Overview
The United Nations Association-Houston, is the local chapter of the national non-profit organization UNA-USA, a membership organization dedicated to building understanding of and support for the ideals and vital work of the United Nations among the American people. Its educational and humanitarian campaigns which include teaching students about international affairs through Model UN programs, clearing minefields in formerly war-torn nations, and providing school-based support for children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa, allows people to make a global impact at the local level. In addition, its policy and advocacy programs stress the importance of nations working together and the need for United States leadership in the United Nations.
Mission Statement
Our Chapter’s mission is to educate people about the UN’s role in international affairs, how it impacts individuals and communities, and to strengthen U. S. support for this institution whose purpose is to promote social justice, the foundation for universal peace.
Programs & Projects
UNA-Houston addresses our mission through Education, Information, Inspiration & Advocacy
Education:
- Model United Nations – For 35 years, the Houston Area Model United Nations, and more recently the Global Classrooms program, engage area high school students in the exploration of current world issues through interactive simulations and curricular materials. These team-based programs cultivate literacy, cross-cultural competencies and leadership skills
- UN High School Essay Contest – For over 25 years Houston students have been entering and winning local and national recognition in this annual contest focusing on emerging issues in the global community
- Educational Tours – UNA-Houston occasionally sponsors educational tours to foreign countries and the UN in New York. Where possible, visits are made to UN agencies and organizations such as UNICEF and the UN Development Program (UNDP).
- Schools & Youth Outreach – UNA-Houston is regularly invited to speak on world affairs and UN operations with a host of schools and youth organizations, at all age and grade levels.
Information:
- World Café Series – Regular monthly gatherings are held at The Salento Café in the Rice Village where guest speakers and panelists discuss emerging global issues and what Houstonians can do to address them overseas as well as locally.
- Dialogue with Diplomats Series – Co-sponsored by the University of St. Thomas, the Dialogue with Diplomats Series allows Houstonians to hear and meet consulate officials or visiting dignitaries from all over the world.
- Ethnic Dinner Series – UNA-Houston members and friends meet several times a year to explore cultures and cuisines in Houston's many ethnic restaurants for informal networking and to hear from guest speakers from the night’s themed nation.
Inspiration:
- UNA International Choir - This acclaimed 100-plus voice choir celebrates diversity and cooperation through music as it entertains audiences with a wide repertoire of global choral music. Additionally, a smaller Chamber Choir is often invited to perform before civic or corporate functions focusing on global or multicultural themes
- UNA Film Festival – Coming soon to Houston for the first time, the UNA Film Festival includes documentaries, shorts and some features produced from across the globe. Each film illustrates a facet of global concern as well as offers hope and inspiration for action.
Advocacy:
- Project HERO (Help Educate at Risk Orphans) – UNA-Houston is currently undertaking a project to add school improvements to a kindergarten in the Ohangwena community of Namibia in Africa, a country savaged by the impact of AIDS on its communities
- Adopt-a-Minefield – Over the years, UNA-Houston has participated in this project that resulted in raising nearly $40,000 to help remove mines from a schoolyard in Chifluck, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Addition projects are planned.
- US Leadership at the UN – A lot goes on across the world but as a founding nation of the UN, the US has major leadership role to uphold in promoting democracy, human rights, and international security. UNA-Houston works with other UNA-USA chapters across the nation to encourage continued US leadership within the United Nations system.
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