(415) 776-4580
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FORUM
FORUM PURPOSE STATEMENT
The forum brings together Unitarian Universalists of San Francisco and fellow citizens to gain a deeper understanding of the issues of our time and to hear powerful presentations that both inform and inspire.
Forum with Katia Padilla from The Latino Task Force
Sunday, February 8, 9:30 am, TSK Room and on Zoom.
A light breakfast will be available beginning at 9:00 am.
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This talk will explore how community-led organizing, mutual aid, and policy advocacy intersect to create real, lasting change. Drawing from her work with the Latino Task Force, Mission Language & Vocational School, and community-based initiatives across San Francisco, Katia Padilla will share what it looks like when communities most impacted by systemic inequities lead solutions rooted in care, dignity, and collective power.
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Participants will hear stories from the ground, lessons learned during moments of crisis and resilience, and reflections on how joy, culture, and solidarity are not just values, but strategies for survival and transformation. The conversation will invite attendees to reflect on their own role in building communities where no one is left behind.
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Katia Padilla is a Latina, first-generation business owner, community organizer, and nonprofit leader based in San Francisco. She is the founder of Katia’s Consulting and currently serves as COO of Policy, Equitable & Strategic Partnerships for the Latino Task Force and Mission Language & Vocational School, as well as CFO and operations manager of Jim’s Restaurant, a legacy community business and workforce training site. Katia’s work centers on community-led solutions, workforce development, immigrant justice, and economic empowerment. She is deeply rooted in the Mission District and believes that care, culture, and collective action are essential tools for building more just and resilient systems.
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You can phone in at +1 669 444 9171. Meeting ID: 925 3161 1695 Passcode: 639553
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Email us at forum@uusf.org or humanrights@uusf.org
Forum with Bismah Jaffer: Can Liberation
Be Lawful: Dismantling The House
Sunday, February 15, 9:30 am, TSK Room and on Zoom.
A light breakfast will be available beginning at 9:00 am.
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This talk will discuss:
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How attorneys, bound by the laws, can be used effectively in the goals of liberation of those same laws.
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Providing examples to show how attorneys can be used in movements against ICE or for Palestinian liberation, etc.
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Explaining the impact these issues are having on Muslim communities in the Bay Area and what's being done.
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Bismah Jaffer was born and raised in the Bay Area and is now pursuing her dream of being of service to the marginalized communities here. She graduated from SJSU in Political Science and a minor in Human Rights. Then she went straight to UCSF Law (then Hastings). From there, she worked as an attorney for small business owners in the Bay Area post-COVID economy at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. And now she’s thrilled to use and develop her legal skills to assist the communities that trust CAIR SFBA to fight for their rights.
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You can phone in at +1 669 444 9171. Meeting ID: 930 1492 3303 Passcode: 288555
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Email us at forum@uusf.org or humanrights@uusf.org
Forum with David Paul: Imperial Aggression Against Venezuela
Sunday, February 22, 9:30 am, TSK Room and on Zoom.
A light breakfast will be available beginning at 9:00 am.
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On January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces bombed Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, and abducted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This illegal and unprovoked act of war against a sovereign nation marks a dangerous escalation in U.S. policy. It also undermines the international systems developed since World War II to prevent war and protect human rights. The U.S. continues to enforce a military blockade on Venezuela, and has “struck a deal” to manage and improve Venezuela’s oil industry. President Trump also announced that the U.S. will “run the country” until some undefined transition takes place. While these stated intentions proliferate, the U.S. can be viewed as in active conflict with Venezuela. This situation also raises the prospect of military action against other countries such as Cuba, including restricting oil being sent to Cuba, on which it relies for economic stability.
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David Paul is a longtime peace and solidarity activist who has traveled often to Venezuela to observe elections and support community projects. He is a founding member of the Venezuela Solidarity Network and serves on the Board of the Task Force on the Americas. He is also a member of the Bay Area Cuba Solidarity Network and recently returned from visits to both Venezuela and Cuba.
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This presentation is much anticipated as we try to unravel this very dangerous situation in our Western Hemisphere. Join us for a lively discussion and Q&A session on this issue!
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You can phone in at +1 669 444 9171. Meeting ID: 923 8508 6681 Passcode: 667249
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Email us at forum@uusf.org or humanrights@uusf.org
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Ideas?
To suggest speakers, please fill out the form below. Your input is crucial for creating a diverse and engaging program for members and guests. We value your ideas for future presentations. Questions? Email forum@uusf.org