Dear UNA-NCA Community,
I hope this email finds you well and adjusting to this unprecedented time and new way of living. The past few weeks have certainly been very challenging for all and many have been struggling in our community, the country and the world. The messages shared on several platforms have been encouraging and brought a sense of global unity in the face of adversity.
We are committed to keeping you informed and providing opportunities for continued engagement with our members and supporters. The current challenge has the potential of bringing us closer together and expanding our outreach within and beyond our jurisdiction. We are embracing this opportunity and discussing with partners and program leaders various alternatives for conducting our programming virtually.
Global Classrooms DC: despite the difficult decision of canceling the annual Model UN Conference, our GCDC team is exploring alternative ways to bring our program to the students as well as professional development opportunities for teachers. We are very appreciative of the understanding and continued support of our educators, partners and supporters;
Young Professionals: despite having to cancel the Spring Career Dinners, the team is working on launching a series of professional and leadership development opportunities for young professionals and students;
UN at 75: UNA-USA has encouraged its chapters to engage in virtual consultations about the future of the UN. Other programming being assessed include Town Halls around relevant topics, engaging our network of experts and community leaders. UNA-NCA will have special programming in the fall to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations.
Advocacy: Now more than ever, we will continue to strengthen our efforts to build a strong U.S.-UN partnership through virtual trainings and outreach to our congressional representatives. We need our leaders to know that American support for the UN comes at an unprecedented time. In order to commemorate World Health Day on Tuesday, April 7, we're going to raise our voice. Join us for an Advocacy Briefing and Training on Monday April 6 from 5-6pm to prepare for our day of digital action.
Last week, the Senate passed an unprecedented $2 trillion relief package to deal with the economic and public health effects of the coronavirus pandemic, by a vote of 96-0. While the vast majority of the package is focused on domestic spending—including relief for industries and small businesses, an expansion of unemployment insurance, direct payments to Americans, and a significant growth in spending on the health sector—the bill also includes a very modest $1.15 billion for the State Department and USAID. See a USGLC summary here.
Please note that our office will remain closed for the week ahead and our staff will continue to work remotely. The International Labour Organization (ILO) will have a briefing on the impact of COVID19 on employment and the world of work on April 2 at 10:00 am.
I want to end my message by quoting my 7-year-old daughter “Together we are better than Unicorns, Sprinkles and Rainbows.” I have no doubt we will get through this and come out stronger.
Sincere thanks for your leadership and continued support!
Your Executive Director,
Paula Boland
March 31, 2020
