In this clip from Episode 5, Rev. Leslie Mills shares her story of traveling to Phoenix in 2010, getting arrested, and spending the night in Sheriff Joe Arpaio's 4th Avenue Jail. She explores the narrative arc of the events that led up to her decision to drive across the country to participate in the National Day of Non-Compliance, while drawing out the interconnected web of people that had to come together for something like this to happen.

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.

In this lively conversation, Rev. Kelli Clement shares her journey from a fundamentalist upbringing to becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister deeply engaged in social justice, particularly reproductive justice. As a bonus, she turns the tables on our host and draws out Leslie's story about traveling to Phoenix to get arrested while protesting anti-immigration legislation in 2010. From the importance of relationship to the deep human need for play, Kelli emphasizes the need for action as a response to despair and a source of resilience in the work of justice. She also highlights the role of young activists and the importance of personal connection to justice issues, advocating for a covenantal approach couched in Unitarian Universalist values.

00:00 Introduction

01:39 We've Got a Live One!

04:08 Early Influences and Understanding of Justice

06:46 The Shift to Justice in Ministry

09:20 Showing Up for Reproductive Justice Work

11:10 The Importance of Engaging in Justice Work

13:58 Leveraging Institutional Strength

16:34 Getting Involved in Justice Work as a Lay Leader

20:36 Play and Art for Spiritual Resilience

22:16 The Antidote to Despair

23:35 The Importance of Choosing to Get Involved

25:07 Grounded in Religious Naturalism

30:07 Kelli Turns the Tables

41:58 Living Within Our Limits

43:47 Healing Religious Wounds

52:48 Finding Glimmers

54:11 Waking Our Hearts

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.

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.