Blog Posts - UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTA

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

6/23/2020

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.

Statement of Support Ahmaud Arbery

2/23/2020

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

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.

Peaceful Protesters After Death of George Floyd.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

2/19/2020

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

NOMINATION FORM

Window Seat to the World

7/2/2019

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

2019 Candidates Bios

4/17/2019

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Sustainable Development Goals Committee

1/27/2018

Written by Nalat Phanit-Black

Passion motivates action. Dedication yields results.

As the SDG Committee Director of United Nations Association of Atlanta, I have been very fortunate to work with some passionate and dedicated volunteers. When the Sustainable Development Goals Committee was created in September 2015, it was only a team of five members who were also members of the Board of Directors. Through our team’s community outreach in 2016, the SDG Committee now boasts seventeen volunteers. It has been a pleasure working with the SDG Liaisons and Leaders, seeing how individuals and the committee has grown and the impacts we’ve had on our local communities.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Since July 2017, Molly Read Woo, our SDG Leader of Education Committee, has been teaching a group of Congolese refugees basic English in Clarkston, GA. The class has grown in size and we are in need of volunteers to help with the classes. The basic English classes are held on Sundays, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., at Clarkston International Bible Church, 3895 Church St, Clarkston, GA 30021. We need volunteers to

assist in teaching adult students basic English
assist in entertaining the students’ children while class is in session

We welcome volunteers of various time availabilities. We will work with your schedule. If you are interested in volunteering please e-mail info@una-atl.org with subject heading: TEACH ENGLISH

Molly Read Woo and her students. Photos by Max Woo

In 2017, members of the SDG Committee participated in several events, educating and advocating for the
Sustainable Development Goals.

Clarkston Culture Fest (April 22, 2017)

Clarkston Culture Fest is an annual event that “Educate, Appreciate, Celebrate” the cultural diversity of Clarkston, a city that welcomes 1,500 refugees a year from all over the world. SDG Committee members guided children in a solar-oven making activity, teaching the attendees about solar energy and the United Foundation’s Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves. Special thanks to our volunteers: Jasmine Payne, Monse Acosta, Ruhi Rahman, and Roshni Chengappa.

Monse Acosta (SDG Liaison of Global Health Committee) participated in the 2017 5K Run sponsored by Clarkston Culture Fest and Refuge Coffee Co.

Roshni Chengappa
(SDG Leader of Global Health Committee)

Seeds of Peace: Hiroshima/Nagasaki Observance (August 6-9, 2017)

Betsy Rivard, VP of Programs and SDG Liaison of Peace and Security Committee, arranged for United Nations Association of Atlanta to co-host Seeds of Peace: Hiroshima/Nagasaki Observance with Nuclear Watch South, Georgia WAND, and other organizations. Events included a video lecture by author Vincent J. Intondi of African Americans Against the Bomb, a lecture/booksigning by Washington Post reporter Dan Zak of ALMIGHTY: Courage, Resistance and Existential Peril in the Nuclear Age, and Seeds of Peace 22nd annual Nagasaki Observance at the Carter Center Rose Garden.

Participants at Seeds of Peace 22nd annual Nagasaki Observance at the Carter Center Rose Garden

17th Global Youth Justice Training (September 26-28, 2017)

Steffani Salter, SDG Liaison of Sustainable Cities, Urban and Economic Sustainability Committee, presented on SDG 11 : Sustainable Cities and Communities at the 17th Global Youth Justice Training in Cape Cod, Massachusetts:

The presentation discussed how organizations can provide sustainability within their community. In the planning and designing of new communities, housing projects, and urban renewal, the planners both private and public, need to give explicit consideration to the kind of world that is being created for the children who will be growing up in these settings. Global Youth Justice strives to improve the quality of life for humans through reducing high juvenile crime rates and historic-high incarceration rates of adults locally and globally.

Steffani Salter presenting at 17th Global Youth Justice Training

2017 American Mock World Health Organization International Conference at Emory University (October 13-15, 2017)

I was honored to be invited as a panel speaker on October 14, 2017 during AMWHO’s International Conference at Emory University. The topic of discussion was Climate Change: the Global Health Response. We discussed climate mitigation and adaptation strategies implemented by countries of various incomes. We also discussed ways for the public health sector to respond to climate change including epidemiological surveillance and building of healthcare infrastructures that are accessible to low-income areas. More collaboration across sectors, such as transportation, energy, waste management, and agriculture are needed on climate mitigation and adaptation. Climate refugees and the current refugee crisis will worsen with climate change which will demand a response from the public health sector.

Nalat Phanit-Black at AMWHO 2017. Photographs by Charlie Harless, AMWHO 2017

American Public Health Association 2017 Conference (November 4-8, 2017)

Toyshebia Napper, SDG Leader of Global Health Committee, along with representatives from UNA-USA and UNA-National Capital Area attended the American Public Health Association 2017 Conference:

The conference was held at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia from November 4-8. The conference hosted over 12,000 attendees and the 2017 theme was Creating the Healthiest Nation: Climate Changes Health. The mission of APHA is to "improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status". Their vision is to "create the healthiest nation within one generation.” The UNA team was able to network with thousands of attendees from across the world and obtaining contact information for over 400 public health workers. It was an honor and privilege to represent the United Nations Association of Atlanta at the APHA Exhibit Expo. I was able to enact with attendees and have enlightening discussions about the Sustainable Development Goals. People were eager about connecting with a local chapter of UNA-USA and assisting on a local level to achieve the global vision.

Photo by Toyshebia Napper

Thank you to all our volunteers and members for supporting the Sustainable Development Goals!
The SDG Committee hopes to bring you more educational and advocacy opportunities in 2018.

Thank You I-DareU Football Program For Your Volunteer Services with UNA Atlanta

5/13/2016

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High School Football Program Joins UNA Atlanta and Trees Atlanta for Spring Volunteer Day

4/19/2016

The UNA Atlanta is pleased to announce that we have partnered with iDareU, Georgia's #1 voted football program for our Spring Volunteer Day! The UNA Atlanta has a campaign to partner with local education and youth programs to bring awareness of our Sustainable Development Goals and Education Outreach Programs. On Saturday, April 23, 2016 UNA Atlanta will plant trees along the Atlanta Belt Line.
Here is the map to the meeting location at Chosewood Park. The address is 412 Nolan St. SE, Atlanta, GA.
The coordinator for the Chosewood project is Brian Williams. If you have any trouble finding the site, please call his cell at 912.856.1600.

We will be planting trees from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please arrive at 8:45 a.m. to get signed in so that we can begin promptly at 9 a.m. It is important to arrive on time as we only provide one demonstration (it takes 20 minutes) and every volunteer needs to see it. We also want all volunteers to stay for the entire project, and not leave before we finish.
All ages are welcome, but volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and all volunteers between the ages of 16 and 17 who are not accompanied by a parent/guardian must have a parent/guardian sign a waiver for them.
Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes or boots, clothes that can get dirty, sunscreen and bug spray as needed.
Volunteers should bring drinking water in a reusable container. No one-time-use plastic bottles, please.
Tree planting is hard work, so make sure you eat a good breakfast and come prepared to work hard. A snack might be a good thing for those who tend to lose steam.
Projects happen rain or shine, so please check the weather beforehand and come prepared.
Trees Atlanta will provide all necessary tools and instruction, though volunteers may prefer to bring their own work gloves.

#EarthtoParis Toolkit: What individuals can do to support the Paris Climate Talks

12/6/2015

This toolkit is presented by United Nations Association of USA.

#EarthtoParis Digital Toolkit

This month, world leaders are gathering in Paris for a landmark convening to complete a new global climate agreement – an extraordinary opportunity for the international community to rise to meet the threat of climate change. To achieve a world where everyone lives with dignity and opportunity – a vision leaders embraced in the global goals for sustainable development – we must take strong action on climate change. Everyone has a role to play. As governments convene for the conference, civil society groups, businesses, exports, innovators and citizens will also gather to share climate solutions and to let leaders know that we care about the outcome of COP21 in Paris. Earth To Paris is your opportunity to be involved. More than an event – it’s a coalition, a drumbeat, a campaign bringing people together in the lead-up to the summit in Paris, a two-day event broadcast live from Paris to audiences around the world, and a dynamic social media conversation with communities everywhere.

Online Resources & What You Can Do

Visit www.earthtoparis.org and watch the livestream on 12/7 and 12/8

Join the #EarthToParis Thunderclap - we have 1 week to break records and send the largest, most unified social message ever: http://bit.ly/1MADrd3
Upload photos and videos using #EarthToParis. Take the #EarthToParis video challenge and let your voice be heard: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-the-earthtoparis-campaign
Host a Watch Party for Dec 7th: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/host-a-watch-party

Suggested Social Media Resources

Facebook
Right now world leaders are gathering in Paris to discuss how to end climate change. Make sure that they hear your voice! Send a message using the hashtag #earthtoparis and watch the livestream on 12/7 and 12/8: www.earthtoparis.org

The international climate conference #COP21 is an inflection point, when the world will turn from words to action on climate change. Everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change. Join #EarthToParis and add your voice for bold action: http://earthtoparis.org

Everyone has a role to play in stopping climate change! Share your message for world leaders using the hashtag #EarthtoParis and watch the livestream on 12/7 and 12/8: www.earthtoparis.org

Twitter

General:
- #EarthToParis: For a world where everyone lives with dignity and opportunity, we need bold climate action! http://earthtoparis.org
- It’s time for bold climate action! Share your message with world leaders during #COP21 using the hashtag #EarthtoParis.
- If we want to end climate change, we need bold action. Let your leaders know with the hashtag #EarthtoParis!
- It’s time for bold climate action! Watch the livestream of #EarthtoParis on 12/7 and 12/8 at www.earthtoparis.org
Thunderclap:
- Help send the loudest Thunderclap EVER from #EarthToParis, tell leaders the time is NOW to combat climate change. Join http://bit.ly/1MADrd3
- It's time for bold climate action, for people and the planet! Join our #EarthToParis @ThunderclapIt: http://bit.ly/1MADrd3
- #EarthToParis: Make thunder for bold climate action! Support our @ThunderclapIt. http://bit.ly/1MADrd3
Upload photos and videos using #EarthToParis:
- What do you have to say to world leaders? Let us know! Submit your #EarthToParis photos and videos: http://bit.ly/1PEB5wa
- With >1 week until #COP21, leaders need to hear from us NOW more than ever. Send a message from #EarthTo Paris: http://on.fb.me/1HJiVTu
Partner events:
- Join @UNDP & @pathwaytoparis on 12/4 & 12/5, an evening of music & talks for #COP21 success at Le Trianon, Paris: pathwaytoparis.com
- #DYK: If we embrace solar & wind power, our carbon footprint drops by 33% http://on.fb.me/1X0XXvvvia @natgeo | #EarthToParis #ListenParis2015 
- Join the global movement to support climate change reduction & move to a 100% renewable energy future #ListenParis2015 Dec 5/6 #EarthToParis
- Join @ClimateGroup as they tweet live from Paris. Find out why they are confident about #COP21 & beyond: http://bit.ly/1LJr1f6

United States Senator David Perdue's Reflection on STEM Education As Shared with Chinita Allen, President Elect of UNA Atlanta

11/7/2015

Dear Mrs. Allen:

         Thank you for contacting me about provisions in the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" (ESEA) reauthorization regarding science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. I always appreciate hearing from my fellow Georgians.

          On July 16, 2015, I proudly supported the reauthorization of the ESEA by voting in favor of S. 1177, the "Every Child Achieves Act." This much revised version of the "No Child Left Behind Act" (NCLB) ultimately ends Washington's heavy-handed influence over our public K-12 education system and returns power to the state and local level where it belongs.
          I was also pleased that language supporting STEM education was included in the final version of the bill. I am an avid supporter of STEM education and believe we must continue to invest in STEM programs to remain competitive in the global economy. Since S. 1177 passed the Senate by an overwhelming margin of 81-17, you can be assured that these provisions were supported by a majority of the Senate.
          Again, thank you for taking the time to talk to me about this important issue. The future of our nation lies in the hands of our children. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure every child receives a quality education, and I will keep your thoughts in mind whenever legislation regarding STEM programs is discussed in the Senate.

Kindest regards,

David Perdue
United States Senator