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Reflection: Gender Equality, Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Mental Health

5/30/2023

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by Tracy Gray, VP of Advocacy
The partnership between the United Nations and Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta and nationwide can be a powerful force in advancing the SDGs, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating a sustainable future for all.

Promoting gender equality and empowering women: Mothers and women caregivers play a crucial role in advancing gender equality and empowering women within their families and communities. Through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations recognizes the significance of women's empowerment and aims to achieve gender equality by 2030 (SDG 5). Women caregivers, including mothers, contribute to this goal by fostering an environment of equality and ensuring that their children, both boys, and girls, have access to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities.

Ensuring quality education and lifelong learning: Mothers and women caregivers are instrumental in providing their children's access to quality education and supporting their lifelong learning journey. Education is a fundamental right, and the United Nations emphasizes its importance through SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Mothers and women caregivers who volunteer for the United Nations Association Atlanta Chapter and HBCUs in Atlanta contribute to this goal by advocating for educational opportunities, providing mentorship, and creating awareness about the importance of education among marginalized communities.

Promoting health and well-being: Mothers and women caregivers have a significant impact on the health and well-being of their families. They play a crucial role in providing healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ensuring the overall well-being of their loved ones. The United Nations recognizes the importance of health and well-being through SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Mothers and women caregivers who volunteer for the United Nations Association Atlanta Chapter and HBCUs in Atlanta can partner with the United Nations to raise awareness about health-related issues, promote preventive measures, and advocate for accessible healthcare services for underserved communities.

To optimize the partnership between the United Nations and Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta and nationwide, the following steps can be taken:

Collaboration on research and knowledge sharing: The United Nations can partner with HBCUs to collaborate on research projects related to the SDGs. This collaboration can involve sharing expertise, data, and resources to address critical social, economic, and environmental challenges. HBCUs can contribute their academic knowledge and research capabilities to support the United Nations' efforts in achieving the SDGs.

Capacity building and youth engagement: The United Nations can work closely with HBCUs to enhance capacity building initiatives and youth engagement programs. By leveraging the expertise and networks of HBCUs, the United Nations can provide training, workshops, and internships to students interested in sustainable development and global issues. This collaboration would empower young people from HBCUs to actively contribute to the SDGs and build a diverse pipeline of future leaders.

Awareness campaigns and community outreach: The United Nations and HBCUs can jointly organize awareness campaigns and community outreach programs to promote the SDGs and address local challenges. By leveraging the influence and reach of HBCUs within their communities, these partnerships can create awareness, foster dialogue, and mobilize resources to tackle social and environmental issues at the grassroots level.
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UNA-USA Statement on Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

3/1/2022

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Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), issued the following statement today on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

“The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s invasion and subsequent attacks on Ukraine. Russia’s military offensive on another sovereign nation contradicts the fundamental principles of the United Nations and is a clear violation of the UN charter. We echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for Russia to end its assault and bring its troops back home. 

“We know all too well the destructive impact of war, and innocent civilians always pay the highest price. Amid the escalating violence, more than 500,000 Ukrainians have fled their homes to seek refuge in neighboring countries with millions more impacted and expected to be in need of humanitarian assistance in the coming days and months. 

“As UN partners scale up humanitarian operations on the ground in Ukraine and at its borders, UNA-USA stands committed to helping the Ukrainian people caught in the middle of this conflict. 

“Our thoughts are with the millions of people in Ukraine impacted by this egregious act of violence. This conflict must come to an end – immediately."

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Take Action

Here are three actions you can take right now to support Ukraine:
  1. Donate to OCHA’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and other UN agencies, like UNHCR and UNICEF, working on the ground in Ukraine and at its borders to provide critical support and assistance to people in Ukraine.
  2. Ahead of tonight’s State of the Union address, send a message to your Members of Congress urging them to support full funding for the UN and its agencies to ensure they can continue to carry out their life-saving work around the world, including in Ukraine.
  3. Participate in a peaceful protest. Find one close to you here. 
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Carbon Footprint Quiz for Georgians to Bring Climate Action Home

9/17/2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/18/2021                                                            CONTACT: communications@una-atl.org 

Carbon Footprint Quiz for Georgians to Bring Climate Action Home

Atlanta, GA: Today, the Carbon Footprint Quiz for Georgians launched by United Nations Association of USA, Atlanta Chapter and Aurora Sustainability will bring climate action to your homes. This launch coincides with Global Goals Week to #Act4SDGs driving collective action from around the world in support of all the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Today, we are focusing on #ClimateAction as part of the 1 million actions challenge. Global Goals Week is hosted by Project Everyone, United Nations Foundation, and United Nations Development Program with more than 100 different partners.

In our efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle, we are helping individuals realize and visualize their carbon footprint from their daily activities. Georgians will be able to take a short quiz (less than 10 minutes long) to determine how sustainable their household is. The quiz accounts for energy and water efficiency, food consumption and waste, transport and green investments. At the end of the quiz, Georgians will see a breakdown of where they are most sustainable and the areas of improvements. Georgians will also be given individualized recommendations on how to improve their carbon footprint scores. We encourage Georgians to retake the quiz after 2 months to see how they have improved in their sustainability scores.

The data collected is vital to a household that wants to lower its impact on our planet. By seeing the results broken down into different areas of emissions, a household can determine where they can make improvements. Georgians can also compare their sustainability score with others around the United States and the world, to see how we as a collective species are impacting the planet that we call home. The data collected will also inform policy makers on how Georgians are striving towards a sustainable lifestyle, to determine areas where policies are needed to help organizations and individuals lower their carbon emissions.

About UNA-Atlanta and Aurora Sustainability partnership: In our efforts to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, our partnership is contributing to the progress of Global Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Global Goal 13: Climate Action, and Global Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The Carbon Footprint Quiz is our first phase in creating a state-wide movement to lower our carbon emissions and increase our awareness in sustainable living. 
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SUSTAINABLE COFFEE TALKS SERIES LAUNCH & OVERVIEW

8/6/2020

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We want to thank Anna Mahalak, Dr. Adam Nykamp, Caglar Iscioglu, Chinita Allen, Patrick Wallace and the participants who joined us for a productive launch of our Sustainable Coffee Talks series last week. We discussed The Pandemic's Impact on K-12 Education: Challenges and Opportunities after COVID-19 and the obstacles parents, students, teachers, and the community face. Progress is ongoing, and many are implementing changes to address educational goals, effective communication, and public health.

Specific solutions include:

Synergy:
It is essential to create synergy. We must work together towards a common goal and keep communication consistent and meaningful.

Management:
Proper teams and management structure is essential. Individuals must be responsive and dependable.

Trust:
Establishing trust and credibility is vital within the Education sector.

Communication:
Half of the World's population is bilingual, and Georgia's state supports biliteracy and dual language immersion programs.
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Science:
Science and children. Twin is an Ed-tech startup that addresses the World's problems and provides solutions through science.

The next step is to inform others and learn about additional ways to advocate and increase community engagement. Please visit our website or email us at info@una-atl.org

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UNA-Atlanta Welcomes New President and Board Member

6/23/2020

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June 2020, the United Nations of Atlanta welcomed a new president to lead the chapter and a new board member who will manage the chapter's public relations. Tiffany Irene Coulibaly, a member of the organization since 2010, who has served in multiple board positions and served on the National Council of UNA-USA, will spearhead the chapter as its new president for the next three years. Valencia Jackson a communications professional with UNICEF will hold the position as the chapter's new VP of Communications for the next two years. Both incoming members will be officially announced during the chapter's annual Meeting Membership Day, Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 6pm EST. 
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Tiffany "Irene" Coulibaly - Incoming President 

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Valencia Jackson - Incoming VP of Communications 

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Equal in Dignity and Rights: The UN, The US, and Anti-Racism

6/23/2020

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Advocates, 

Our nation has been at protest for far beyond the nearly 100 days that have passed since George Floyd's murder; for generations, our neighbors, community members, friends, and loved ones have struggled for justice, support, and their inherent right to life. 

Last week's violence and heartbreak in Kenosha, Wisconsin is a tragic reminder that our work to advance universal human rights and dignity is far from over.

UNA-NCA's Advocacy Team has produced a new report on the UN, the US, and Anti-Racism, documenting the UN's role in the global fight against racism. This report offers a foundation from which we can thoughtfully deliberate the future we hope to collaboratively forge.

Access the report here. 
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Statement of SupportĀ  Ahmaud Arbery

2/23/2020

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UNA-USA Atlanta Chapter stands with the coalition of civil rights leaders that wish to ensure a fair and just investigation is conducted in the possible human rights violation and tragic killing of Ahmaud Arbery. 

Through our partnership that was launched with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNA-USA has empowered thousands of Americans across the country to Stand Up for Human Rights. Through advocacy, programming, and community events, our network of chapters confronted some of the most pressing human rights challenges facing their communities.

If you would like to know more about the efforts as it pertains to Ahmaud Arbery, please reach out to the Coalition of Civil Rights Leaders who are involved on a day to day basis in this matter. 

Marc Banks dbanks@naacpnet.org

Phoebe Plagens, LDF, pplagens@naacpldf.org
​(212) 965-2235

Rachel Noerdlinger-National Action Network (NAN) rnoerdlinger@mercuryll.com

Don Owens, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law(LCCRUL)
dowens@lawyerscommittee.org, (202) 934-1880

Teresa Candori, National Urban League (NUL) tcandori@nul.org
​(212) 558-5362
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​ For Liberty and Justice for All: Social disparities in our nation and its impact on communities
By Cindy C. Roberts, Advocacy Committee, Member                                              
 
“Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay,” or at least that is what Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states.
 
The timing of the UDHR was monumental because of the fragile state that the world was in when leaders from different cultures and backgrounds came together to draft it.  We were still recovering from the First World War when we found ourselves in another war and millions of innocent people dying for their religious beliefs, sexual orientation or political affiliation. We as citizens of the world desperately needed an advocate.  We needed to establish fundamental and inalienable rights regardless of social or economic class that we were born into.  For the first time in history countries all over the world came together in unity to formally establish human rights and to proclaim dignity and equality of each member of the human family.
 
As a citizen of the United States, I am tempted to believe that these articles were written for “other” countries.  Countries that are vulnerable to rogue state actors, those oppressed by dictatorships and religious persecution.  It is tempting to look past my own community and look abroad with a critical eye.  However, when I wake up to the news and see that people in marginalized communities are shot while jogging, sitting in their apartment, playing video games or any other activity while exercising their rights identified in Article 24 I am forced to see the realities of the every day world that I live in and its hard to face.  When did I become “at risk” living in my own country? At least that is what statistics tell me. 
 
It is imperative that we as citizens of the world continue to promote friendly relations within and across our boarders and echo the founding principles of the UDHR.  Becoming a member of an organization that takes us out of our comfort zone is the first step to bridging social gaps or even stopping to speak to a neighbor that we typically don’t take the time to connect with is another way to foster community.  Whatever it is we do, let us not underestimate its power to inspire others.

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Peaceful Protesters After Death of George Floyd.
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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

2/19/2020

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Nominations are open to fill various board of directors positions at the United Nations Association of Atlanta! Apply your community impact skills, professional skills, and passion for peace, equality, and human rights with our chapter!
*ALL POSITIONS ARE ON A VOLUNTEER BASIS AND NOMINEES MUST BE A UNA-USA MEMBER

DEADLINE TO COMPLETE NOMINATION FORM IS TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010

CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO COMPLETE NOMINATION FORM

NOMINATION FORM
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NOMINATION FORM
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Window Seat to the World

7/2/2019

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10 high school students from across the Atlanta Metro Public School System received an opportunity of a lifetime as they embarked on the inaugural Window Seat to the World initiative, founded and sponsored by UNA-USA, Atlanta lifetime member, Mrs. Phyllis Duvall Bailey. The initiative sparked from the national partnership between Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (of which Mrs. Bailey is a lifetime member of) and the United Nations Association of the USA. Because of Mrs. Bailey's selfless act (pioneering the initiate and donating $10K) the United Nations Association of Atlanta and the Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. surprised Mrs. Bailey with a check for $1000 to go towards the Phyllis D. Bailey Humanitarian Scholarship founded in her honor.  View images of the the trip below. 

Thank you to the chaperons, students, parents and supporting donors who made this trip a reality. 

Students:
Joshua Fail
Kylei Spain
Meagan Safford
Briana Stokes
Sanna Sobers 
Taylor Sappington
Timia Burson
Zaki Roshell
Quenyaun Payne (QUE)
Devin Etheridge

Chaperons Names: 
Phyllis Bailey
Pioneer and donor of Window Seat to the World Initiative 
Dr. LaKeisha Jackson 
President of Kappa Omega
Dr. Icey Johnson 
Immediate Past President of Kappa Omega
Tiffany Irene Coulibaly 
Southeast Regional Director of United Nations Association of the USA and Co-Chair of initiative / UNA-AKA Partnership Liaison and Organizer, Atlanta 
Aisha Alvarez
VP of Fundraising to United Nations Association of Atlanta 

Supporting Donors: 
The parents of the students 
Carla Wiley and Family 
Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
United Nations Association of the USA, Atlanta Chapter 

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2019 Candidates Bios

4/17/2019

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Candidate Betsy Rivard - VP of Programs (Re-election for 2nd Term)

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I am the mother of three grown children and have a chemistry degree from the University of Wisconsin. My interest in the United Nations Association, Atlanta Chapter, goes back many years. I have held the offices of president, treasurer, and vice president for programs. I believe that through the United Nations Association, we can educate others about the important work of the United Nations and the urgent need for support of the UN by citizens of our country. ​

I am also active in other organizations in Atlanta, and am on the boards of three of them (Women’s Action for New Directions, both nationally and locally; Georgians for Gun Safety; and Nuclear Watch South).  I feel that through my experience in these organizations I have made connections that have provided me with ideas for programs in the past and will continue to do so in the future.  


Candidate Matthew Morgan - VP of Programs & VP of Advocacy 

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Matt is a member of KPMG’s Global Advisory organization, specializing in collaboration, organizational effectiveness, and service strategy. He has 18 years’ experience in operating model strategy, talent acquisition and management, workforce administration and insights, and learning.

Matt has an industry background in Retail and Hospitality & Tourism, serving in leadership and individual contributor roles with The Walt Disney Company, Publix Super Markets, and Finish Line prior to joining KPMG.

He presently holds a MBA from the University of Florida, and MS (Hospitality and Tourism Management) and BSBA (Management) from the University of Central Florida - and he was recently admitted to the Doctorate of Education (EdD) program at the University of Pennsylvania, beginning in June of 2019.
Outside of work, Matt and his spouse Kali enjoy spending time with their dog (a German Shepherd named Natasha), playing golf, and making improvements to their home in Roswell, GA.

Candidate Mark Bell - VP of Public Relations and Marketing 

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Throughout my career, I have contributed to positive business results through effective organization, prioritization, and follow through of key organizational projects. My strengths and qualifications are an ideal match to the Human rights advocate requirements and will bring immediate value to United Nations -USA
In my former Naacp youth and college coordinator , Executive director Democrats Georgia role, I exercise a calculated and methodical approach to problem solving. While I am independently motivated, I appreciate collective efforts and collaborate productively within group settings. Moreover, I am competent in leadership and organizing with proficiency in communication .
This opportunity is especially exciting as my professional goals align with United Nations -USA mission and values. Further, my leadership, experience, from being a chief of staff for a state senator add value to the role I will play with the United Nation. My radio skills will serve to support your continued organizational efforts.

Candidate Selen Beduk - ​VP of Advocacy  & VP of Programs 

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I graduated from Bilkent University (Ankara – Turkey) English Language and Literature in 1999. I got my first master’s degree in Yeditepe University English Language and Literature and my second master’s degree at Maltepe University International Trade and Logistics with the scope of interdisciplinary approach and completed my PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in 2017.  
After working as a lecturer in large educational organizations such as Northern Cyprus Eastern Mediterranean University, Yeditepe University, Marmara University and Okan University, I started to work at Maltepe University School of Foreign Languages Department. As of November 2014, I had been charged as a lecturer in the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration International Trade and Logistics Department at the same university. During that time, I also served as Erasmus Coordinator and Internship & Student Advisor. After moving to the US in August 2015 with my husband who is a Coca-Cola executive, I worked part-time in Atlanta International School and currently working in Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business as a Research Project Coordinator (Tech Temp).  
My research interests include sustainability practices such as climate change, GHG emissions, waste management and eco-friendly environmental solutions. I’m self-motivated, service oriented, passionate about creating value in society and making a difference to students, enjoys being part of a team working towards common goals, and can work independently. In addition to research-related coordination, I pitched in to develop a social media plan, and now stepped up to do the same for alumni engagement.  ​

Candidate Steffani Salter - VP of Advocacy 

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Steffani is a Leadership and Business Consultant and the CEO of Salter and Associates, LLC. Steffani helps companies with Organizational Health, Strategic Planning, Leadership Development and Training. She has also worked in the field of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking for over 10 years, Steffani is the Director of Leadership Development for SGH Consultant and Supportive Services which works with GVRA to help those with Disabilities in the Workforce. She is currently the SDG Liaison(Goal 11) for the United Nations Association-Atlanta.
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