UNA hosts celebration at UIndy
The United Nations Association was created to help Americans become more educated about the organization and learn more about how to become involved in the United Nations, according to the UNA official website. The UNA has expanded to include chapters all across the United States.
Members of the Indianapolis chapter of UNA gathered to celebrate U.N. Day on Oct. 24 in the Trustees Dining Room.
U.N. Day is a celebration of the birthday of the U.N. and its accomplishments. Members of the organization met in the dining hall to discuss issues and listen to guest speakers.
The celebration began with a small meal followed by an introduction by Lorraine Marshall, secretary of the Indianapolis chapter. She gave a brief history of what the UNA and U.N. have done for the world. Some of these things include charitable organizations and relief efforts.
“We do what we can to better mankind,” Marshall said. “Charity starts at home. [This includes] being a helping hand to our neighbor.”
Marshall also took time to let prospective members hear about the efforts that the Indianapolis chapter have made.
Guest speaker Michael Beard former lobbyist and director of the Better World Campaign, spoke with the group about the state of the U.N.
He told the group how membership to UNA helps build the credibility of the organization. He described his experiences during his time working on Capitol Hill and the many pieces of legislation that would directly affect the U.N.
“U.N. does really critical things around the world,” Beard said.
Sunday Robert-Eze, president of the Indianapolis chapter, encouraged attendees to sign up, and renew their membership if they needed to. He stressed the importance of being a part of an organization such as the UNA.
“We are privileged to be a part of this organization,” Robert-Eze said.
Robert-Eze also stressed the importance of staying involved in the group. The chapter currently has 32 members, but is looking to double in size.
Robert-Eze also believes that the UNA organizations across the country have the ability to change citizens’ minds about the work of the United Nations.
Mark Akers, university associate adjunct professor for graduate business, also spoke on the importance of the work of UNA. Akers has been a member of the Indianapolis UNA chapter since a student suggested that he attend a meeting.
The meeting ended with a Q-and-A led by Marshall to help attendees get a better understanding of the organization and speak with Beard about some of the legislation mentioned in his speech. Marshall took this time to encourage attendees to take action and use their questions to start an initiative.
“Don’t just bring the problem, but help with the solution,” Marshall said.
More information on UNA and the U.N. is available on www.unausa.org. Prospective members can learn more about membership and the organizational efforts of on this site.
