For more information on our Advocacy programs, please contact Tracy Gray, VP of Advocacy at advocacy@una-atl.org
Top Three reasons to advocate for the total funding of the United Nations, Peacekeeping, and 17 Sustainable Goals:
 
  1. Promote global stability and security: United Nations peacekeeping operations have effectively reduced conflict and promoted resilience in various parts of the world. This can help prevent the outbreak of violence and escalate existing disputes.

  2. Promote economic development: The United Nations and its agencies provide a range of development assistance to countries in need. This can include financial aid, technical expertise, and other forms of support that can help countries improve their infrastructure, health systems, and other vital sectors.

  3. Promote human rights and equality: The United Nations and its agencies work to promote and protect human rights, as well as to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. This can help create more inclusive and just societies and can lead to long-term social and economic benefits.

In addition, the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including climate change, inequality, and poverty. Achieving these goals requires significant funding and support, and advocating for the total budget of the United Nations and its efforts to achieve the SDGs can help ensure that progress is made toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
CALL TO ACTION: TÜRKIYE-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE AID
Picture
Photo Courtesy of UN Photo Digital Asset Management System
The United Nations Association Atlanta Chapter and the American-Turkish Friendship Council are calling for your support in providing humanitarian aid following the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.
 
"My heart goes out to the people of Türkiye and Syria in this hour of tragedy," said the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. "The United Nations is fully committed to supporting the response. Our teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance."
 
To donate, please follow this link to the American-Turkish Friendship Council PayPal:

 Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping those in need.
 
We appreciate your generosity.
 
The UN and humanitarian partners are stepping up to deliver lifesaving assistance to those affected by the earthquake near the Türkiye-Syria border.
 
You can help too.
Two places that you can donate to:
Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Appeal
 
Thousands of people have been killed and many more injured following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake near the Türkiye-Syria border in the early hours of Monday, 6 February 2023. 

Despite significant damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure, emergency and search-and-rescue teams have deployed to assess and prioritize urgent needs and to provide life-saving assistance. 
 
You can help too. Donate now.

Statement from The American Turkish Friendship Council

​Dear ATFC Friends,
 
We are deeply saddened to receive the news of the tragic earthquake that hit several cities in southern Türkiye.  Our thoughts are with the injured and the families of the victims. We extend our deepest condolences to all families who lost their loved ones.
 
Since the news, we have been in contact with our members in Türkiye and our board members to analyze the need and the best way for our help to reach the area in need. We have decided to collaborate with AHBAP Platformu and start the ATFC-Türkiye Earthquake Help Campaign to provide immediate relief to survivors through food, shelter, water, and medicine.
 
100% of the funds donated will be sent to AHBAP Platformu to help victims recover from the earthquake’s devastating effects and rebuild efforts.
 
The campaign will run until the end of February. Your immediate donations until Friday, February 10th, will be forwarded the same day, and all the remaining funds collected until the end of February will be transferred.
 
Any amount, big or small, will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way in making a difference. You can send your donations directly by using the payment link below.
 
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VTKG66Q53U39Q
 
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request and for your continued support.
 
https://www.theatfc.org/
404-919-5114
1266 West Paces Ferry Rd. #257 Atlanta, Georgia United States 30327-2306
Check out Better World Campaign's 2022 Briefing Book on peacekeeping and human rights, how the UN is addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and countering the climate crisis, and much more.

Tell Congress: Help the UN Nourish Peace Around the World

The United Nations helps countries come together to solve global issues. The U.S. and the UN have made a lot of progress together over the last seven decades. As we come together to celebrate 77 years of the UN, send a message to your elected officials urging them to support full funding for the UN and peacekeeping efforts. 

Tell Congress: Stand with Ukraine

The crisis in Ukraine is both a tragedy and an outrage, and UNA-USA condemns the Russian invasion and attacks on Ukraine. This is an offense and violation of the UN charter, and we are committed to helping Ukrainians in this conflict.

In the video on the left, Kate Kaimashnikova shares her first-hand experience working with Ukrainian police helping victims of the war. Kate is the Acting Project Director of Canada-Ukraine Police Development Project (CUPDP). She is also a U.S. Department of State Fellow for the Community Solutions Program Alumni 2021. This video was shared as a part of United Nations Association of Atlanta's UN Day 2022 celebration. 
​
Take action with us by donating to OCHA’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund to support on-the-ground assistance in Ukraine, sending a message to your Members of Congress to ensure the U.S. continues to support the UN in Ukraine, and stay educated by learning more here.

International Mother Earth Day 2022
We invite you to celebrate Earth Day with an action to create a climate resilient, safe, just and equitable planet. There are many ways to take action, the first and easiest step is to USE YOUR VOICE. The United Nations Environment Programme provides several ways that you can use your voice to restore and protect our planet:
  1. Speak Up to Local Leaders
  2. Start the conversation with family, friends, and colleagues
  3. Push corporations and politicians to follow the Paris Agreement
  4. Let your voice be heard in the public debate

For specific examples on how to take action, please visit UNEP’s Climate Action page

Call to Action:
​International Women's Day 2022

International Women's Day (March 8) is an annual global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
Here are some ways to show your support during International Women's Day and Women's History Month
#BreakTheBias Challenge
​
Attendees of Women Leading Climate Equity and Resiliency are invited to the #BreaktheBias Challenge. The person with the most amount of people in a single #BreaktheBias photo will be selected as the #BreakTheBias Champion and featured on UNA-ATL website, IWTT website, and our social media platforms. @UNAofAtlanta  and @iwthinktank.org  must be tagged on Facebook in order to be considered for the challenge. Everyone in the photo must perform the #BreakTheBias pose. We encourage you to also send in your photo to https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ 

1) Get as many people as you can for your #BreakTheBias photo.
2) Everyone, strike the #BreakTheBias pose! Cross your arms to show your commitment to calling out bias, smashing stereotypes, breaking inequality, and rejecting discrimination. All gender identities are welcome.
3) Post on Facebook, tagging @UNAofAtlanta and @iwthinktank.org (this is how your photo will be considered for the #BreakTheBias Challenge) AND #BreakTheBias and #IWD2022.
4) We encourage you to also send in your photo to  https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
Focus on Women Virtual Tour

The Focus on Women Tour introduces significant women in UN history and today (e.g., Eleanor Roosevelt, Amina Mohammed, Michelle Bachelet) and covers Resolution 1325. Highlighted are the unique contribution and growing numbers of female peacekeepers, women's assistance in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, SDG 5 on gender equality, and how it connects to other goals. The Beijing Platform of Action, Generation Equality, and various General Assembly resolutions highlight international action on women's issues. The tour also highlights significant works of art at UN Headquarters, such as the traditional Mola-style tapestry made by indigenous women (gift of Panama), located in the General Assembly Lobby.
For more information about International Women's Day, Tracy Gray, UNA-Atlanta VP of Advocacy encourages you to visit

About International Women's Day (History, Symbolism, and Need)
Happy International Women’s Day! by Karin Corfee, Vice President Professional Advisory Services at Kevala
Image courtesy of International Women's Day.
The United Nations needs action from Americans now more than ever. For over 70 years, the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) has informed, inspired, and mobilized the American people to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations. But important priorities of the United Nations are under serious threat, including U.S. funding for the institution and support for refugees. We need you to act now!
Tell Congress: Americans trust WHO to handle pandemic response
unausa.org/advocacy/COVID19

Take Action