​As this year’s World Immunization Week draws to a close, I'm reflecting on my experience as a United Nations (UN) Foundation Shot@Life champion during the 2024 Advocate to Vaccinate Spring Summit in Washington, D.C. From Feb. 25–28, I had the privilege of joining three other passionate Shot@Life champions from the Atlanta area, along with 100 more from across the U.S, on a mission to advocate for global childhood vaccinations.

​Shot@Life, a U.S. grassroots advocacy campaign of the UN Foundation, works tirelessly to ensure that all children, regardless of where they live, have access to life-saving vaccines. As a mother, I cannot imagine the pain of watching a child suffer needlessly from a preventable disease. Yet, the reality is stark: each year, more than five million children die of such diseases before their fifth birthday. Most of these deaths are treatable or preventable through vaccination. Diseases like measles, polio and diphtheria are reemerging in parts of the world where they have not been seen in decades, reminding us of the urgency of our cause.

The summit brought together respected global leaders and advocates, including global health expert Dr. Peter Hotez, President of the Better World Campaign and Senior Vice President at the UN Foundation Peter Yeo, and representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

We dedicated one day of the summit on Capitol Hill meeting with our representatives in Congress, urging them to prioritize funding for global immunization programs. Georgia champions met with representatives from the offices of Rep. Andrew Clyde (R), GA-9, Rep. Nikema Williams (D), GA-5, Rep. Hank Johnson (D), GA-4, and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) and Sen. Jon Ossoff (D). It was a day filled with hope and determination as we shared stories of the children whose lives could be saved through access to vaccines. The response from our policymakers was encouraging, reaffirming their commitment to supporting global health initiatives, while reaffirming our belief in the power of advocacy to drive meaningful change.

During the summit, champions also watched the documentary "Polio's Last Mile, a Virtual Reality Experience Overview" by REM5 Studios. This immersive experience shed light on the front lines of the fight against polio, inspiring us to rally behind efforts to eradicate this debilitating disease.

Beyond the invaluable insights I gained from my experience, what I enjoyed most was the camaraderie among like-minded individuals passionate about the same cause. We forged new friendships, and strengthened bonds as we united in our shared mission to champion the cause of global immunization and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable world.

Now, months later, I am still filled with gratitude for the opportunity to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. In the words of the famous anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Let's continue to champion the cause of global immunization and ensure that every child receives the shot at life they deserve.

To learn how you can become a Shot@Life champion, visit shotatlife.org.

The United Nations Association of Atlanta (UNA-Atlanta) is pleased to announce that Selen Beduk, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Grants, is joining UNA-USA's National Council for the 2024–2026 term. UNA-USA leadership announced the winners on April 26, 2024, with Beduk named as one of three members elected to serve as Southeast Regional Representative.

“I am truly honored to join the UNA-USA National Council as a representative for the Southeast. This opportunity not only welcomes me into a fold of dedicated leaders but also charges me with meaningful responsibilities,” said Beduk. “The National Council, convening biannually in dynamic summits and in the heart of New York, engages continuously through its robust working groups and subcommittees. These teams tirelessly advance our critical missions—spanning membership growth, legislative advocacy, and educational initiatives, among others—preparing diligently year-round for effective governance.”

The National Council consists of just over 30 people: two, three or four representatives who serve as ambassadors for the 11 UNA-USA regions. Regional Representatives are elected to two-year terms to support local activities that fulfill UNA-USA’s mission to educate, inspire and mobilize advocates. As liaisons between regions, the National Council and the UNA-USA National Office, Regional Representatives offer a voice and forum for over 20,000 members.

“As we work together, crafting recommendations and supporting our local chapters, I am inspired by our collective commitment to make a significant impact,” said Beduk. “It's a privilege to contribute to such a vibrant community dedicated to global betterment.”

​Beduk, a long-time UNA-Atlanta member and former president of the chapter, has more than 20 years of international experience in classroom education.

“We are so proud of Selen and her brilliant leadership of UNA-Atlanta, which will continue to be shared in her role as our Southeast Regional Representative,” said UNA-Atlanta President Tracy Gray. “She was born to fulfill this leadership position because of her focused, intense and emotionally accurate insights.”

To learn more about Beduk, visit our About Us webpage.

By Nalat Phanit Black, Vice President of Education

On April 13, 2024, underneath a canopy of newly sprung leaves of an old garden, UNA-Atlanta members, Planet Atlanta members, and other caring citizens listened to some heart wrenching stories from Ukrainian immigrants. Olga and Valeriia, who proudly wore their traditional floral embroidered dresses, spoke of the atrocities of war and the devastation that their family members now have to cope with. Lack of water, food and basic sanitation are prevalent in the war-torn areas of Ukraine, and the traumas of war will surely last for lifetimes. Despite such dismay, Olga and Valeriia smiled of hope and gratefulness. They are grateful for the generosity of Americans who have donated to humanitarian efforts and to those who would listen to their stories. They are grateful that the Ukrainian war has not been forgotten and that their families are not alone in this long journey to peace, that they have friends across the Atlantic Ocean who are helping with what they can.

I was humbled by Olga and Valeriia’s stories. Truth be told, I did not forget about the Ukrainian war, but I felt hopeless. It’s a war that I thought was going to end in weeks, at most months, but now it is over two years. Hope was dwindling. Perhaps the universe thought that I needed a reminder to always hold on to hope. My schedule was unwillingly re-arranged so that I could attend this gathering of hearts and minds. The garden gathering was hosted by Molly Read Woo, a longtime member of UNA-Atlanta and a wonderful friend and mentor. Molly invited her friends, neighbors, friends of friends, to spend a spring afternoon in her garden. It was an international potluck of meals and stories. And as always, Molly’s garden was an oasis of love and progressive ideas.

The garden party turned into a Giving Party. Molly had put out some of her collections of books, board games, office supplies, arts and crafts, woven baskets and furniture to be taken home by her guests. Molly asked that a donation of any amount to be given, or no donation at all is fine too, to help fund HelpingUkraine.us, the organization that Olga and Valeriia volunteers at to bring critical support to the Ukrainians affected by the war. This was a Giving Party that keeps on giving.

Photos/Molly Read Woo

UNA-Atlanta is excited to announce that Iesha Baldwin, UNA-Atlanta member, is one of six finalists in the United Nations Association of the U.S.A's (UNA-USA) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Service Project Pitch competition.

Baldwin and more than 20 other member participants presented their SDG service project pitches virtually on April 15, 2024, to UNA-USA leadership and judges for a shot at presenting live at the 2024 UNA-USA Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 2. The top three winners will earn prizes that will support their service project.

“My service project focuses on advancing SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) by providing scholarships to student leaders who need financial support to attend conferences, seminars and workshops. These opportunities will help enhance their skills and help them to become global leaders,” said Baldwin. “I feel honored to be selected and to make a positive impact on students’ professional lives. Cutting financial hurdles for professional growth doesn’t just boost students’ confidence; it also builds up Atlanta’s social framework, making the city more resilient and sustainable.”

Baldwin is a passionate advocate for sustainability and the UN global goals. As Spelman College’s first sustainability coordinator, she leads efforts to advance sustainable practices on campus and within the community.  She is also an active volunteer with RCE Greater Atlanta and the UNA-Atlanta chapter, where she focuses on promoting UN initiatives across Atlanta, with a special focus on the global goals.

The Leadership Summit is open to UNA-USA members and all UN advocates. UN advocates can register for the summit and become a new UNA-USA member at a discount. Register now and join us in supporting Baldwin and our Atlanta chapter.

SUPPORT UNA-ATLANTA ​

SDG Service Project Pitch presentations are TODAY!

Join us to view presentations and cheer on UNA-Atlanta.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Time: 7 to 9 p.m. ET

Register:
https://unfoundation.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvc-GtpjguHtGv9MLq5yXqWP1lrjKX44ln#/registration

 Finalists will be accepted to pitch live to a panel of judges at the 2024 UNA-USA Leadership Summit in Washington D.C., June 2-4.

​UNICEF USA is launching a US experiential tour called Heart Strings in cities across America, including Atlanta. 

Ticket sales for Atlanta open today! Educators and students may attend for free. Thanks to generous contributions from UNICEF USA supporters, local Atlanta schools and youth organizations have the opportunity to experience this educational, impactful journey at no cost.  

For Youth/Schools/Youth Groups, the ticketing platform is now open for all cities. You can request tickets here.

Heart Strings is an in-person, multimedia experience featuring eight interactive zones where guests can connect with children across the world by building a song, and exploring how healthcare, education, protection and respect are crucial to a child’s success.  Throughout the experience, guests will engage not only with interactive multimedia technology, but also real, human stories of children in UNICEF program countries.
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There's also an educator guide aligned to each state’s curriculum standards to help educators connect the experience to their classroom studies. 
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EVENT LOCATION: Pullman Yards at 225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317

Heart Strings is produced in partnership with UNICEF USA and Moment Factory
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​By Ikoie Norman, Vice President of Fundraising and Membership

​As the Vice President of Fundraising and Membership for UNA-Atlanta, I'm thrilled to share the excitement and success of our chapter's first in-person member meet-up of 2024, hosted at Refuge Coffee in Midtown on April 6. It was truly a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a deep passion for supporting the principles and vital work of the United Nations and its agencies.

The energy and enthusiasm at the meet-up were palpable, and it was a delight to see members come together to discuss and engage in our chapter's activities. For me, personally, this meet-up was a testament to the power of community and the importance of tapping into the passion and dedication of our members to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Engaging with our members is one of my top goals for the year, and I couldn't be more pleased with the turnout and participation at this event.

Our chapter president, Tracy Gray, addressed attendees, sharing our goals for the year and providing insights into some of the exciting planning underway. It was a valuable opportunity for members to hear directly from leadership, ask questions, and get involved in shaping the direction of our chapter.

As we reflect on this first meet-up of the year, I'm filled with optimism and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. With such dedicated and passionate members, I have no doubt that UNA-Atlanta will continue to make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond.

I also want to thank our friends at Refuge Coffee for hosting us. Learn more about their mission of using a delicious cup of coffee as a platform for job training and personal development of resettled refugees and other immigrants.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with UNA-Atlanta as we work towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
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Photos/Rosa Norman