral background.

Rainbow Logo Color Versions

The rainbow logo provides an approved alternative logo of the United Church of Christ. Use this full-color version for diversity and inclusion communications.

When printing restrictions do not permit use of the logo in color, use a one-color logo on a white or neutral background or the white logo reversed out of black.

One-Color Versions

Whenever possible, use a the full-color version on a white or neutral background. When printing restrictions do not permit use of the full colors, use the black one-color logo on a white or neutral background or the white logo reversed out of black.

One-Color Logo Usage

The examples shown represent the backgrounds allowed for the one-color logo.

Black logo on white background
Black logo on neutral background or paper stock
Black logo on UCC logo light blue background
White logo reversed out of black background
White logo reversed out of logo dark blue background

Using the God is Still Speaking Comma Alone

The God is Still Speaking Comma may be used without the “United Church of Christ” logo in place of the full logo in certain situations. The God is Still Speaking Comma should only be used in all black or in the rainbow option and never be used as a pattern, or in combination with another symbol to create a new logo. On collateral pieces, the God is Still Speaking Comma may be used alone with “A Just World for All” and “UCC.org” as long as “United Church of Christ” logo appears elsewhere on the piece as the complete logo. If you have questions about whether your application is acceptable, please contact OPTIC.

Area of Isolation & Sizing

The legibility and distinction of the United Church of Christ logo is very important. To ensure that the logo is highly visible, always separate it from its surroundings. The area of isolation, or clear space, surrounding the logo should equal the height of the “U” in the “United Church of Christ” Do not allow any other graphic element to penetrate this area of isolation.

There is a minimum size for reproducing the United Church of Christ logos. This ensures that our logos remain legible in every usage. Never reproduce the logo smaller than the minimum size. These minimum sizes apply to all UCC logos, both for print and online usage.

The United Church of Christ logo must appear at 1.5" wide or larger. The United Church of Christ Just World For All logo must appear at 2" wide or larger.

Incorrect Usage

Do not use part of the logo, such as “United Church” without “of Christ.”
Do not angle or rotate the logo.
Do not use the logo as a pattern.
Do not stretch, distort or alter the logo in any way.
Do not use a different typeface in the logo.
Do not use the United Church of Christ logotype without the symbol.

UCC Crest

Since its beginning, the United Church of Christ “crest” has been a recognized symbol for the Church. This symbol has been refreshed to better align with the updated brand identity for the UCC. INSIDE a church, the UCC “crest” symbol can be used in isolation; outside a church, the UCC “crest” should always be used with an approved United Church of Christ logo.

UCC Mission Marks

Use of approved UCC Mission Logos is permissible. The primary Mission Logo use should include the UCC logo. The secondary Mission Logo use can be without the UCC logo; however, the UCC logo must be included elsewhere.

Printed and Digital Color Guide

PRIMARY COLORS:

The primary colors for the United Church of Christ are:

UCC dark blue

PANTONE (PMS): 641

RGB: 0 103 160

HEX/HTML: #007ea9

CMYK: 86 41 19 1

UCC light blue

PANTONE (PMS): 7457

RGB: 187 221 230

HEX/HTML: #c0e1ed

CMYK: 23 2 4 0

Black

RGB: 0 0 0

HEX/HTML: #000000

CMYK: 0 0 0 100

SECONDARY COLORS:

The secondary colors complement the primary colors and may be used only as such. They should be used in support of the primary colors, not overpower them.

Red

PANTONE (PMS): 485C

RGB: 218 41 28

HEX/HTML: #DA291C

CMYK: 0 95 100 0

Yellow

PANTONE (PMS): 1235

RGB: 255 184 28

HEX/HTML: #FFB81C

CMYK: 0 31 98 0

Purple

PANTONE (PMS): 2593

RGB: 132 50 155

HEX/HTML: #84329B

CMYK: 66 92 0 0

Green

PANTONE (PMS): 368

RGB: 120 190 32

HEX/HTML: #79a848

CMYK: 59 15 95 1

Gray

PANTONE (PMS): Cool Gray 9

RGB: 117 120 123

HEX/HTML: #75787B

CMYK: 30 22 17 57

Always reproduce these colors using the formulas specified in this guide. Do not use the standard software translation values when converting PMS colors to CYMK or RGB. Always reproduce the primary colors at 100%; do not screen.

Typography/Fonts

Headline: Gill Sans Bold

Tagline: Gill Sans Regular

Body copy: Trebuchet MS Regular

Photography

Photography is a powerful tool to support the UCC story. However, image use is critical as that they must align with the visual and voice of the United Church of Christ.

Photography may be used in full-color, duotones or as black and white images. All photography used should be of high-resolution quality. Photography may come from various resources including original photography taken by a member of your organization/church; from online stock image providers; or, the National Setting of the United Church of Christ’s OPTIC Office can help source needed photography. Regardless, original photography taken must include Photo Release Forms that must be signed by any person(s) included in a photo; any stock photography must be properly secured and paid for by your organization/church; the National Setting of the UCC is NOT RESPONSIBLE for payment of stock images/photography. A license must be secured from the owner of the copyright to the photograph prior to use. Do not download, copy, or embed photographs from any website or search engine without copyright permission.

Co-Branding for Conference and Churches

Aligning the United Church of Christ with your Conference/Church, both entities become stronger. The UCC National Setting understands the importance, and power, of your local identity. Your local identity (name, logos, ICON) should always be the PRIMARY identity in any co-branded communications with the United Church of Christ. The United Church of Christ should be used as a secondary brand.

When co-branding your organization with the United Church of Christ, please refer to the following design guidelines:

Co-Branding Guidelines with NO EXISTING United Church of Christ Identity

When there is NO reference to the United Church of Christ brand included, include the UCC God is Still Speaking Comma and name as a secondary logo to your organizations’ logo, placed below with “United Church” justified right to the right end of your organization’s name.

The UCC logos are the registered trademarks of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ. The General Synod and Three Great Loves logos are the trademarks of the National Setting of the United Church of Christ. The files on this page may be downloaded and used by Local Churches, Associations, and Conferences of the United Church of Christ for use in their own social media, print publications, and websites. All other uses without permission are prohibited. The National Setting of the United Church of Christ reserves all rights, including the exclusive right to prohibit any usage it deems inconsistent with the purpose, mission, and vision of the United Church of Christ.

Our Faith Our Vote 2022 Toolkit

Thank you for amplifying Our Faith Our Vote, the United Church of Christ’s Campaign to encourage People of Faith to engage in elections. Our Faith Our Vote is made up of three components: issue education, voter mobilization, and vote empowerment. With your help, we can encourage others to get educated on the issues important to us, get registered, and get out to vote! 

“For people of faith, the public arena we know as “politics” represents much more than the partisan politicking we see on the news. It is a means by which we live out the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves,”

-Rev. Traci Blackmon, Associate General Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for The United Church of Christ

ourfaithourvote.org | #OurFaithOurVote

Contents

Quick Links

Ways to Amplify

Sample Tweets

Sample Facebook Posts

Graphics

Voter Registration Resources

Celebrate Voting

Share this Toolkit

Quick Links

Our Faith Our Vote Website

Raise your Voice, a message from Rev. Traci Blackmon

Why I Vote, a message from Rev. John Dorhauer

2020 Issue Education Page

Check your Registration Status! 

Get Registered through our Civic Action Center

Our Faith Our Vote Worship Resources

Take Action on Specific Issues in Our Civic Action Center

Suppressed Screening, a UCC Webinar with Commentary from DC Staff! 

Ways to Amplify

• Follow the UCC Public Policy Office on Facebook (@JusticeAndWitnessMinistries) and Twitter (@justice_ucc)
• Follow the United Church of Christ on Facebook (@UnitedChurchOfChrist) Twitter (@UnitedChurch) and Instagram (@UnitedChurchOfChrist)
• Share our posts, and use the hashtag #OurFaithOurVote
• Use slides in your Zoom worship to encourage members to check out Our Faith Our Vote - Download Below!
• Share the Civic Action Center with family and friends to make sure all are registered! 
• Post a photo holding this template, and share why YOU vote! Make sure to use the hashtag #TheUCCVotes OR #UCCVotamos OR send your photo to quinnj@ucc.org. 

Share

Send this link to friends, family, those in your congregation, let's get everyone ready for November!

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Join Global Ministries for a 5K for climate justice! 

The theme for the Mission Dash 5K is climate justice. Creation care efforts by international partners evolve with each natural disaster and shift in weather patterns. Partners cope with the negative impacts of climate change by protecting and nurturing the natural world, preserving resources, and seeking to ensure food security.

You are encouraged to walk, roll, run, jog, or spiritually sprint wherever you are! You may choose to do the 5K with neighbors, friends, family, church, or on your own. The cost is $25 per person, and each registrant will receive a collapsible water bottle and magnet.

Throughout the 5K month of August, there will be opportunities to participate in advocacy actions in solidarity with international partners. Part of the registration fee will also support the work of international partners in their climate justice efforts and additional fundraising opportunities are available.

Registrants may do the 5K anytime between August 1 and August 31, 2022.

Make plans to join us today!

REGISTER

Learn more about the current Global Ministries projects addressing climate change

Browse a collection of global resources for engagement on addressing climate change

United Church of Christ Leaders Support Justice for Trans and Nonbinary People

As people of faith, we must hold fast to God's command to love our neighbors. Trans and nonbinary people are continually under attack by legislatures across the country (and world), and it is our responsibility as people of faith to raise our voices in support of safety, justice, and equity for trans and nonbinary people everywhere.

Hear from UCC leaders across the country. Uplift the messages of love and justice for trans and nonbinary people by sharing these videos on social media or in church worship or educational settings. Add your voice and support for this important issue of faith by recording your own testimonial video to share with your networks.

View and download all videos:

(coming soon!)