UNA Maine summer events
| Maine Model UN Conference (MeMUNC)(May 2019) The keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony of MeMUNC, Professor Rebecca Davis Gibbons, an authority on international relations and nuclear issues, challenged approximately 600 high school and middle school students in attendance to identify and understand the meaning of the above stark symbol (the “Doomsday Clock”) during her address on Wednesday evening, May 15. Although this started as a somber message, she commended the students for preparing themselves through Model UN to take on leadership roles in the world and to work toward moving the clock back. Professor Gibbons is currently a post doctoral research fellow at the Belfour Center at the Harvard Kennedy School. She will join the USM faculty and work with Professor Tim Ruback and MeMUNC students next September. Thanks to Chapter members and friends who contribute to the Chapter’s Education Fund, we were again able to provide scholarship support to many of the students attending. UNA-USA National News On Friday, May 17, members should have received an email from Chris Whatley, the Executive Director of UNA-USA sharing that he is moving on to a new position and announcing that Rachael Pittman, the current Senior Director will be our next Executive Director, effective June 15. Although it is sad to see Chris go, we are in good hands with Rachael at the helm. If you are a member and did NOT receive this email, please let us know, so we can investigate and make sure you are getting the full benefit of your membership. Email us at: info@unamaine.org |
| LOOKING AHEAD May 29–International Day of UN Peacekeepers. FMI: https://www.un.org/en/events/peacekeepersday/ June 5–World Environment Day. FMI: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/ June 8–Want to celebrate World Oceans Day? See: https://www.worldoceansday.org/ June 9-11–UNA-USA Leadership Summit/lobby day in Washington D.C. For the first time, all 50 states will be represented at the Summit! We hope to have a report from those attending from Maine. June 14–“Russia Study Tour Report” hosted by Brunswick PeaceWorks. Includes photos, stories and time for questions. 7 PM at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. June 15–Chapter Board meeting from 10 AM to noon in Freeport. All Chapter members and guests are also invited to come to an informal CHAPTER POTLUCK PICNIC, following the Board meeting, from 12:30 to 2:30, at the home of Board president Lucinda White. Please email info@unamaine.org for directions and to RSVP. PLEASE COME! Rain or shine! If you are not yet a member, join at the picnic. June 20–World Refugee Day. See sidebar/below for details and events. August 3–15th Annual Peace Fair, 10 AM to 2 PM. Hosted by Brunswick PeaceWorks on the Brunswick Green. Keynote speaker to be Maine artist and author, Robert Shetterley, of Americans Who Tell the Truth. September 7–10 AM to noon. Chapter Board meeting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church library, Brunswick. As always, all members are welcome to attend. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has counted over 65.3 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide, of which over 86% are hosted by developing countries. The UNA-USA has an ongoing program of support for schools in refugee camps, called “Adopt-A-Future.” For details see: https://unausa.org/adopt-a-future/ and make a contribution! And/or join others in public celebration of the resilience of refugees world-wide and to show support for families forced to flee. Two public celebrations planned in southern Maine include June 20, from 5 PM to 7:30 PM at Simard Payne Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston. FMI: http://www.lawrd.org June 22, from 1 to 5 PM at Westbrook Middle School, 471 Stroudwater St., Westbrook FMI: https://www.facebook.com/WorldRefugeeDayMaine Both of these celebrations feature international food, music, activities and conversation. Attend one or both to celebrate the diversity and culture that exist in our State! |