Published by Long island Press, Posted January 30, 2025. Christy Hinko, Journalist
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock (UUCSR) is offering a new citizenship preparation program aimed at assisting immigrants with green cards in their journey toward U.S. citizenship. The 10-week course, which focuses on U.S. history and the Constitution, began recently and continues to accept participants.
The program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the UUCSR’s Immigrant Task Force under the congregation’s social justice committee, aims to help immigrants prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam while promoting inclusivity, community support and educational access.
Rev. David Olson, the lead minister at UUCSR, emphasized the congregation’s commitment to social justice and support for immigrants.
“We see this program as part of our broader mission to serve all people, regardless of where they come from. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who want to become part of the American fabric,” Olson, a Unitarian Universalist minister for 25 years, said.
The course, which kicked off its second session in January, is open to adults who already have green cards and are ready to take the next step toward citizenship. The curriculum covers crucial subjects such as U.S. history, the Constitution and the workings of the U.S. government—all of which are key components of the citizenship exam. Volunteers, many of whom are bilingual, provide individualized support in English and additional languages, including Spanish and Korean.
Olson explained, “We want to provide a supportive, welcoming environment where participants can ask questions and feel empowered. A lot of the people who join us may face language barriers or they might be unsure where to even begin their path to citizenship. Our role is to simplify the process and build trust.”
“We see this program as part of our broader mission to serve all people, regardless of where they come from. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who want to become part of the American fabric,” Olson, a Unitarian Universalist minister for 25 years, said.
The course, which kicked off its second session in January, is open to adults who already have green cards and are ready to take the next step toward citizenship. The curriculum covers crucial subjects such as U.S. history, the Constitution and the workings of the U.S. government—all of which are key components of the citizenship exam. Volunteers, many of whom are bilingual, provide individualized support in English and additional languages, including Spanish and Korean.
Olson explained, “We want to provide a supportive, welcoming environment where participants can ask questions and feel empowered. A lot of the people who join us may face language barriers or they might be unsure where to even begin their path to citizenship. Our role is to simplify the process and build trust.”
The Immigrant Task Force at UUCSR plays a central role in reaching out to immigrants in the community. According to Olson, much of the program’s success relies on word-of-mouth outreach and personal networks.
“We want people to trust that this program is a safe space,” he said. “A lot of the outreach happens person to person, whether it’s through a community volunteer or someone who knows a social worker. These personal connections are key in ensuring that immigrants feel comfortable.”
UUCSR is committed to keeping the program non-partisan and open to individuals of all backgrounds. Olson stressed that the initiative is grounded in the values of the congregation, which believes in human dignity and justice for all.
“This is not a political effort; this is a human effort. Our aim is simply to help people who want to pursue the American dream,” he said. “We believe that all people are worthy of dignity, respect and the opportunity to flourish.” Read more…