Who We Are

New York Unitarian Universalist Justice - A State Advocacy Network

Our Vision

As UUs, we envision a Beloved Community that cultivates systems based in justice, equity, and compassion where all New Yorkers thrive

Our Mission

Building Justice and Power in New York together we: 

Connect Unitarian Universalists with one another and with partners who share our values

Learn from those most engaged in the struggle for justice and follow their lead

Activate collective power to advocate for a just New York

Our History

NYUUJ is the Unitarian Universalist successor to Interfaith Impact of NYS, an interdenominational organization founded in 1995. Interfaith Impact forged a record as a progressive moral voice in Albany. Today, NYUUJ lives into this legacy and functions as New York's UU state advocacy network.

NYUUJ Staff

Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt (she/her) is the Program Manager for NYUUJ. She also serves as the Co-Director of The Center for Jubilee Practice and is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Ashley obtained her Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, an MA in Theater Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. An outspoken advocate for youth ministry and social justice, Ashley has worked as a youth leader, Children, Youth and Family Pastor, and artistic and justice minister. She has participated in a variety of justice based committees and task forces in her denomination and her broader community. Ashley lives in New York City with her wife Emily, who is a UU minister.

NYUUJ Board of Directors

Rev. James Galasinski (he/him) began his ministry with UU Church of Canton, NY in 2016. He studied theology and philosophy while pursuing his undergraduate degree in jazz studies. James received a master of divinity degree from Meadville Lombard, a Unitarian Universalist theological school in Chicago, after which he served the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque as ministerial resident for two years. James enjoys playing music, biking, and hiking with his two sons, Miles and Oskar, and his wife, Ulrike.

Peggy Sherman (she/her) (Treasurer) is a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, where she has served in a variety of leadership roles, and a past board member of Interfaith Impact of New York State. She grew up in Irondequoit and returned to New York to earn an MBA at Cornell University. Before she retired, Peggy held senior level public policy and financial management positions in several New York State agencies as well as the State Assembly.

Heidi Siegfried (she/her) is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta (UUSO), the church she grew up in, and the Community Church of New York (CCNY). She serves on the Board of UUSO and has served on CCNY’s Board. She is a social worker and an attorney working part time as a Health Policy Associate for the New York Association on Independent Living. She enjoys hiking and serves on the Executive Committee of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Rev. Dr. Michael Tino (they/them) has served the Church of the Larger Fellowship as part of their Lead Ministry Team since 2020. Michael was born and raised in and around New York City, where they became an activist for justice and change at an early age. Michael has served Unitarian Universalism in numerous capacities, on UUA staff as well as on several local and national committees. From 2007-2022, Michael was the Minister of the UU Fellowship of Northern Westchester in Mount Kisco. Michael lives in Peekskill with their husband, Eric, and daughter, Nora. They enjoy gardening, cooking, and travel.

Rev. Jo VonRue (she/her) is the settled Minister at May Memorial UU Society in Syracuse, NY and a graduate of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Jo, a queer, femme, fat liberation warrior is passionate about leading an ordinary life of extraordinary love, continually working towards justice, equity, and compassion for all. Jo and her husband Isaac divide their time between NY and PA and have a sweet and equally passionate hound dog Eleanor, and a resplendent bundle of puppy love called Denali. Jo is an avid musician, PowerLifter, equestrian, quilter and outdoor enthusiast.