President's Message
My First Months It has been more than three months since I assumed the office of Division President and these have been two rewarding months. I had “big shoes” to fill, replacing Ardi Rashidi, and my hope is to do as well. We had two offices to fill immediately when I took over in January, the first – Division Secretary has been ably filled by David Tuckman who does an outstanding job in whatever UNA challenge he is given. The second office, that of Vice President – Finance fell open shortly after the first of this year when Rome Friesen resigned for personal reasons. Our new VP Finance, who will be elected at our next Board meeting on April 19, will be Barry Simon who has been very active in our Division and has been managing our Division financial instruments. Barry brings a lot of enthusiasm and new ideas to this job. Our Board will be hearing these at our next board meeting on April 19. It has also been my privilege to help represent the Division at functions where our UNA members were important participants. A number of us were at the Rotary International function to raise money for an Afgani Dental Clinic. The San Fernando Valley Chapter and YPIC were co-sponsors. I was extremely proud to be among those introduced the UNA members participating at the event and I am even prouder of the work of the San Fernando Valley Chapter and YPIC in helping co-sponsor this event. Besides myself, Jim Stanberry. Ardi Rashidi and Barry Simon were in attendance. A lot of money was raised to support the work of this clinic and the Afganis sorely need the dental health support this clinic provides. Carl Mariz,
President
Welcome to the Division WebsiteThe United Nations Association - USA (UNA-USA) is a nationwide, non-profit, 501(c)3 public benefit organization that works on educational and advocacy programs in support of international peace and justice through the United Nations system. The Southern California Division is currently comprised of 14 Chapters. Click on the items at the left for more information. Preamble to the Charter of the UNWe the peoples of the United Nations Determined Report and Photos from the 2007 Convention in NYC |
TAKE ACTION !March 2008 UPDATE IRAN ACTION FOR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVOCATES How you can make a difference with a call to action. Advocacy & Government Relations Activities Honoring Harry Hoodby Carl Mariz On February 29, along with over 50 other admirers, I participated in a dinner honoring Harry Hood, the past president of the Citrus Chapter on UNA-USA, on his retirement from active participation in his many endeavors over the years in the Riverside-San Bernardino area, including his years as president of the local UNA-USA chapter. It would take another article to list all of Harry’s accomplishments during these years. I had two reasons to attend, the first to participate in honoring Harry and represent the Southern California Division, along with Division officers Ardi Rashidi, Jim Stanberry and Rene and Tom Wilson. My attendance also served another purpose, to ascertain the potential for the Citrus Chapter which serves the San Bernardino-Riverside area. Recently, this chapter has not been as active as our Division and the UNA Council of Chapters and Divisions would have hoped. I came away from the dinner with a good feeling of encouragement that the Citrus Chapter will survive and strengthen. There is a strong core of members associated with local Model United Nations (MUN) groups – both students and teachers – who care about the local chapter. One of the MUN high school teachers, a lovely lady named Reneé Day, has agreed to accept the temporary presidency. The chapter held an oirganizational meeting on Monday, March 31 at the Riverside Library with My wife and I in attendance. An enthusiastic group of old and new members are now pledged to revitalize the Chapter and I can say with confidence the Chapter will continue to serve the “Inland Empire” and be the force in the community it has been in the past. The next chapter meeting is scheduled for May with a tentative presentation by MUN students on their experiences with MUN in Europe. Well done Harry, you deserve all of the accolades you have received!
Advocacy - Government RelationsUrgent Pick-up-the-Phone campaign to urge our legislators to support emergency funding for Iraqi refugees. Act today! Adopted 2007 ResolutionsFinal
Substantive Resolutions UN AchievementsMost people know that United Nations agencies have
contributed to the eradication of smallpox, immunized 80% of
the world's children against deadly diseases, provided food aid,
coordinated emergency relief in the face of disasters. natural
and otherwise, and helped to avert or end wars and maintain international
peace and stability. But few are aware that the United Nations How the UN Makes a DifferenceReasons why the UN makes a difference. . UN NEWS CENTRE |
as
adopted by The United Nations Association of the USA at the 2007
Biennial National Convention, February 28-March 4, 2007, at the
Roosevelt Hotel, NYC
