Last Updated on Thursday, 18 June 2009 15:24 Written by Administrator Thursday, 18 June 2009 14:11

The National Biennial Convention was a great success.  Organized by outgoing Council of Chapters and Divisions Chair Larry Levine and a committee of CCD members, it took place from June 12-14 at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC.  The program introduced Ambassador Tom Miller, UNA-USA's new President, who spoke on his priorities.  He told the participants "You are the heart and soul of this organization."  His priorities are to (1) get the funds UNA-USA into better shape; (2) improve relations with chapters and divisions; and (3) work where we can have greatest impact.  This includes highlighting work on Model UN and Global Classrooms and, in Policy and Advocacy, using the strength of UNA Members who have enormous experience in this area.   

Plenary Speakers included

• Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, who spoke on "The Obama Administration and the United Nations";
• Gillian Sorensen and Peter Yeo, of the UN Foundation, on "The United Nations Foundation and the Better World Campaign: UNA-USA's Partners in Engaging the American Public; and
• Kemal Dervie, former Administrator of the UN Development Program, currently with the Brookings Institution, on the "Global Economic Crisis: Its Impact on Poverty and the MDGs".

Key agenda items included election or announcement of CCD Steering Committee members for 2009-2011.  Ed Elmendorff of the UNA National Capital Area was named Chair, with Alma Morrison of Boston as Vice President and Katherine Horvat of Utah as Secretary. 

In its Regional Assembly, the Mid-Atlantic Region elected Catherine White and George Garland as regional representatives for 2009-2011 - Catherine for a second two-year term and George for a first two-year term, replacing Ginger Stillman, who had served two terms.  Jeff Laurenti remains as regional director for another two years.  The Assembly also agreed to plan for a Second Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference - Catherine and George will co-chair preparations.  Peg Shannon, President of the Queens Chapter, took notes that will be reported to the Region. 

Two sessions were devoted to discussing and voting on 23 advocacy resolutions and one business resolution. Discussions were first held in three groupings: human rights and international law; peace, security and disarmament; and development climate change and UN reform.  After discussions and proposals of revised language the Resolutions committee led by Ed Elmendorf, Jeff Laurenti and Katy Hansen revised the resolutions as presented.  On Sunday morning, at the Annual Meeting, those with voting credentials first adopted the 13 resolutions that had emerged without change.  Then the assembly discussed the remaining 11 resolutions, passing all but three.  The resolutions as adopted will be posed on the UNA website.

YPIC held a Saturday afternoon session for its members, while the CCD Annual Meeting reported on elections, reports of its outgoing chair and comments by its incoming chair.  Open discussions took place on building membership and on strengthening chapters, after which Tom Miller addressed the Meeting on his initial impressions and perspectives on the way forward.

The meeting officially ended Sunday afternoon with simultaneous sesions on Policy and Advocacy; Communications Strategies; and Attracting Students and Young Adults to UNA-USA.  Tom Miller again spoke, this time at the Open UNA-USA Board meeting, where new board members including regional representatives took office.

To get a flavor of the Convention, visit UNA-USA's Flickr set of 148 photos.

Last Updated on Thursday, 28 May 2009 16:26 Written by Administrator Thursday, 28 May 2009 16:21

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 May 2009 18:10 Written by Administrator Sunday, 17 May 2009 15:30

At the Council of Organizations annual meeting on May 14, 2009, the Council awarded the prestigious Eleanore Schnurr Award to Catherine D. White, President of the UNA Southern New York Division. See the "Event Image Gallery" above for a photo.

According to the UNA-USA website, in recognition of her exceptional service in support of the work of the UN and to honor her as a valued colleague, the Council of Organizations-New York of the UNA-USA created the Eleanore Schnurr Award to be presented periodically to a non-governmental organization representative who exemplifies the courage and commitment of Eleanore Schnurr.

The awardee must meets the following criteria:
• Exceptional Commitment to the goals of the United Nations and to constructive participation of the United States in the U.N. system.
• Long-term Dedication and service in pursuit of these goals.
• The Ability to Communicate Enthusiasm and to inspire others.
• Effectiveness in initiating efforts that make a difference.

Catherine D. White, President of the UNA Southern New York State Division, certainly meets these criteria! The Board of the Division of the Division congratulated Catherine on winning the award at its May 11 meeting. Among her other accomplishments, Catherine spearheaded the Middle Atlantic Division's successful regional conference held at the UN in February 2009. This is representative of her lifelong achievement in service to the UN and its goals.  Catherine is also is a Middle Atlantic Representative on the UNA Council of Chapters and Divisions Steering Committee

Catherine was an advertising executive for over thirty years. In 1993 she retired from her company and began to work full time as a volunteer for the US National Committee for UNIFEM.  She joined UNIFEM in 1981, became a national Board Member in 1988, was subsequently elected to the Executive Committee and served for four years as Vice President. She was the alternate US Committee NGO representative to the United Nations. While living in Los Angeles, she was a founding member of the Southern California Chapter of UNIFEM and served as President until she moved to New York. She was a frequent speaker at other NGO functions and represented the Committee on local radio and TV shows. In 1998, she received the Los Angeles ZONTA “Women of Achievement” award. That same year she received a commendation from the City of Los Angeles for her work on behalf of women’s rights.

She has traveled extensively for the US Committee, and currently serves as Development Consultant for UNIFEM. She is a member of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television and serves as alternate UN Representative. She also serves in that capacity on the UN/NGO Committee for UNIFEM.

Catherine is also a member of the Women’s International Forum and previously worked as a volunteer for the International Council of Women.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 19 May 2009 18:09 Written by Administrator Sunday, 19 April 2009 15:36