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A SPECIAL INVITATION TO ORANGE COUNTY UNA-USA MEMBERS AND FRIENDS TO HEAR THE HONORABLE ZALMAY KHALILZAD, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N. by Ken Tye
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PEACE EVENT MARKS 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IRAQ INVASION UNA-OC members joined with hundreds of other concerned citizens at the Huntington Beach pier on March 15, and walked silently down Main Street to express solidarity with American troops and opposition to the war in Iraq. Sponsored by the Orange County Peace Coalition, the afternoon included a performance of peace songs by a children's choir, an "Arlington West" memorial in the sand to commemorate the servicemen and women who have died in the war, and live testimonials by Iraq war veterans. Although not covered by local media, the event was very well attended by a huge crowd of Orange County citizens of all ages and viewpoints, who are united in their desire to see an end to the war in Iraq. The theme of the event, "How many more?" was visible on special t-shirts made for the occasion. Our chapter's information table was staffed in shifts by Adele Brown, Deirdre LePera, Therese Lynn, and Mary McNulty. A MESSAGE FROM THE UNA-ORANGE COUNTY 2008 CO-PRESIDENTS Ken and Barbara Tye We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors and membership of the Orange County UNA Board for selecting us as co-presidents for the 2008 year. We have been long-time supporters and believers in the important work of the United Nations, and we see this as an opportunity for us to make a small contribution towards the accomplishment of that work. We began our tenure with the Board at a special planning meeting, held at Chapman University on January 26. Strategies to gain more visibility for the chapter, increase its membership, and reach out to young people were discussed, as was the chapter's position on advocacy. At subsequent Board meetings on February 16 and March 15, the process of building our 2008 calendar of events was begun and themes were selected to guide the work of the chapter during 2008 (reported elsewhere in this newsletter). We look forward to a productive, educative, and enjoyable year. We also look forward to getting to know many of you in the coming months, and we hope to hear from you about ideas for the advancement of the goals of our chapter and UNA-USA in general. You can contact us at ktye@chapman.edu or leave a message at (714) 997-6845. Dr. Paula Garb from the UCI Citizen Peacebuilding Center was the speaker at the OC/UNA-USA Annual Meeting/Brunch at the Hacienda Restaurant in January. Her talk was on "Action Toward a Peaceful World."
Jane Barboza provided a peaceful
musical interlude on the flute before the talk. 2008 OC-UNA Presidential Objectives 1. Increased programming for the general
membership. OC CHAPTER INITIATES NEW INTERN PROGRAM Ken Tye This spring the Orange County UNA chapter is establishing an Intern Program, to assist with the development of several long-term projects and help with some of our regular activities. Thus far, applicants from Chapman University, UC Irvine, San Diego State University, and California State University Long Beach have been interviewed, and five have been invited to serve as our 2008 interns. In future newsletters, we will be introducing these young people. They are an impressive group, with a wide variety of experiences including volunteer work in the U.S. and overseas, and they will make outstanding contributions to the work of our chapter. Tasks for interns this year include updating a database of local NGO contacts; maintaining our web page; assisting with our newsletter; developing a speakers bureau database for long-range planning of events for our membership; developing a database of media contacts; helping to expand our membership by designing outreach programs for youth and senior citizens; and identifying potential funding sources for chapter activities. Interns can work for course credit, or simply to have a good experience with an organization such as UNA-Orange County. They are expected to attend chapter meetings and activities and to learn about the workings of, and issues faced by, the United Nations. One of the chapter goals for this year is to develop a regularized application and screening process that can be used to maintain the Intern Program in future years. This is a short-term task for which an ad hoc committee will be formed later in the year. If you are interested in serving, please contact Ken Tye at (714) 744-2821 or ktye@chapman.edu UNA-OC CHAPTER TO SCHEDULE REGULAR EVENTS FOR MEMBERS Watch for electronic and postcard notices soon about regular, possibly monthly, events for members. High-interest programs are being planned and a location that is easy to reach, has adequate parking, is available, is large enough, and is free or not too expensive is being sought. Programs will be based on one or more of the themes chosen by the chapter Board as our focus for 2008 (see page 5). A few ideas are shown below, and suggestions for other high-interest events are welcome. Events for members will be on the agenda of the April 19 Board meeting. Board meetings are open to all members and are held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Chapter House at 480 S. Batavia (just behind CHOC and St Joseph's Hospital) in Orange, from 9:00-11:00 on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Consult MapQuest online, or ktye@chapman.edu for more detailed directions. Possible guest speakers: Local university experts on peaceful solutions to current world conflicts, celebrities who work as official United Nations Ambassadors. Considering alternative perspectives: the Buddhist viewpoint on recent events in Tibet. View and discuss Amandala! _a film about the role that music played in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement; or other films dealing with concerns shared by UNA-OC chapter members. An evening of folk tales from Afghanistan—with slides and music. An event focusing on women's issues, possibly co-sponsored with the Orange County chapter of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). UNA-OC TO PARTICIPATE IN 7TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AT SOKA UNIVERSITY Gaye Christoffersen Soka University's annual International Festival is held on the first Saturday of May, celebrating the anniversary of SUA's dedication on May 3, 2001. A continuous program of international music and dance on three stages featuring over 600 international performers will be a highlight of the 7th annual International Festival. The International Festival, which is part of Orange County's Imagination Celebration (www.ocimaginationcelebration.org) will also feature international food, children's games, art, street painting, inflatable rides, ceramics and book sales and exhibitors. Attendees are encouraged to wear international attire and to celebrate their own heritages. Over 4000 people attended in 2007. Admission is $5 for adults, free for students 18 and under. Parking is included in the admission price. All proceeds from the International Festival go to the university's Education Fund. The 103-acre Soka University campus is located off of Wood Canyon Drive one mile south of Pacific Park Drive in Aliso Viejo. See www.soka.edu/festival for more information. Don't miss the International Festival on May 3rd, and when you come, be sure to stop by the UNA table to say hello. UNA-OC Board member and Soka University professor Gaye Christensen will be coordinating the UNA-OC table at this year's international festival. She will be assisted by chapter interns, chapter members, and co-presidents Ken and Barbara Tye.
UNA-USA/OC SUPPORTS THE 23rd ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN WRITE-IN Thérèse Lynn On April 5, 2008, Women For—the energetic grassroots advocacy and educational organization—held its annual Great American Write-In at the Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lakeview, Irvine 92604 just off Alton Pkwy east of Culver. More than 50 organizations came together to prove once again that "the pen is mightier than the sword" by writing letters to those in power and reminding them of our fundamental goals: - advancing human and civil rights As in past years, over 1,000 letters were written between 9:30 and 1:00 p.m. The UNA-USA/OC table staff was busy the entire time, urging GAW participants to write letters in support of UNA goals for 2008. For further information check the Women For website: www.womenforoc.org THEMES FOR OUR WORK IN 2008 Barbara Tye Lively discussion at the March 15 Board meeting led to consensus on our chapter's organizing themes for 2008. Recognizing that the national UNA-USA advocacy focus for 2008 is "restoring U.S. credibility through international cooperation," the group chose to focus on two of the four subtopics that were adopted by the national Board of Directors on December 10, 2007. Noting that the 2008 Advocacy Campaign document (available online at www.unausa.org) states, "These agenda items are by no means the sum total of issues that UNA-USA chapters and divisions can work on this year," the Orange County Chapter Board chose to align several of its major areas of concern with the first two national goals. For example, under "abiding by the international rule of law," we will address working for a peaceful world/conflict resolution. We plan to do so by encouraging the United States to sign and abide by international treaties including the Kyoto agreements, the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court, the Rights of the Child, and the Law of the Sea Treaty. These treaties have been signed by nearly every other nation in the world—but not by the USA. Under "supporting human rights," our chapter will emphasize eradicating hunger and poverty and promoting gender equity and empowering women. The Board felt that while "constructive U.S. engagement in the U.N. climate change framework" is also a critical area needing much attention, our chapter will be more effective if we focus on just these four goals for this year. Decisions about programs for the chapter membership and which events to sponsor or co-sponsor with other organizations during 2008 will be based on the extent to which they fit with one or more of these four themes. The Four Subtopics Adopted by the UNA-USA Board of Directors for 2008 1. Abiding by the international rule of
law* *UNA-OC to focus on work within these two topics The UNA-USA Orange County 2008 Organizing Themes 1. Working for a peaceful world/conflict
resolution Planned Calendar of Events 2008 April 5th Great American
Write-In, Irvine Senior Center Email us at info@una-oc.org in order to receive notices of special meetings and events Greetings from 2007 President Hormoz JahansooziThank you to all of you and the Board for supporting me in this important year of operating “out on our own” after the closing of our gift shop in January. We have sponsored or co-sponsored 11 events, had an increase in membership, put out our first color newsletter and cards on line and by snail mail. We are most appreciative of the help we received from our fall intern, Deirdre LePera. Our Nominating Committee, Valorie Hafner, Dr. Gaye Christoffersen, and Suzanne Darweesh has come up with an exciting slate of officers for 2008 who will be voted on at our Annual Meeting/Brunch on January 13th.
Wine and Cheese and Reflections on UN Declaration of Human RightsBe sure to join us for wine and cheese and to renew friendships and energies and reflect on the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, December 9, 2007 from 1:30 – 3:00 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 511 South Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, 92805. For detailed directions, go to http://www.uuchurchoc.org. UN Human Rights Presentation from the OC/UNAUSA Speakers BureauDr. Therese Lynn made a presentation at the Masjid Al-Nabi Mosque in West Covina on Saturday, August 4, 2007. As a basis of the discussion, each member of the audience received a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. After a short history of the Declaration, the audience started a lively give and take, questions and answers of the 30 articles. The participation of the faithful was impressive. It was agreed that the Human Rights listed are inalienable, and that we must all defend them by staying informed, educated, and sharing our knowledge with the public at large. It was also remarked that their faith is constantly under attack in the media, and our role is to convey the truth. Southern CA UNAUSA Division MeetingThe San Diego Chapter hosted the Division Annual Meeting. It was bittersweet to see Ardishir Rashidi from Pasadena step down from the presidency after four years of outstanding leadership. In appreciation, the Orange County Chapter presented him with a plaque. OC/UNAUSA honored Susan Eaton in the Division Tribute Book for her work in helping the chapter transition to a new office, respond to emails, work with our fall intern on setting up our mailing lists on Excel and organize programs. Susan is a 20-year member of UNAUSA. The luncheon speaker gave a very comprehensive review of the involvement of the US in Iraq. Following this, a simulation of a Model UN session was held with the guidance of students from UC San Diego and Calif. State University of San Diego. The students were very helpful and prepared some additions to liven up the deliberations and make it fun while still providing a taste of what it is like to be a UN delegate. Letter from UNAUSA President to Parade Magazine Re: UN PollOctober 17, 2007 In response to the results of your recent poll concerning the relevance of the United Nations in today's world ("Does the UN Still Matter?", October 14, 2007), we respectfully note that a May 2007 poll undertaken by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs found that four out of five Americans, or 79 percent, consider strengthening the United Nations to be an important foreign policy goal, including 40 percent of respondents who term it "very important." In fact, a solid majority of Americans have moved beyond the issue of whether the UN 'matters' to looking to U.S. leadership to enhance its effectiveness. In recent years, the United Nations has been called upon to deal with some of the most complex issues facing our planet. Whether leading the way to address climate change; coordinating international action against terrorism and international crime; keeping the peace and promoting reconciliation in nearly every corner of the globe; forging a united front against the proliferation of dangerous weapons; or mobilizing the international community to overcome natural disasters and the spread of disease, the fact is that the United States has an important stake in an effective-functioning United Nations. The United Nations does matter-and it advances important American policy objectives through much of its work. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is demonstrating on a daily basis his commitment to assuring the United Nations a central role in addressing some of the greatest challenges facing our world—challenges that no one country can, or should, seek to resolve on its own. As the UN's leading member, the United States will play a pivotal role in determining the extent to which Mr. Ban is able to succeed. William H. Luers President, UNA-USA New York, NY Results of Another Poll Regarding Public Opinion of the UNIn November, the UN Foundation released the results of a public opinion research project at www.betterworldcampaign.org on American attitudes about the international role and priorities of the United States. The findings indicate that Americans are concerned that the United States is less respected abroad. There was a preference for international cooperation and partnerships with other nations to solve global problems instead of unilateral, "go it alone" policies. United Nations International Day Of PeaceA Celebration of the United Nations International Day of Peace was held at beautiful Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo on September 21st, and the event was co- sponsored by the International Studies Students of Soka University. Situated in the stunning art gallery located steps away from tranquil Peace Lake, this was an invigorating event comprised of both thoughtful and in-depth presentations. Attendees even had the opportunity to break-off into small groups, led by the university student presenters. Dr. Gaye Christoffersen, OC/UNAUSA Board Member & Professor of International Studies at Soka University, (shown here with Deirdre Peirdra LePera) was instrumental in putting the event together and actively participated in the university’s three-day commemoration of the International Day of Peace which included an impromptu Peace Walk. During the Peace Walk from the university to the local library, members of the community joined and created a memorable event for the students and the community alike. As a result, another Peace Walk was held in mid-October, in an effort to continue raising awareness for the efforts of peaceful conflict resolution. A presentation was also given by a leader of the Department of Peace Orange County. She had thought provoking arguments for the necessity of a Department of Peace (DOP). The domestic focus of the proposed DOP would include but not be limited to:
The Peace Alliance (www.thepeacealliance.org) is the national organization advocating for the passage of the Bill to establish a cabinet level U.S. Department of Peace. For more information we invite you to visit either the website given above or the organization affiliated with Orange County which is the Department of Peace Orange County www.dopoc.org United Nations DayCommemoration of United Nations Day was held on October 28th with a special focus on the 2007 UN Day Theme of Eradication of Deadly Diseases, the 6th UN Millennium Development Goal (MDG). Hosted by the Aids Services Foundation of Orange County, this event provided a unique insight into the lives of the people who fight deadly diseases both locally and abroad. Rev. Ty Rose, Director of the Aids Services Foundation, pictured here on the tour with Suzanne Darweesh and Adele Brown, detailed the effects of HIV and AIDS on the Orange County community including the following statistics and trends:
Luckily, there are organizations like the AIDS Services Foundation whose mission it is to prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition to the educational and prevention efforts of the ASF in Orange County, they also provide a variety of services to help individuals cope with their HIV/AIDS. These services were demonstrated to those at the event and include a food pantry, spiritual support and counseling, practical assistance, transportation, housing services, emergency financial assistance, home care and much more. Another deadly disease that the UN MDGs have set out to eradicate from our world is malaria. Although uncommon in our country nowadays, it is still one of the leading killers globally. The effects of malaria in Africa in particular were discussed and illustrated through a moving photo presentation by Rev. David Dolan. Recently returned from his 14th trip to Africa, Rev. Dolan discussed his participation in medical mission work and service projects through the Presbyterian Church, as well as his visit with the leaders of the Centers of Disease control program. As a member of NetWorkers, Rev. Dolan is working to provide much needed mosquito nets and provide malaria prevention education in malaria-endemic countries. Net Workers itself is a malaria prevention program and is affiliated with the International Health Ministries. The effects of malaria on women, children and poor countries are devastating.
The empowering factor of this particular presentation was that malaria is preventable, and that malaria rates can be significantly reduced by sleeping under inexpensive, insecticide-treated mosquito nets. To find more information about the NetWorkers program or International Health Ministries please visit www.pcusa.org/health/international Model United Nations Club: California State University, Long BeachThe OC/UNAUSA participated with the Model United Nations club of California State University, Long Beach in their UN Day commemoration event on October 25th. The topic for the moderated panel was on the Perspectives of Power in the Middle East, and panel members included: Mr. Nathan Gonzalez, author of Engaging Iran: The Rise of a Middle East Powerhouse and America’s Strategic Choice (Praeger SI), Mr. Gilad Millo, the Consul for Media and Public Affairs and former Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Kenya and Ms. Farabi Taghavi, a current teacher of Politics of the Middle East within CSULB. This was a lively evening filled with passionate perspectives and broadened look at the various facets that play into the balance of power within the Middle East. Ms. Deirdre LePera, the OC/UNAUSA current Fall Intern, was instrumental in collaborating for the event as she is also a member of the CSULB MUN. For more information on the activities of the CSULB MUN please visit www.csulb.edu/org/mun. UNA-USA 2008 Essay ContestThis year's National High School Essay Contest on the United Nations focuses on Millennium Development Goal Six (as did the 2007 UN Day), and asks students to tackle the challenge of combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. This year’s essays and completed application form can be submitted directly to UNA-USA 2008 National High School Essay Contest, PO Box #10, New York, NY 10017 postmarked by midnight January 5, 2008. For complete directions and forms: www.unausa.org/essay2008 Become a 2008 HERO Youth Ambassador!Applications will be posted on December 1, so check www.heroaction.org to apply and find out all the details surrounding the 2008 Youth Ambassador Program.
OC/UNAUSA Holds 1st Community Education meetingBy Susan Eaton On May 31st, new members Robin and Robert Repp , opened their Huntington Beach home to members and friends of the Orange County Chapter. Board member, Gaye Christoffersen conceived the idea of in-home evening meetings and secured the speaker, Lisa MacLeod, Professor of International Studies at Soka University. She spoke about the needs for peace in Iraq and the limitations that the UN has in working within a sovereign state and stimulated a most invigorating discussion. Please let us know if you would like to host such a meeting in your home and invite members and friends of yours to attend and continue learning more about the works of the United Nations. We can help with providing a speaker. Call us at (714) 538-5689 or e-mail us at info@una-oc.org to organize an event.
Save Darfur! OC/UNA Chapter Co-Sponsors GatheringBy Valorie Hafner More than 80 people attended a brunch for Darfur Refugees on June 4th, Catherine Standiford, liason, International Public Affairs, Soroptimist International asked the question: What are you willing to do to help? Raising Awareness and
Advocacy were especially urged. Lists of websites, contact addresses, and
supporting organizations were available. (see partial list this page) Past President, Suzanne
Darweesh, represented UNA on the planning committee, together with
representatives of O.C. Interfaith Peace Ministries, Progressive Christians
Uniting, and Third World Gifts and Handarts Today more than 1.6 million
children in the Darfur region of Sudan are affected, and this number continues
to grow. UNICEF requires additional resources to protect more and more children
from the horrors of war. Thank you for your commitment to the
world's most vulnerable children. Useful WEBSITES: Save Darfur – a
consortium of 40 organizations Human Rights Watch:
Crisis Darfur Catholic Relief Services Physicians for Human
Rights International Rescue
Commission Amnesty International www.jewishworldwatch.org OC/UNAUSA Moves ForwardTho’ it was bittersweet to vacate the OC/UNA-USA Center, our home for so many years, your UNA board is devoting energies to providing worthwhile events and education opportunities informing members of ways the United Nations is working for a peaceful world. With the graciousness of the Sisters of St. Joseph, we have secured an office and place to hold our Board meetings at 480 North Batavia in Orange near Chldren’s Hospital (CHOC). Emails and phone messages are monitored regularly and mail picked up at our P.O box. . A personal appointment can be arranged as desired and all are invited to our Board meetings held on 3rd Saturdays from 9 – 11 a.m. most months. Contact us if you are planning to come to make sure we are meeting that Saturday. When new community education meetings are scheduled, we will inform you by email and will be also be posted on our website. Look through this newsletter to learn about some of the
activities we have participated in, those upcoming, and ways to advocate for the
U.N. Your active participation and suggestions
are encouraged!
Join us today!Come and join us to become engaged in many issues on the UN agenda and to advocating for a better world! People of all ages and backgrounds participate in the UNA/USA-OC. Membership offers you the opportunity to become active in many issues, such as UNICEF, world peace, human rights, conflict resolution, tolerance, the environment, and many more. Board Meetings EVENTS CALENDARWhat’s happening in your area?
July
August
September
October
November
December
January 2008
RETHINKING CIVILIZATION:
2007 UNA/USA-OC Annual Meeting Speaker.
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