The society supports selected charitable and service organizations each Sunday through sharing the morning collection. In its first year of operation this project donated over $10,000 to these organizations and major emergency relief efforts. The Ethical Action Committee selects the recipients and provides information about them to the Society.

NoVES supports two volunteers in this HIV/AIDS Service Corps in Africa. These trained volunteers conduct house-to-house HIV/AIDS education sessions, as well as doing voluntary testing, counseling, and condom distribution in communities far from health facilities. They also present simple theatrical productions that educate audiences about HIV prevention and caring for people with AIDS.

Each December the Ethical Action Committee collects money from Society members and friends for gifts for a family in Arlington County’s Secret Santa project. We purchase clothing, household items, toys, books, and grocery coupons for a designated family in need. We wrap the presents in holiday paper and take them to a social service center, which serves as a pickup point for the family. In a season of material abundance for us, it is gratifying to be able to share.

The Ethical Action Committee encourages NoVES to reach out to the homeless men, women, and children in Northern Virginia. NoVES members support several local shelters through Sunday morning collections of clothing, food, and hygiene items.

We collect non-perishable food on the Sunday before Thanksgiving and scarves, hats, gloves, and socks at our Winter Festival, usually the Sunday before Christmas.

Our efforts for UNICEF represent the concern of NoVES for the welfare of children worldwide. The NoVES Sunday School participates in the UNICEF Trick or Treat campaign in October. The children come in costume on the Sunday before Halloween and collect change and bills from the members at the end of the platform.

The Ethical Action Committee encourages our members to write to their elected representatives and others on important issues. From time to time we set up a letter-writing table after Sunday morning platforms to encourage members and guests to convey their concerns. The committee provides paper, postage, sample letters, and background information on pertinent issues. We also invite members to add ideas and issues for the table.