PROGRAMS
Introduced in May 2009, the Monthly Dinner Forums feature a speaker/facilitator discussing topics selected for their current international significance and participants interests. Usually the focus is on a particular country or an issue of global significance affecting international cooperation and the United Nations. They are open to members and nonmembers and held in local restaurants. Reservations are required. Check the Chapter website for a list of upcoming Forums
HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST
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.
Large Flags
The Chapter maintains a set of 192 large 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.
Small Flags
The Center has sets of small flags on wooden stands as pictured below. Configurations and prices are listed here..
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.
Every year elementary, high school, and college students collect funds to support UNICEF programs. Information and collection boxes are available through the Center. Volunteers are available to make classroom presentations.
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. The 12th annual Run For Peace will be held on September 19, 2010
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 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!"