UNA-MD Newsletter: Vol. 1, No. 1

Vol. 1, No. 1: 08/10/2005

Policy Briefing Encourages Advocacy, Awareness

Written by: Ruth Smith

On July 26, 2005, UNA-MD held a policy briefing for members and guests. The briefing, "Washington Update: Current International Issues Under Consideration by Congress," was given by Alan W. Averyt, Advocacy Coordinator for the UNA-USA.

Mr. Averyt urged us to keep abreast of UN issues, especially with respect to UN reform, by visiting UNA-USA at www.unausa.org and by signing up to receive UNA-USA Membership E-News and the Membership E-News Washington Edition. He noted that this year the UNA-USA is focusing on four advocacy issues: UN Reform, UN Funding, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Democracy Promotion/Rule of Law. He then briefed the audience on recent Congressional and Administrative actions related to these goals.

Mr. Averyt's well-presented talk was followed by a spirited discussion. Many in the audience were concerned that the UNA-USA is not taking a forceful enough approach to advocating for the UN with the Bush administration. They want the UNA to educate the public and the White House about the lack of US credibility in much of the world and the folly of trying to dictate UN reforms and policies to the rest of the world. Mr. Averyt said that in general the UNA does not take a confrontational approach as it does not want to close off channels of communication. It did go out on a limb by raising concerns with the administration concerning the Bolton nomination.

One member of the audience suggested that we should educate ourselves about the advocacy positions of UNA in other countries. Another, concerned about the negative impact of many World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements on the MDGs, expressed concern that the UNA has not taken a position on WTO issues. Yet another expressed concern that the UNA does not advocate on MDG specifics, such as meeting our commitment to contribute 0.7% of our GNP to promote development. Another person suggested that the UNA make better use of its relationship with other organizations by organizing national call-ins on vital issues.

If the views expressed by those who attended this meeting are an accurate reflection of those of our broader membership, UNA-MD is certainly going to be a lively, perhaps somewhat rambunctious chapter.

Crab Feast: Fun & Fundraising

On Saturday, August 20, UNA-MD will be holding a crab feast fundraiser on Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore! Hosted by Bud and Harriett Hankins at their home right on the Chesapeake, there will be coffee and donuts early, crabs, corn on the cob, beer, soda, and watermelon! You can enjoy sailing to the Bay and back, power boat tours of the Little Choptank and Church Creek, and kayaks and canoes to explore Fishing Creek. The party kicks off at 10:30 a.m. and lasts until sundown!

Bring your family and friends and make your reservations early by contacting the Hankins either by mail at 1902 Pig Neck Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, or by phone at 410-228-2018. To reach the party, here are directions from Easton, MD: Cross Malkus Bridge over the Choptank River, continue on Rt. 50 to Church Creek Road (Rt. 16). Turn right on Rt. 16, go about 4 miles, then turn right on Pig Neck Road. Go about 1.7 miles to the sign showing Pig Neck Rd. turning left. Turn left and continue to end.

$35 per person (under 12 free) - Proceeds benefit the UNA-MD general fund.

UN Week 2005: 60 Years of the UN

UNA-MD is busy planning for the 60th anniversary celebration for the United Nations. Here are a couple of ways we plan to celebrate! You can review the enclosed fliers for more information on these events.

UN Day Celebration
Sunday, October 16, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Chesapeake Ballroom, University Union, Towson University

Now more than ever, the work of the United Nations is of critical importance as all the peoples of the world become more connected. Come and enjoy colorful, lively multicultural performances scheduled throughout the afternoon. The United Nations' Millennium Development Goals for the Year 2015 address issues of global development across many facets and in developed and developing countries alike. Come and learn more about the United Nations' efforts to spread prosperity to all parts of the world.

Co-sponsored by UNA-MD and the Towson University Political Science Department. This event is FREE and open to all interested attendees! There will be free parking available in the Union Parking Garage off Osler Drive and next to the University Union.

2005 Diplomat for a Day
Saturday, October 22, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Public Policy Building, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

The workshop will join high school students from all over Maryland in a simulation of the UN General Assembly Plenary and the Security Council with college students and other professionals. The workshop requires registration and fee; portions of event are FREE.

Co-sponsored with the UMBC Model UN Foundation and the UMBC-MUN program. The program features a luncheon speaker; lunch is $15.

Policy Committee Sets Stage for Advocacy Efforts

At their August 7, 2005, meeting, the Board of Directors of UNA-MD determined to form a policy committee with a mandate as follows:

The purpose of the committee will be to investigate, report and make recommendation on issues placed before it by the board of directors.
The issues will be generally confined to those areas in which the board believes that US support of or response to UN goals or objectives is incorrect, insufficient or obscure.
The nature of the issues assigned to the committee will be determined by a majority vote of the Board.
In general, the Committee will be given a stated period of time (usually one month) to prepare its report.
In performing its investigation, the Committee will:
1. Identify the UN goal or objective.
2. Determine the US government position (or policy trend) with regard to the UN objective.
3. Determine US congressional views (resolutions, bills, etc.) with regard to the objective.
4. Assess the progress made toward achieving the UN objective.
5. Make recommendation as to what position the UNA-MD should take with regard to the issue.
On receiving the report, the Board of Directors will vote to adopt the recommendation as the official position of UNA-MD.
For those positions adopted, the UNA-MD will:
1. Notify the membership of the position taken.
2. Communicate with all US Representatives and Senators from Maryland to obtain their individual position on the issue and to elicit their support for the UNA-MD position.
3. Take further advocacy action as determined by the Board.

Volunteers Needed!

Help! Help! Help!
You just read about our United Nations Day Celebration at Towson University and we hope that you think the event sounds interesting and worthwhile! BUT to make this event happen, the Maryland Chapter - just getting back on its feet - needs . . .

LOTS OF HELP

Able bodies to help on day of the event
Decorators to make the room and tables attractive

PUBLICITY SKILLS and CONTACTS

Phone calls, web searches
and more!

THE NEED IS GREAT! THE CAUSE IS GOOD! THE EVENT WILL BE FUN!
But seriously, this is a big venture for the chapter to tackle. We could really use your assistance. If you are willing, please call or e-mail Ruth Smith, 410-821-5487, kujawa@mindspring.com. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The Tiny Planning Committee, UNA-MD

November Bus Trip To UN Headquarters

The UNA-MD and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County League of Women Voters are working together to organize a one day bus trip to the United Nations sometime in early November. A likely date is November 10. UN personnel will brief us on a topic of our choosing. This event is still in the planning stages, but please plan to join us - it will be an informative and interesting day.

As plans for this event evolve, we will keep you informed on our web site (www.unamd.org), and also by email for those members who are on our mailing list. If you are not on the list, or if you prefer to be kept informed by phone, please call 410-821-5487.

Bi-monthly Conference Call on UN Issues

Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS), which is closely related to UNA, sponsors conference calls connecting 50+ partner chapters throughout the US from its Washington, DC headquarters. They take place from 1:00-2:00 pm on the second Saturday of every odd- numbered month. This is open for more Partner groups (of one, two, or more neighbors gathered in your living room) to participate, hearing the expert on the issue of the day and engage in nation-wide discussion with the expert and other partner groups. CGS promotes action to improve UN related matters (lobbying Congressmen, letters to newspapers, etc.) Anyone interested in hosting and promoting such a partner group, contact David Cammack (410-552-9475) or Charles Frascati (410-663-5542).

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