A Message from Rev. Tony

Dear UU Meriden Families, 

This new year has started with a lot of very difficult news.  The killing of Renee Good has been especially disarming as the level of pretense behind the administration’s immigration enforcement collapses and it’s more evident daily that we are dealing with ICE emerging as a secret police force operating without guardrails, without due process, and without regard for human life.  

It’s been disorienting and talking about it is not easy with other adults, never mind children.  I want to share with you resources for parenting and talking with children related to dealing with Renee Good’s killing, ICE’s tactics, and in general other traumatic events. 

If you need to talk to someone please reach out and let me know. Other members of our pastoral care team are available to just talk as well.  We all need brave spaces right now, both adults and children. 

The trauma in Minneapolis and other places where ICE is aggressively active have scared us, but the community response in these places has shown us the way to respond – with love, with strength, with community care, looking out for each other, protecting each other, and as our own mission at UU Meriden says, practicing loving community.  

In immigrant communities the phrase We Keep Us Safe reminds us that it’s our job to take care of each other.  In Latino communities the phrase Solo el Puebo Salva al Pueblo reminds us that Only the People Save the People.  We are here for you at UU Meriden. We are here for each other. 

With Love, 

Rev. Tony 

Advice from Lauren Wyeth, a Unitarian Universalist Religious Educator in Minneapolis 

Unitarian Universalist Association resources page “Hate, Violence, and Trauma: Supporting Families, Children, Youth, and Congregations”  

 “What to Say to Kids About ICE” from The Children’s Network PDF download 

“Talking with Children about Difficult Things in the News” PDF download from the Fred Rogers Institute

Article on Talking with Children about Violence in the News: Guidance for Parents and Caregivers from Defending the Early Years

Image with guidelines for talking about traumatic events to children at different developmental levels and story about “Ice in our Neighborhood” for 3-5 year olds. 

Talking with Children about Difficult Things in the news PDF from the Fred Rogers Institute 

“Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators” from website of   National Association of School Psychologists  

What to Do when the News Scares You – activity book