BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct-Action) is a coalition of 26 congregations, representing over 16,000 people in Fayette County and Lexington, as of 2025.

The work of BUILD has seen numerous successes in 20+ years of justice work. From securing drug treatment programs for incarcerated women, to restorative justice practices in our schools, to need exchange programs, to the affordable housing ordinance in Lexington — this work has transformed thousands of lives in our city!

The UU Church of Lexington became one of BUILDs first interfaith partners in recent history when we joined in 2021. Since then, we’ve served in a variety of leadership roles and show up to BUILD events with strong numbers each year.

The BUILD Process

The BUILD process begins with house meetings where attendees share powerful personal stories about the problems they or their loved ones face. From these collected stories, problem areas are identified and voted on by the member congregations of BUILD. Once a problem area is selected, a research process kicks off which includes meetings with stakeholders, city council, local organizations, officials from cities with similar problems, traditional research, and so much more.

Local congregations hold network meetings to update their members on research and issue progress, but to also prepare the congregation to show up with strong numbers for the big events of the year. First, a rally is held to energize and prepare the gathered people. Then, the Nehemiah Action takes place. Named for the biblical story of Nehemiah, the Nehemiah Action gathers together as many people as possible — because we recognize our true power rests in building relationships and showing up — to seek justice in Lexington. Elected officials and those with the power to make changes are invited and asked to commit to research-backed, proven, and achievable solutions for our city. After ever Nehemiah Action, a celebration is held to honor our successes, invest our resources, and prepare for the next year.

Each congregation is organized into Team Members, who help our Justice Ministry move along and regularly update the congregation, and Network Members, who commit to showing up to the major BUILD events every year.

Most importantly, we ask that members and friends of UUCL, whether they are Network Members or not, come to the Nehemiah Action every year! Invite your friends, family, teachers, hair stylists, strangers, anyone! Bring your book club, yoga class, soccer team, out-of-town visitors, and others! It is our people power that has won success after success!

Meet our BUILD Team Members

BUILD Team Members at UUCL are there to help you find your place in our Justice Ministry. They will keep you updated, explain the process, and ensure you have a way to participate in this important work. Find them on Sunday morning, look for the Build Ribbon on their name tags, or reach out.

[Section under construction, check back in mid-February 2025!]