Julica Hermann de la Fuente: Creating Our Future (Institutional Change through ARAOM Ministry)

Julica Hermann de la Fuente is a coach, educator, and healer dedicated to moving our Unitarian Universalist institutions towards social justice and liberation. This episode explores Julica's journey from being a passionate college activist through burnout, healing, and finding a more sustainable and fulfilling path forward. From the importance of institutional change, to the healing aspects of activism, Julica shares her experiences with heartbreak in the field, coping with vicarious trauma, and using education as a means of preparation for when tragedy hits. Together, we explore the intersection of faith and activism, encouraging listeners to engage in justice work as a means of personal and collective growth so we can create the future our children dream of.

00:00 Introduction

01:46 Moving to Minnesota

02:51 Being Mexican in Michigan

04:54 Social Justice Work and Evolution

06:43 Approach to Justice Work: Educator and Healer

09:23 Creating Change in Institutions

11:23 Occupying Bridges

12:38 The Art of Preparing for Change

15:34 The Momentum of Institutions

17:19 Passing the Baton

21:19 Commission on Institutional Change

24:23 Embodied Awareness and Dealing with Overwhelm

29:08 Choosing Allies and Finding Your Role

31:54 Sheet Cake

34:07 Mama Moses

37:09 Making Miracles

39:59 Gotten by Faith

42:19Unitarian Universalism's Commitment to Change

45:30 Ethics, Morality, and What is Good

46:18 Out of the Comfort Zone

47:56 Leaning into Opportunities for Engagement

Sparks of Justice is a podcast hosted by Leslie Mills with the Minnesota Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA). The first season consists of six episodes interviewing UU activists from Minnesota, exploring each person's path to getting involved in social justice, resources for overcoming heartbreak, and the rewards of being involved in movements for change.