One of the effects of choosing first Hestia in 2006 and then Brigid in 2007 as our community's annual patron has been a revitalization of the Social Justice Committee. In addition to everyday environmental activism and awareness, and the weekly donations we collect for Harvesters Food Bank, we've taken on several short-term projects:

• Imbolc - Beltane 2007: We collected donations for Hope House, a local domestic violence shelter, including (at their request!) pagan reading materials for the women who receive services there.
• Beltane - Lammas 2007: Then we gathered blankets, peanut butter, and other supplies for Wayside Waifs, a locally-operated humane society and pet shelter. We wrapped up this project with an outing by both our kids and adults to play with, feed, and otherwise spend time with the dogs, cats, and other animals spending time at the shelter while waiting for adoption.
• Lammas - Samhain 2007: Several of our community's members are or have been active-duty military personnel, and many have either served overseas or have family or friends that have done so. To that end and because of the controversy over the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs lack of recognition for the pentacle (since resolved), we got in contact with severan neopagan soldiers currently serving overseas and sent them care packages, including food, reading material, and other general necessities, but also in some cases ritual supplies and other specific requests. This may be a reoccurring project, as it was a big hit both with the congregation and the soldiers!
• Samhain - Yule 2007: Then we turned back to something a little closer to home: one of Gaia Community's members works with Jackson County's Court-Appointed Special Advocates, and wanted have the community sponsor some of the kids in that program as a sort of "Secret Santa". Wish lists were collected from two families and distributed to community members, who were able to fill almost all of the requests, taking almost two car loads!
• Yule 2007 - Imbolc 2008: We then partnered with Heifer International to provide sheep (in honor of Brigid and Imbolc, of course) to hungry families. You can still assist with this project by visiting our Team Heifer donation page; we raised enough for six whole sheep during the donation drive!
• Imbolc - Earth Day 2008: For the spring, we challenged you to act not with your pocketbook but with your hands; we collected records of what people were doing to help the environment on paper leaves on a recycled 'tree' in the foyer of Sunday rituals.
• Beltane - Lammas 2008: Our current project involves information and hands-on experience with local food growers, both organic and traditional, and ways to improve both the healthiness and the ecological footprint of what you eat.
• Lammas - Samhain 2008: Our next project will revisit our partnership with Heifer International, providing "Llamas for Lammas". More details soon!
• Fall Equinox - Samhain 2008: What's next? If you have ideas, please drop us a line, or join our Committee Meetings, held at Andrew's apartment, 11132 W. 76th Terr. #34 in Shawnee KS.