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.”
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.”
In addition to the core subjects covered in the program, volunteers help participants prepare for the practicalities of the naturalization process, which includes the citizenship interview. Olson and other volunteers make it a priority to offer a range of services for different language needs.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure that the program is accessible to as many people as possible, and that includes providing bilingual support in Spanish and Korean. We’re also exploring ways to expand the language offerings to include more diverse communities as we move forward,” Olson said. “Ultimately, we want to break down barriers for immigrants and make this process as seamless as possible.”
The program has grown steadily since its pilot session in the fall, with increasing numbers of participants signing up for the current session. Olson explained that future plans include expanding the program to other UU churches in Nassau County, as well as potentially extending its reach to more immigrant communities.
“We’re already discussing how we can replicate this program at our other UU congregations in the area, and we’re excited about the prospect of broadening our impact,” he said.
The congregation is also exploring ways to measure the program’s effectiveness over time, although they have yet to compile specific statistics. “We’re still in the early stages, but anecdotally, we’ve seen great results,” Olson shared. “Participants feel more confident, they’re gaining knowledge, and they’re connecting with others in their community. It’s a win-win.”
At the heart of the program is the belief that no one should feel isolated in their pursuit of citizenship. Volunteers serve as mentors, guiding participants through the sometimes-complex steps toward becoming naturalized citizens. “It’s about creating a space where people can feel supported on every level—emotionally, legally and practically,” Olson said.
As a humanistic organization, UUCSR views this initiative as part of its broader commitment to social justice, which includes not only helping immigrants but also addressing other community needs, such as affordable housing and racial justice. The church’s inclusive stance extends beyond its citizenship program, welcoming people from all religious backgrounds.
“We want to serve all people, whether they practice Unitarian Universalism or follow other spiritual traditions. Our goal is to uplift and empower people of every faith and background,” Olson said.
The UUCSR citizenship program’s efforts will continue to evolve as the congregation strengthens its outreach and impact.
As Olson emphasized, the program is a reflection of UUCSR’s broader mission: “We are a non-partisan, inclusive community and our mission is simple—to help others and share in the joy of seeing them succeed.”
For more information or to sign up for the citizenship preparation program, visit the UUCSR website (www.uucsr.org) or contact the office directly. The course is free of charge, and additional information about volunteer opportunities is also available.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock is located at 48 Shelter Rock Rd., in Manhasset.
