2002 UNANCA Annual Report (click titles below)
Message
from the President
Andrew E. Rice
UNA-NCA is a very lively organization, and nothing makes this clearer than the accounts in this annual report of the many activities in which we've been engaged in the past year. I hope you will peruse this report in which each of our committees and task forces tells what it has been doing. It's an impressive panorama.All of these activities depend on the volunteer contributions of time and talent by many dozens of individual members. Their leadership, their expertise, and their commitment are the lifeblood of the organization. But at the heart of all that goes on is our professional staff. They keep the blood moving! Our Executive Director, George Garland, has been a tower of strength, and he has been ably assisted by Osita Iroku and, more recently, Michael Dumlao, as well as by a splendid (and ever-changing) set of student interns.Overseeing all our activities has been a deeply engaged Board of Directors and its active Executive Committee. They too deserve the thanks of all of us.
Executive
Director's Report
George Garland
UNA-NCA has strengthened its ability to work for a more effective relationship between the United States and the United Nations in several ways over the past year. Culminating a careful study of space needs by Administrative VP Don Grubbs, we moved to larger space at 1808 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 101, in August of 2001. This has provided space for meetings of a newly constituted Executive Committee which was streamlined in our new Bylaws adopted in our June 2001 Annual Meeting. The National Council of La Raza has generously let us use their spacious and well equipped conference room for Board meetings, as well as for our April 2002 Strategic Plan Retreat. The Strategic Plan, presented at our June 2002 Annual Meeting, represents several new directions, including establishment of VP's for Communications and Education. The Strategic Plan also calls for membership growth, strengthening UNA-NCA finances, and more attention to task force and committee activities through new program guidelines. We have a new copier which promises greater flexibility in producing the UN Vision and support materials without increased costs. In May we added a full time Manager of Membership Services, Michael Dumlao, who has already redesigned our web site. Osita Iroku, who created our web site, edited UN Vision, introduced "UN Express," and helped with UNA-NCA's media activities, still assists the chapter as a volunteer. The office also has been assisted by interns from American University, the Washington Center, and other institutions over the past year. Barbara Schaaf continues to pay bills and make deposits every week for UNA-NCA's checkbook that always balances to the penny! UNA-NCA sponsored a bus trip for Members Day at the UN and is working toward more attention to the UN's birthday locally. We have continued our relationships with the Council of Organizations, local UN Representatives, the Washington Working Group on the International Criminal Court, and the Internationalism Working Group (INTWG).
Treasurer's Report
Allen Beach
For the fiscal year which ended December 31, 2001:
UNA-NCA's operating receipts totaled $125,504.02 from the following sources:
- Membership $9,715.00
- Programs $12,543.00
- Contributions $39,873.11
- Rent $16,910.00
- Auction $8,326.00
- Projects $10,978.72
- Perdita Huston Fund $2,820.00
- Endowment $21,858.00
- Other $2,481.89
and operating expenses totaled $121,339.81, including:
- Salary and wages $58,229.49
- Administrative $31,380.49
- Programs $17,968.22
- Projects $4,221.59
- Condominium $7,180.26
- Other $2,359.76
Operating funds on hand increased from $22,415.26 at the beginning of 2001 to $26,579.47 at the end of 2001. The value of UNA-NCA's Endowment fund on December 31, 2001 was $351,112.81, reflecting a paper loss during 2001 of $42,519.09. In addition to the above operating expenses, we sent $15,650 to UNA-USA's Adopt-A-Minefield program, reflecting funds collected in the years 2000 and 2001. We held $1,400 in condo deposit and $4,477.72 in minefield funds at the end of 2001.
Vice Presidents' Reports
Administration (Finance Commitee)
Don Grubbs
The Finance Committee prepared the proposed budget for 2002 and presented it to the Board, which adopted the budget. When improved income indicated that it would be possible to employ a fulltime Manager of Membership Services, the Finance Committee prepared a modified budget for 2002, which the Board adopted. The committee filed a copy of the budget with UNA-USA.The Finance Committee also arranged for the annual audit by Snyder CohnCollyer Hamilton & Associates P.C., which generously provides auditing services on a pro bono basis, and it provided copies of the audited report to the Board. Copies are also available to any member.
Government Relations (Advocacy Committee)
David Scotton
The Advocacy Committee met seven times during the year to discuss positions on United Nations issues, plan activities, and share information about legislation and State Department actions. Also, members of the committee met three times as members of the UNA-USA Advocacy Subcommittee to develop an Advocacy Agenda Issues in 2002. The UNA-USA Board of Directors approved the following agenda issues:
- United Nationa Response to International Terrorism
- United States Financing of the United Nations System
- United States Contributions to United Nations Voluntary Programs
- International Criminal Court and Other International Tribunals
- United States Reentry into UNESCO
- United States Ratification of Human Rights Treaties
- Improving U.N. Peacekeeping Preparedness and Performance
- United States Role in Promoting Sustainable Development
- Monitoring of Arms Control Issues
- Initiatives to Improve Global Health
- Renovation of United Nations Headquarters
- Promoting Education Programs in Support of Global Interdepenence
The committee co-sponsored Legislative briefings, the most recent in May 2002, where Assistant Secretary General Julia Taft discusses the UN role in Afganistan. Members of the committee met with various Members of Congress and their Staffs as well as meetings with Department of State leaders.Three members of the committee attended the UNA-USA CCD annual meeting in New York where Advocacy was the conference theme. The committee met with the Strategic Planning Task Force and participated in the April Retreat, where a new Advocacy and Communication Plan was developed. The committee lost one member and added four new members during the year.
Development Report
Markley Roberts
Our sincere thanks to all who made donations this past year to UNA-NCA. In addition to dues income, generous contributions from UNA-NCA members and friends to our operating fund and Endowment Fund provide the financial lifeblood to maintain and expand our many activities in support of the United Nations. The 2001 End-of Year Campaign brought us more than $29,000 and the 2002 Anniversary Appeal brought in more than $7,000 at last report. The successful End-of-Year Campaign was the result of a combination of efforts-personal letters by President Andy Rice to the general membership, the Board of Directors, and the Advisory Council, and a special thank-you
dinner give by Ed Elmendorf for major contributors. The Anniversary Appeal by Andy Rice suggested a $49 gift to celebrate the 49th anniversary of UNA-NCA, and this encouraged a substantial number of our members to raise their contributions. Gifts to the Endowment Fund and sales at our annual auction gave needed help to UNA-NCA. The Development Committee also initiated a series of notices in our UN Vision newsletter to encourage gift annuities and other forms of planned giving to UNA-NCA.
Thanks again. We need your help.
I continued research and writing on issues of Globalization. In addition, I took an active part in the Peace and Task Force study and report on the Root Causes of Terrorism and participated in its presentation.
Efforts focused on the new Strategic Plan and Board Retreat along with A. Edward Elmendorf, incoming Vice President for Development and a co-author of the previous plan, and Eduardo Cusicnqui board member and chair of the Latin America Task Force. Three major programs were the Annual Meeting, the UN Global Community Day, and the Annual Community Human Rights luncheon, planned primarily by staff and appropriate committees. Other programs were to take advantage of special opportunities for special speakers,including a program to honor Perdita Huston, author of Families As We Are, a UNA-NCA board member who died in December and who had been a Peace Corps official. Others are reported inter alia by the Sustainable Development Committee.
Area Chair's Reports
D.C. Area
Nicholas (Colin) Newlin, Chair
and Janet Burmester, Vice Chair
The D.C. Area Chair continued to convene, through its second year, a lecture series in the District entitled "Lunch & Learn." The luncheons are the primary programmatic contribution made to the UN Association by the DC Area committee members and they provide a regular venue for activity-based participation on the part of the general membership and guests. Three luncheons were hosted at Thai Chef restaurant near Dupont Circle between August of 2001 and April of 2002. On August 9th, Lunch & Learn's second year kicked off with an outstanding presentation by David M. Lampton, Director of China Studies at The Nixon Center and professor at the School for Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Entitled "China and America: Taking the Long View but Effectively Managing Ties in the Short Run," Mr. Lampton discussed how then-recent developments in China-U.S. relations threatened to further undermine an already delicate relationship. On October 10th, hot on the heels of her testimony before Congress, Amy E. Smithson, a Senior Associate at the Henry L. Stimson Center, provided an informative and refreshing discussion of "The Terrorist Threat: An Assessment of the Problem and the U.S. Response." This session, held in co-sponsorship with the UNA Council on Organizations, also included a presentation by UNA-NCA President Andrew Rice of the UNA-USA position paper on the 9-11 attacks. In April, the Lunch & Learn program hosted its first active journalist, Elaine Sciolino of the New York Times. Ms. Sciolino spoke on the subject of "Iran: Perceptions and Misconceptions" and provided an updated perspective from her award- winning book, Persian Mirrors: The Elusive Face of Iran.
Over the past year, the Lunch & Learn program has continued to feature distinguished speakers of various backgrounds and disciplines, drawing a healthy attendance of between 40 and 60 members and guests. Several new members have been recruited through these activities and the program has reached a large audience through the UNA-NCA and Young Professionals email distribution lists and its inclusion on the program calendars of many other international organizations based in Washington. Lunch & Learn remains a financially self-sustaining program and will continue into its third year with a planned World Bank hosted session addressing the UN Summit on
Sustainable Development in August of 2002.
The D.C. Area Vice Chair, in her first year in this position, carried on the work of her predecessor, Sheila Keeny, to maintain an ongoing association with the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia. The League of Women Voters hosts many functions and programs that fit well with the work of the UNA-NCA and this relationship carries benefit to each.
Maryland Area
Chair, Leo Edwards, Chair
Mignon M. B. Davis, Vice Chair
The Chair, working with a committee, has featured a regular contribution to UNA-NCA's diplomatic program which includes a Saturday afternoon gathering in a garden, with superb food, fun, and conversation with UN supporters and several UN Ambassadors from around the world.This time the main event is pending, postponed because of 9/11, and extra demands upon the diplomatic community. It is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th and will again be hosted by Ambassador Curtis Ward, Jamaican Ambassador
to the UN and Ms. Ward at their residence, 3704 Mystic Court, Olney, Maryland from 3 to 7 PM. Speakers will address: "The United Nations: International Perspectives." All are invited and acceptances should be RSVP'd by June 24, 2002, by calling 301-949-4249. Part of the committee work led by Vice Chair Mignon Davis has involved work with the membership committee and various task forces with the view to expanding awareness of UNA-NCA in Maryland.
Virginia Area
Emily Carnes, Chair
Pete Brintnall, Vice Chair
Virginia Area leaders began new plans and deliberations for the purpose of helping UNA members in Virginia become more engaged and have more of a sense of community. Past area leaders have held programs in the Arlington County library, once with the World Federalists, or in a restaurant.
Many Virginians participate in UNA-wide events, committees, or task forces and Area Chairs hope to perpetuate and increase this participation.A Virginia "lunch and learn" program took place in April in an Arlington restaurant. Dr. Markley Roberts, UNA-NCA Vice President for Development and member of the Speakers Bureau spoke on the United Nations and Afghanistan, and discussion followed. Now neighborhood meetings are being considered. Luncheon programs or meetings will be held near a subway stop and sometimes near Washington where many Virginians work. After the annual meeting, Virginia area leaders will look for people to help the new UNA-NCA strategic plan. A possibility is a reception in which new members in Virginia will be welcomed by some longtime members, or some board members, with a program related to the United Nations a part of the event. Virginia Area leaders welcome ideas about programs and locations. They can be sent to us through the UNA-NCA office.
Committee Reports
UNA-NCA sent $15,650 to UNA-USA's Adopt-A-Minefield program to clear a minefield in Ressano-Garcia, Mozambique. Schools, churches, and NGO's who had helped raise the money were recognized at UN Global Community Day where Ken Rutherford, co-founder of the Minefield Survivor's Network, was a speaker and gave out our certificates of appreciation. The AAM Committee met with Dr. Xirinda of Mozambique's de-mining program and emphasized the importance of accountability for results. The AAM Committee is supporting Adopt-A-Minefield activities of area schools and churches and plans to support de-mining teams in Afghanistan with funds raised. UNA-NCA currently has on hand about $6,000 for de-mining. UNA-NCA thanked Pete Brintnall, first chair of the committee, for his leadership and welcomed new chair, Art Johnson.
Adopt-A-Minefield Awardees on UN Global Community Day
Schools and students-
- Georgetown Day, Greg Golding,
- Holton Arms, Nidhi Bouri, Shilpa Jindia, Hanna Stewart, and Dasha Vinogradsky
- Madeira, Anita Butani, Sofia Khifji, Alefiyah Shambhoora, Katie Earnest,
Michelle Grappo, Melinda Delis, Sikandra Christian, Nazy Ghassemian, Merin
Frank, Cesi deQuesada, Elizabeth Black, Zoe Pastorfield Li, Ashlie Butler,
Kelly Turner, Lindsay Passaic, Divya Mehra, Kelly Booz, Kassy Long, Ali
Manshiem, Camden Burton, Mahira Jafri, Haley Cook, Shivangi Avasthi, Toby
Morgan, Lindsay Moore, Caitlin Elmore, GioGio De Weever, Cri Cri Richards,
Tara Morley
Organizations-
- American Federation of Teachers
- The Crafts Center
- General Federation of Women's Clubs
- Health Volunteers Overseas
- The Institute for the Study of Genocide
- Maryknoll Fathers
- The United Black Fund
Religious Institutions-
- All Souls Church, Unitarian
- Unitarian Univ. Church of Annapolis
- Unitarian Univ. Church of Arlington
- Bull Run Unitarian Universalists
- Cedar Lane Unitarian Univ. Church
- Unitarian Univ. Cong. of Columbia
- Davies Memorial Unitarian Univ. Church
- Unitarian Univ. Congregation of Fairfax
- Unitarian Univ. Fellowship of Frederick
- Mount Vernon Unitarian Church
- Paint Branch Unitarian Univ. Church
- River Road Unitarian Church
- Unitarian Univ. Church of Silver Spring
- Unitarian Univ. Fellowship of S. MD
- Unitarian Universalists of Sterling
- Sugarloaf Cong. of Unitarian Univ.
- Westmoreland Congregational Church
Africa and the Middle East Osita N. Iroku
From May 27th to 31st 2002 represented the UNAUSA Global Health Initiative with a comprehensive presentation for the Global Health Conference which included (a) a VHS video presentation on the national work of the UNAUSA and its Global Health Initiative; (b) an animated powerpoint presentation on the health-related programs of the UNANCA, particularly the ALIVE program; (c) a powerpoint presentation on the goals and objectives of the UNANCA; (d) VHS videos on the healthcare crisis in Africa.
In January 2002, developed and published on the web a comparative study on the rate of HIV incidence and prevalence on college campuses in Africa and the National Capital Area, as a foundation for the continued development and administration of the UNANCA ALIVE program.
In February 2002, developed and published on the web the Manual for Informal HIV/AIDS Counseling of African Secondary School Students by African Teachers.
On Saturday, February 23rd, 2002, hosted a seminar/workshop entitled "Tools for Teachers at the Frontline of the War Against HIV/AIDS" to better equip participants to deal with their home governments, school administrators, colleagues, students and parents of students, in furthering HIV-prevention campaigns in their schools. The program was attended by African teachers visiting from Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda.
On Monday, February 25th, 2002, co-sponsored a tour of the National Institute of Health HIV Vaccine Research Center and co-hosted a discussion group on "US Government Efforts in the Global War Against HIV/AIDS."
On Wednesday, February 27th, 2002, at a reception held by the United Negro College Fund, recognized visiting teachers from Africa for their outstanding efforts towards the global war against HIV/AIDS with certificates of achievement.
On April 15th, 2002, co-produced with Tom Gause, two 30-minute TV shows dealing with the Global War Against HIV/AIDS and US Public opinion respectively; which included guests from Africare, PACT, UNA, UNFPA, the Dept of State, and the US Dept of Education.
During the afternoon of February 12th, 2002, co-produced with the Public Relations Task Force a 30 minute television talk-show on "The Post September 11th Role of the United Nations;" which was hosted by Tom Gause and featured a panel of three speakers, including Dr. Clovis Maksoud of American University, Andrew Rice of UNANCA, and Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies.
Developed proposals for the expansion of the African Affairs Scholarship program to include AIDS orphans as recipients.
Developed proposals for the expansion of the ALIVE program to include the use and distribution of TV shows in spreading the 'better health practices' message across Africa.
Task Force to Promote Cultures of Peace
John McDonald and Carole Hall
The Task Force to Promote Cultures of Peace was founded in November 2000 to reaffirm the UNA's efforts to strengthen the UN's critical role in the promotion of cultures of peace worldwide. It seeks to promote cultures of peace by helping to educate the public on the culture of peace concept and by building a comprehensive network of peace-builders. It plans to sponsor youth-focused events, community activities, media programs and panels/seminars to coincide with UNESCO's Decade for a Culture of Peace (2001-2010).The Task Force is currently working on the creation of a new "Cultures of Peace Merit Badge" for the Boy Scouts of America. It is designing the new badge and drafting a booklet describing the criteria for earning it, with the assistance of a Scoutmaster and Boy Scouts from local Troop 1548. The proposed badge was recently promoted at the May 11th Scouting Jamboree on the Mall. The Task Force hopes to present the new merit badge for approval by the Boy Scouts' National Council this fall. Once approved, the Task Force will create a similar Cultures of Peace Merit Badge for the Girl Scouts of America. The Task Force is also developing a pilot program to support the Hague Appeal for Peace's Global Campaign for Peace Education. In this regard, the Task Force plans to promote peace education for youth by developing and implementing peace curricula in local K-12 schools. The Task Force welcomes new members from both UNA-NCA and the Young Professionals group. For more information, please contact David Gallup (phone: 202-638-2662).
D.C. Justice Cleveland Sparrow
The D.C. Justice Committee followed up on its April 10 meeting with the Deputy Director of the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights regarding full voting rights for citizens of the District of Columbia. The D.C. Justice Committee has been working with the D.C. government to have a Mayoral Proclamation, UN flags on Pennsylvania Avenue, and an event at Freedom Plaza for the UN's birthday on October 24. This popular observance would supplement UNA-NCA's traditional UN Global Community Day program on October 26, 2002.
Anthony Hogan has been working closely with about 20 National Capital Area Model UN Programs. As a result of our strategic plan effort, UNA-NCA has established a VP for Education. Program initiatives will include working with area schools, universities, NGOs, corporations, and labor organizations.
Florence Pepper Schott Endowment Walter Beach
In 2002, two significant changes to the Endowment statement of Purposes and Guidelines were approved by the Board. First, the Endowment Fund was named the UNA-NCA Florence Pepper Schott Endowment Fund in honor of Mrs. Schott's long service to the Chapter, including service as President and Executive Director, and to recognize her important work in developing, leading and enhancing the Endowment Fund as Co-chair. The Fund Board was expanded as well from six to nine members. with staggered terms of three years. Three ex-officio members, the President, Treasurer and Executive Director of UNA-NCA, were authorized to join as members. The Fund invested its resouces in 2001 in Domini Social Investments, a well performing mutual fund with investment guidelines consistant with the UNA-NCA's social responsibility guidelines. The Fund continues to support its placement of funds with Domini. As of the end of the last fiscal year, December 2001, the Endowment had a value of $351,012.81. The Fund expects to have long term growth from enhanced value and further contributions which are generously given by members and friends. Under its approved formula, the Fund makes an annual allocation to the Chapter's operating budget of $21,858. The current members of the committee are: co-chairs Walter E. Beach and Florence Pepper Schott, Jack Corbett, Kathleen Bell, Allen Beach, Edison Dick, Ed Elmendorf, Evelyn Falkowski, Don Grubbs, George Garland, David Popper, and Andrew E. Rice.
International Organization Fellows Program Pierre Sales
The Program continues to be managed by the same triumvirate consisting of Chandler von Shrader, William Mansfield and Pierre Sales. Their responsibilities have remained unchanged, respectively: NGOs; UN Agencies and the Environment; World Bank, International Financial Corporation, Organization of American States and Program Coordinator. George Washington University continues to provide space and administrative support, particularly in allowing us the facilities to conduct our Seminars and other meetings. Members of UNA-NCA, including John McDonald, Jerry Glenn, and Bill Mansfield, have consistently received high marks from our students for their lectures.
The Program, however, has had a disappointing year in terms of the number of graduate students that have applied and been accepted in our Program-six in the first session and seven in the second session. In readiness for the Fall 2002 session, the author contacted the key universities to advocate our Program. As a result, we will be doubling the number of students over the previous term. A new feature was incorporated in the Program during the second session: an arrangement with the World Bank for the students to attend a lecture at the Bank. Since the lecture hall accommodates 400, we arranged hurriedly with GWU to contact nearby universities to invite students to attend. The final count was 350. The World Bank has agreed to accommodate us this fall on a subject that we will recommend.
UN
Global Community Day 2001 Richard Rowson
Over 200 people attended UN Global Community Day, held on October 27, 2001 at the John Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. The UNA-NCA has held this celebratory event, marking the anniversary of the founding of the UN, for the last ten years. This year's day-long event explored several themes, "The Terrorist Challenge to Global Democracy," "The Challenges of Global AIDS," and "The Challenges of Global Warming." During the morning, a panel discussion moderated by the day's chair, Dick Rowson, included many experts in these fields. Ambassador Robert Hunter, a former ambassador to NATO, Chair of the Council of the Community of Democracies, and Senior Advisor at the RAND Corporation, spoke about longterm challenges to democracy of terrorism, and the UN's role in combating this worldwide problem. Dr. Nancy Kete, Director of the Climate, Energy and Pollution Program at the World Resources Institute expressed optimism about new hydrogen-based technologies being developed to replace fast-depleteing carbon-based resources. David Brooks Arnold, Senior Advisor to the International AIDS Trust recalled his years of service in the Red Cross developing strategies for combatting the world HIV/AIDS crisis. The afternoon's speaker was Ken Rutherford, co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network. A victim himself of a landmine explosion, he spoke movingly about the need to support UNA's Adopt-A-Minefield Project and rem inded the audience that the world is yet occupied with 80 million landmines. Blue ribbon certificates were presented to local organizations and schools for activities supporting the UN and Adopt-A-Minefield project.
Global Community Day Awardees
- American Association of University Women Educational Foundation
- American Bar Association
- American Council for the United Nations University
- The American Family Coalition
- American Society for Public Administration
- Campaign for UN Reform (CUNR)
- The Federal Republic of Germany
- The Global Task Force of the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
- International Intellectual Property Institute
- League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia
- Prince George's County Public School System and Prince George's County
- Quota International, Inc.'s We Share Foundation
- Soka Gakkai International- USA
- S. Sparrow Music Ministries
- United Way International and Citigroup Inc.
- World Federalist Association of the National Capital Area
- World Federalist Association (USA)
- The World Sindhi Institute
Human Rights Task Force John Salzburg and Luke Lee
The Task Force arranged for a presentation in October by Ambassador Richard Murphy, senior fellow for the Middle East at the Council on Foreign Relations and assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs from 1983 to 1989. Ambassador Murphy, who had written a comprehensive article on Middle East issues in the International Herald Tribune on August 15, 2002, said both Clinton and Bush have acknowledged there must be a two state solution.
Luke Lee concentrated on international law principals pertaining to internally displaced persons, participating in international conferences, authoring several articles and urging support for a UN Convention on Internally Displaced Persons.
John Salzburg led months of work for the annual Community Human Rights Day luncheon. Human Rights Day 2001 celebrated the 53rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, at the Cannon Building's Caucus Room on Capitol Hill on December 10, 2001.
Co-recipients of the Association's Louis B. Sohn Award, Congressman Tom Lantos and his wife, Annette Lantos, along with 24 area honorees and an audience of over 250, watched UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan deliver his speech, recorded earlier that day in Stockholm, Sweden, accepting the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to him and the United Nations. The presentation appeared on a large screen behind the speakers podium and the Secretary-General challenged UN member states "to put individual rights ahead of outdated notions of sovereignty."
Following Kofi Annan's remarks, Congressman Lantos issued a ringing condemnation of international terrorism and the violation of fundamental human rights it represented, and was equally forthcoming in his endorsement of the current war against terrorism led by the United States. Annette Lantos spoke movingly of human rights violated during another war, WWII, and how she and thousands of other Hungarian Jews were saved from the Holocaust by the courageous and timely intervention of Swedish diplomat, Raoul Wallenberg (noting that Kofi Annan is married to Wallenberg's niece).
The point her listeners took away from Annette Lantos's remarks clearly was that one individual can make a difference-indeed, as her husband (co-founder of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus), she (the Executive Director of the Caucus) and the citizen leaders nominated by their organizations for outstanding contributions to human rights, have done and are doing, every day.
International Law Task Force Maury Waters
International Law Task Force proposes to address the following in the coming year: The changes in the concept of sovereignty since 1918; an awareness that the concept of sovereignty is not static, and the obligations of states to comply with changes based on convention and custom; restrictions on the use of force under I.L.-the role of the UNSC vs. unilateral action of states re: the use of force when attacks occur against citizens and/or territory of states regardless of the source, the use of force from outside a state when gross violations of a human rights nature occur by states or groups within a state; international restrictions regarding the treatment of the environment by states or organizations pursuing economic ends; and the use of international criminal courts, ad hoc vs permanent; the potential gains and losses of either.
Latin American Affairs Eduardo Cusicnqui
In the forthcoming fiscal year, the UNA-NCA, Committee on Latin American Affairs hopes to increase membership participation, hold regular meetings and review several challenging issues before the United Nations as they pertain to the Western Hemisphere. The areas of interest will include: 1) healthcare & the HIV/AIDS Pandemic, 2) drug control & crime prevention, 3) development, evolution of democracy & human rights, 4) hemispheric trade and social development. The committee is currently undergoing a transition with its chair, and is in the process of recruiting strong candidates.
Tom Gause arranged, hosted, and moderated 35 TV programs in 2001. His wife, Sue Gause was co-producer and writer. Programs were on subjects such as understanding and preventing genocide, crises in the environment, loss of bio-diversity, increase in abortions in Africa due to cut-off of funds for family planning, U. S. withdrawal from test ban treaty, and the Kyoto protocol.
Programs appear in Northern Virginia on Channel 10: Mondays at 9:30 a.m., Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 10 p.m. In the District of Collumbia they appear on Channel 5 on Sundays at 3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9 p.m.Examples include:
- January, "Two Civilizations, Europe and U.S." with Sascha Mueller
Kraenner, Heinrich Boell Institute; Robert Herbst, former Assistant Secretary, Department of Interior for Fish and Wildlife
- February "UNANCA's Human Rights Day with Hon. John Porter (R-10-IL)".
" State of the World 2001" with Ashley Mattoon, Lisa Mastny, researchers, World Watch Institute, authors, Chapters 4, "Deciphering Amphibian Declines" and 9, "Controlling International Crime"; and Bob Herbst, Chair, U.S. Central and Eastern
European Environmental Foundation.
World of the Great Apes: Sally Jewell Coxe, President, Bonobo Conservation Initiative; Heather Eves, Coordinator, Bushmeat Crisis Task Force;, Katie
Frohardt, Program Task Director, Africana Wildlife Foundation.
- March "International Workers' Rights": Tony Freeman, Washington Director, International Labor Organization; Tim Beaty, deputy director, International Affairs,
AFL-CIO; Amy Isaacs, National Director, Americans for Democratic Action.
"Child Labor" and "What are we doing about Child Labor" with Linda Golodner, President, National Consumers' League;Pharis Harvey, Director, International Labor Rights Fund; and Tony Freeman, head, Washington office, ILO of the UN.
"Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe--its role in capacity building, developing civil society,sustainable development" with Jernej
Stritih and Tony Popovski, outgoing and incoming executive directors; and Bob Herbst, U.S. representative on REC Board.
- June: "The History of the Developmental Crisis in Africa": Pierre Sales, author, From Ancient Afriquah to Modern Africa; Osita Iroku, co--chair, Africa Affairs Committee, UNANCA; Anthony Onugu, expert on Nigeria.
" The Future of U.S.-China Relattions": Jack Pearce, attorney; Haipei Shue, president, Council on U.S.-China Affairs; David Hampton, author, Same Bed, Different Dreams, Managing U.S.-China Relations, 1989-2000; Ambassador
Jonathan Dean, advisor, Union Concerned Scientists.
"A New Perespective of the HIV/AIDS Crisis in Africa" with Dawn Calabia, Acting Head of the UN Information Center; Osita Iroku; Regina Crown, former Deputy Asst. Secy. of State.
Membership Committee Mary Louise Becker
UNA/NCA continues to retain its position as the largest UNA Unit nation-wide with over 1300 members. A major initiative is the organization of membersip lists of organization with similar interests from which to draw prospective members. These lists as well as those of attendees at the Human Rights luncheon, UN Community Day, and a variety of other sources identified prospective members who were sent letters of invitation and newsletters. Newsletters also welcomed and listed new members. Lapsed members were systematically contacted and invited to renew. As a reminder, the membership expiration date is now shown on the mailing label. Other initiatives include outreach to students, teachers, Young Professionals, and Model UN participants. Complimentary memberships went to members of the International Fellows Program. Members were also encouraged to give membersips as gifts for friends and relatives. Other vehicles for membership recruitment include the UNA/NCA website and cable TV programs. Committee members include Mignon Davis, Evelyn Falkowski, Andrea Gruhl, Anthony Hogan, Elizabeth Latham, and Markley Roberts. The committee hopes to support Area Chairs in arranging receptions in which new members are welcomed and meet other members.
Task Force on Peace and Security Tim Barner, Chair
In the summer of 2001 the Task Force continued study of evolving U.S. strategic policy during this Bush Administration and the diminishing use of multilateral institutions for disarmament and arms control.
We monitored the fate of the unratified Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and congressional debates on funding the study and development of a Mini-nuke -- a small nuclear weapon that might be linked to resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons tests.
We proposed UNA-NCA Board action to oppose U.S. rejection of the ABM .Treaty with Russia and U.S. deployment of a National Missile Defense. The Task Force planned to hold a fall program on the U.S.-China strategic relationship and its impact on U.S.-North Korean negotiations in the context of a presumed North Korean missile test.
In September 2001 the Task Force changed its focus to respond to the threat of continuing terrorist actions after September 11, the U.S. response to terrorism and the impact on global security. The Task Force conducted a four month study on fighting an effective war on terrorism that examined the background and motivation of the Al Qaeda network and recommended U.S. policies that would have a preventive effect on future terrorism and strengthen international action against terrorism. A special Task Force meeting with Board participation featured Dr. Jerrold Post, a George Washington University psychiatrist and expert on the psychology of terrorism.
The final report on “Fighting Effective War Against Terrorism” was presented to the UNA-NCA Board in March 2002 by Amb. Jonathan Dean and Ann McDonnell. The board endorsed the Task Force request to promote further dialogue on the recommendations by sending the report to UNA-U.S.A national and chapter leaders and UNA-NCA members.
In April and May the Task Force continued study of U.S. arms control policies. At the May Board meeting we presented two papers. “Further Comments Regarding the U.S. War on Terrorism” assessed U.S. policies and the alternatives for strengthening international responses. “Bush Administration Nuclear and National Security Policies: Some Critical Concerns” raises questions about U.S. international security policy after news and leaked information about this major review of U.S. nuclear weapons policy. The Task Force requested that both papers be sent to UNA national and chapter leaders to further discussion of these issues.
The 2001-2002 work of the Task Force involved a core of approximately 15 members of UNA-NCA.
Perdita Huston Human Rights Fund John Salzberg
Perdita Huston Human Rights Fund UNA-NCA agreed to establish the Perdita Huston Human Rights Fund on December 5, 2001. The purpose of the fund is to continue Perdita's work in empowering Third World women and giving them a voice. The first event was held May 2, 2002 on the anniversary of Perdita's birth. Thoraya Obaid, Director of UNFPA, spoke about Perdita and her work. The fund has received over $20,000 in contributions to date.
Speakers Bureau Report Peggy Ann David
Requests for speakers are usually slow during the winter and summer months. Here are the activities for the year 2001. Ambassador Jonathan Dean (past president) and Dr. George Garland (Executive Director) participated in an inaugural meeting of UNA at Shepherdstown, West Virginia in November 2001. Dr. Garland also spoke at the Elderhostel. Dr Andrew Rice and Ambassador Lyman spoke at the National Women's Democratic Club. Dr. Andrew Rice also addresses the League of Women Voters and the Torch Club. Dr. Markeley Roberts made three appearances at Goodwin House in December 2001. Ambassador Dean also spoke twice at Goodwin House in May and October of 2001. He also spoke at the Cedar Lake Unitarian Church (Adopt a minefield) June 2001, the World Bank Women's Peace Conference in February of 2001 and Hood College, Frederick MD in May 2001. O C Oiroku addressed various UN model groups and also was a dinner speaker at the Esparanza Society in Washington DC. Speakers covered a variety of topics and disseminated information on current UN specific issues, for example, - Peace and Security, Peacekeeping, Conflict resolution, Women and Peace, Economic Development, UNA charter matters, UN model groups, and so on.
Our speakers this year were all members of our UNA/NCA board and quite conversant with various fields. Some have had long tenures and careers with the US Government, the Private Sector, and the diplomatic corp. especially at the Ambassadorial rank, in university teaching and administration, and in international organizations, especially the United Nations. They are committed, dedicated and are always warmly received by institutions that are interested in the work of the UN in general and the UNA in particular. Informal feedback has been excellent and some requests have been made for some sort of program as opposed to a one-time address.
I would like to take this opportunity as outgoing Chair of the Speakers Bureau to thank all the members of the UNA/NCA board who contributed to our program for the last year. Special thanks to Ambassador Dean for continued support and for responding to last minute requests and suggestions for speakers. I would also like to thank our not- so-new Executive Director Dr. George Garland and the tireless Mrs. Evelyn Falkowski for always being there when needed
In order to strengthen and expand the program, thought should be given toward expanding membership of the Board by a few more international scholars to participate. This is particularly important since Kofi Annan and the work of the United Nations have now taken center stage in human security and international development arenas.
Sustainable Development Task Force Gloria Scott, and Page Wilson
Environment, Economic Development, and Population Issues are under this Task Force and now the UNA Global Health Initiative has been added.
This year we had a roundtable discussion on Rio Plus 10, co-sponsored by the Section on International Law and Practice of the ABA. Some 70 participants noted progress and problems, looking at emerging issues and advocacy needed and the upcoming conference in Johannesburg.
We honored at a reception, Joan Maartin Brown, UNA/NCA Advisory Council member. During a distinguished career with the State Department, the UN, and the World Bank from which she has now retired, she made significant contributions to promoting sustainable development, and
progress in population, women's issues, and human rights. Co-sponsored by the UN Foundation, the event had over 100 guests from UNA and the development community. Joan's good work will continue with her support for our work. The task
force will collaborate more with other committees and attempt to secure more co-sponsors for events. It will publicize more through the UN Vision and other media.Two programs, possibly brown bag lunches, are planned. One is on the UN's Madrid International Plan on Ageing. The other, following up the Second Summit on Children and Youth, will inform on four areas:
reproductive health care, violence, education, and human rights. The International Year of Fresh Water is 2003. We hope to address that, and after discussions with the Executive Director, compost and its crucial role in agriculture.
The past year has seen a doubling of our listserve to over 1,200 email addresses. The quality of events that we are putting on is also increasing thanks to the restructuring we went through last year. Questions and comments can be addressed to ypg@unanca.org
YPIC Leadership:
- Chair-Elizabeth Latham
- Africa Committee Director-Kendra Park
- Culture of Peace Committee Director-Erin Pietrowski
- Human Rights/International Law Committee Director-Fabrice Pierre
- Peace and Security Committee Director-Lori Cloutier
- Public/Private Partnerships-Elizabeth Sobel
- Sustainable Development-Tim Ryan
Events over the past 12 months:
April 23, 2002-Successful Public-Private Partnerships: Private Sector Perspectives
Part two of our three part series on Successful Public-Private Partnerships featuring:
Keith Fulton; Vice President, Corporate Relations and Executive Director, AOL TW Foundation, AOL Time Warner; Gerry Matthews; Advisor, Group and International Relations, Shell Oil Company; and Charles Jones; Chief Program Officer, Washington, DC Partnership Office, Fannie Mae. Cosponsored with the World Bank Institute.April 5, 2002-Taste of China
Chinese tea tasting and light refreshments at Teasism with talk by John Foarde, Deputy Staff Director of the Congressional Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China co-sponsored by Georgetown University Alumni AssociationMarch 18, 2002-Careers in Human Rights
Featuring Stefanie Frease, Special Projects Manager at the Coalition for International Justice; Chuck Holmes, Foreign Editor for Cox Newspapers; and Adotei Akwei with Amnesty International USA.March 5, 2002-Successful Public-Private Partnerships: NGO Perspectives
Moderated by Casper Sonesson--Head of Business Partnerships Division, UN Development Programme and Featuring: Cynthia R. Bunton--Special Advisor, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights & Labor, US Department of State. Ms. Bunton implemented the partnership between The State Department and the Recording Industry Association of America; Constance Kane--Vice President, Corporate Community Engagement, PACT. Ms. Kane headed the partnership between Microsoft and Pact -Indonesia; Nancy Taggart--Project Officer, Academy for Educational Development (AED). Ms. Taggart manages AED's Support for Gender Strategies Project, a program supported by Cisco Systems.February 5, 2002-Taste of Belgium
The first in our "Taste of" series featuring the Mr. Luc Devolder, Minister-Counselor Economic Affairs at the Belgian Embassy, light hors d'eouvres courtesy of the Belgian Embassy, and chocolate tasting courtesy of Godiva Chocolatier in GeorgetownJanuary 28, 2002-Careers in Peace and Security
Featuring Javed Ali, Senior Policy Analyst at Research Planning, Inc. and Bioterrorism Analyst with CNN, Marie-Anne Martin, UN Department of Peackeeping Operations (UNDPKO), Yuki Tatsumi, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)December 10, 2001-Happy Hour at Café Citron
To Celebrate Human Rights Day, Benefit UNA's Adopt-A-Minefield project, and defray costs of Phillips Collection eventNovember 6, 2001-Ambassador Stelzer on the UN's Terrorism Prevention Efforts
Ambassador Thomas Stelzer currently serves as the Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN (Vienna), IAEA, UNIDO and CTBTO PrepCom.
October 27, 2001-UN Global Community Day Reception at the Phillips Collection
Approximately 100 individuals came together to celebrate the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize and the 56th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations with smooth sounds of the Jazz Barristers, hors d'oeuvres, and cocktails in the elegant Phillips Collection galleries www.phillipscollection.org.October 10, 2001-Happy Hour at Rumors
September 25, 2001-Public-Private Partnerships in the New Millennium
Public-private partnerships are the building blocks to sustainable international development. Participants tried to answer questions including: What are public-private partnerships? What is corporate social responsibility? What is fair trade? How do these issues relate to our professional careers and personal lives?September 20, 2001-US-UN Relations: Past, Present, and Future
A discussion cosponsored with The Linden Circle of Meridian International Center featuring William B. Wood, Acting Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs and Robert C. Orr, Senior Fellow-Center for Strategic and International Studies and Former Deputy to the US Ambassador to the UNAugust 6, 2001-Identifying a Nexus for Cooperation Between NGO's and Security Forces in Peacekeeping Operations
A discussion cosponsored with the Council on Emerging National Security Affairs (CENSA) [www.censa.net] and Moderated by Chantal de Jonge Oudraat, http://www.ceip.org/files/about/Staff.asp?r=25 and featuring
Colonel Mike Dziedzic, http://www.ndu.edu/inss/staff/INSS_Bios.html#dziedzic
Len Hawley, http://www.usmcifpafletcher2001.com/speakers/hawley.htm
and Ken Bacon, http://www.refugeesinternational.int/July 17, 2001-Happy Hour with Fletcher Alumni raised $75
July 4, 2001-4th of July Fundraiser on the UN Foundation rooftop
raised $435 and brought in 10 new membersJune 20, 2001--Brown Bag Lunch with Ndioro Ndiaye
Ndioro Ndiaye, Deputy Director General for the International Organization for Migration and former govenment minister from Dakar, spoke on issues of African development and migration.
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