PROGRAMS
The United Nations Association Film Festival, founded
and directed by Jasmina Bojic at Stanford University, screens
documentaries by international filmmakers dealing with topics
such as human rights, environmental survival, women's issues,
children, refugee protection, racism, and war and peace. Each
spring the East Bay Chapter presents UNAFF Traveling Film Festival
at PFA Theater in Berkeley.
UNA East Bay 2010 winner Kathy Pham
Every fall UNA-USA selects a current topic on which high school students may write an essay, according to prescribed standards, and submit it to the local chapter. The best essay in each chapter is sent to the national office in January where the three top essays are selected and the winners receive cash prizes and national recognition. Essays should be submitted to UNA East Bay by December 15. The 2010 East Bay Chapter winning essay was submitted by Kathy Pham.
The Chapter has taken the initiative to draft a resolution on climate protection which was passed by UNA-USA at its 2007 Convention in NYC.
FLAG RENTAL PROGRAM
The Chapter maintains a set of 192 flags (5' x 3') in size, 191 members states of the United Nations + United Nations flag) for rental to add background and color to local events. The set includes 191 poles and approximately 120 stands (stands recommended for indoor use only). A rental contract must be completed by the renter prior to the dispensing of flags.
In partnership with USAID, HERO is an awareness-building and fund-raising initiative dedicated to providing comprehensive school-based support to orphans and vulnerable children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa. At the 2007 Biennial National Convention of UNA-USA, President Herb Behrstock presented to UNA-USA President William Luers a Chapter check for the HERO program.
RUN FOR PEACE
Every Fall a 5k/10k run/walk is held at Berkeley Marina, Cesar Chavez Park. Proceeds support the UNA and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Our 11th annual Run For Peace was held on September 20, 2009.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Each year the chapter observes International Human Rights Day on December 10. 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights which was celebrated in January with a human rights symposium in Berkeley featuring Jamil Dakwar, Advocacy Director for ACLU's National Human Rights Program.
The UN's birthday is observed on October 24 by chapters across the United States. Every year the East Bay Chapter holds a celebration at Jack London Square in Oakland with a UN flag-raising ceremony followed by lunch and a talk on UN-related issues. In addition, the chapter has an annual dinner program including presentation of the Global Citizens Awards at the International House in Berkeley.
GLOBAL CITIZEN AWARDS
Global Citizen Awards is a chapter initiative to
recognize individuals and organizations whose exemplary international
activities have reduced poverty and helped fulfill the United
Nations Millennium Development Goals. The awards are
presented each year at the UN Day Celebration at the International
House in Berkeley. To nominate candidates for the 2009 Global
Citizen Award click here.
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InterAct Club members accept one of the six Global Citizen Awards
on UN Day for outstanding achievement to "Make Poverty History!"