Building a Shared Future

"The story of America is about the actualization of freedom." 

Dr. Don Betz offered this comment to illustrate the values of the United Nations as they are expressed in the UN Millennium Declaration. He encouraged his listeners to compare the fundamental values of the United Nations to the goals and aspirations of all Americans.

The fundamental goals of the UN, Dr. Betz said, are Freedom, Equality, Solidarity, Tolerance, Respect for Nature, and Shared Responsibility.

"The world has said these are our priorities as an international community," Betz observed. He went on to describe the progress that has been made since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration in the year 2000.

Dr. Betz was speaking at our UN Day luncheon at the University of Central Oklahoma. About 50 members and friends of the United nations Association gathered to enjoy a good meal, excellent company, and a timely message delivered by the president of the university.

The UN Millennium Development Goals were launched in 2000, the result of an international development conference convened by the UN General Assembly. The launch of the "MDG's" has been described as "...the most effective anti-poverty campaign in history."

Dr. Betz offered a thumbnail sketch of the progress that has been made so far:

On Goal Number 1 -- the UN's goal to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger -- the UN has scored a "huge global win." Extreme poverty rates have been cut in half since 1990.

Reporting on Goal Number 2 (focused on the achievement of universal primary education), Dr. Betz noted that enrollment in primary education in developing regions of the world has reached 90%.

On a related goal -- Goal Number 3, to promote gender equality and empower women -- Betz reported that, with only a few exceptions, the world has achieved equality in primary education between girls and boys.

A complete report on the success of the MDG's can be found on the UN's website.

"These are astonishing statistics that you don't read on the front page of the newspaper," Dr. Betz commented.

He outlined the progress that has been made on each of the UN's 8 Millennium Development Goals -- measures which deal broadly with health, education, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and promoting a global partnership for development.

President Betz acknowledged that the UN has been able to achieve these successes -- but only with the help of others.

In this regard, he described the UN's relative weakness as an international organization. It has no army. It has only a meager budget. It is dependent on contributions from its 193 member nations.

Moreover, it relies on support from thousands of international non-governmental organizations (NGO's) which have sprung up over the course of decades. The Millennium Declaration expresses the UN's resolve, "...To develop strong partnerships with the private sector and with civil society organizations in pursuit of development and poverty eradication."

Despite the UN's relative weakness, the men and women of the UN are empowered by a common vision which is the realization of two axioms:

<> None of us are smarter than all of us; and

<> All of us are in it together.

Taken together, these thoughts form the fundamental precept of the United Nations.

"We are inextricably interwoven" with the rest of the world, Dr. Betz said. Our lives and our fortunes are tied up with the lives and fortunes of the people who co-habit our planet.

And, even though the UN is a human institution (with inevitable human foibles and failings), it continues to represent our best hope for the future.

In introducing his topic, Dr. Betz recalled a quote from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881 - 1955), a French scientist and philosopher:

"The Age of Nations is passed. If we are not to perish, we must set aside our ancient prejudices and build the Earth." 

Each of us is part of the effort to create a shared future, based on our common humanity in all its diversity.

For more news about the world's progress on meeting the MDG's, see the website of the UN Millennium Campaign ... www.endpoverty2015.org/

The Best Reason

   

What's the best reason to attend our UN Day Luncheon next Saturday (October 26) in Edmond? 

I think it's the people. 

I've often said that you won't find a better group of folks anywhere in our state.

Here's how Dorothy Messenger describes her appreciation for the people of our chapter of the UN Association:

"There are many things I like about being a member of our chapter.  I appreciate the fact that its membership includes persons of many ethnic backgrounds and persons of different religious faiths.  The membership is inter-generational and represents a variety of vocations and opinions.  

"I’m grateful that the UNA-USA affords me an opportunity to become better informed about the activities of the United Nations and the whole world scene.  It’s good to be a part of an organization where all the members obviously share a love of our nation and of the world and want to have a part in helping our nation to live up to its highest ideals."

(You can read Dorothy's complete message, "The Long View," on our blog).

I hope you'll choose to enjoy a good meal and great company with us next Saturday, October 26th.

If you haven't reserved a seat, there is still time to complete your registration. (And now we've made it easy to pay for your tickets online). Tickets are reasonably priced at $20 / each; Students pay $10.

(Sorry -- The registration book for this event has closed)

Here's the link for more information:

www.una-okc.blogspot.com/2013/09/our-un-day-luncheon-youre-invited.html

But, hurry ... The registration book is scheduled to close on Monday. 

Here's another thought from Dorothy:

"Being a member of the UNA-USA is extremely important to me because it makes me feel I am part of a huge, centuries-old movement of humankind, a movement of people who are convinced that there are better ways than war for settling national disputes."  

I hope to see you next Saturday at UCO in Edmond! 

Bill Bryant
Communications Director
Greater Oklahoma City Chapter
United Nations Association of the USA

Why Do You Support the United Nations Association?

We asked our Oklahoma members and friends.
Here is a sampling of what they said ....
www.una-okc.org/values.html

The Payment Button

Want to Pay for Your Luncheon Ticket Online? 

Now, You Can! 

OK, OK ... Apparently, this E-Commerce thing we've heard so much about is a real thing.

So, we're happy to make this announcement ... If you're an online shopper, you now have the option to buy your luncheon ticket via the internet.

First, complete your ticket reservation form (Here's the Link).

Second, make your payment. Here's the button:

Ticket Type

Regular $20.00 USD Student $10.00 USD

Select "Regular" or "Student" ticket; then click "Add to Cart." You'll be directed to a secure payment site managed by PayPal. If you need to purchase additional tickets, you can do so by choosing the "Continue Shopping" option on the PayPal site. (You'll be directed back here to choose the ticket type and add your second ticket to the cart).

A simpler way to pay.

With PayPal, you have the freedom and flexibility to pay the way you want -- using your credit card, debit card, or bank account -- all while keeping your financial information secure.

Click the button above to make the payment on your luncheon ticket(s).

Thanks for supporting your Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association! 

Our Venue

Have you completed the registration form for your seat at our Annual UN Day Luncheon on Saturday, October 26th?

The registration book for this event has closed. 

We hope you'll join us for our UN Day Luncheon in 2014!

We will convene at the Nigh Center at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

The Nigh University Center is centrally located in the heart of Edmond, just minutes from Oklahoma City.

Here are directions to the Nigh University Center

From Interstate 35:  Take the East 2nd Street/US 77 South exit #141.  Turn on to East 2nd westbound. Follow East 2nd Street for approximately 2.5 miles to Garland Godfrey Drive and turn right at stoplight. (See further instructions below.)

From Interstate 235/Broadway/UC77:  Follow US77/Broadway into Edmond northbound to East 2nd Street.  Turn onto East 2nd Street eastbound for approximately .5 miles to Garland Godfrey Drive and turn left at stoplight.  (See further instructions below.)

Facing North, the building directly in front of you is the Nigh University Center.  Follow signs to the Visitor Parking Lot, located directly to the East of the building.  Entering through the main front doors, you are on the 2nd floor of the building.  

Our event room -- the Heritage Room -- is Room 326.

If you're using Google Maps, try using this address: 744 E. Main St., Edmond, OK 73034. It will put you close to where you're going! 

About Our Speaker

UCO's President Don Betz will Deliver
The Keynote Speech at our UN Day
Luncheon on October 26th 

University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz, Ph.D., has enjoyed a distinguished career in higher education that spans more than 40 years, developing a reputation for teaching and encouraging students, and leadership development. He is known for his diplomacy skills, developed through his international activities, most notably with the United Nations and its affiliated non-governmental organizations. Dr. Betz held leadership positions at several universities before accepting the position as President of the University of Central Oklahoma in 2011.

He currently is serving a three-year term on the International Association of University Presidents executive committee and as chair of its North American Council. President Betz was selected to attend the 2011 Fulbright-Hays Seminar for Presidents, held in Oman and Jordan. Most recently, he was selected as a 2013 inductee of the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, and received the 2012 Governor's Arts Award from the Oklahoma Arts Council in recognition of his support and advancement of the arts throughout his career.

President Betz has dedicated himself to advancing international relations, with a focus on the Middle East. He founded and chaired the International Coordinating Committee on the Question of Palestine, a U.N.-affiliated non-governmental organization (NGO) network pursuing peace in the Middle East. He served as chairperson and/or speaker at more than 50 U.N. conferences, seminars, and symposiums around the globe.

A frequent writer and speaker, President Betz has addressed international, educational and motivational topics. He has traveled to more than 80 countries following his lifelong interest in global issues and his passion for promoting cross-cultural understanding. President Betz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of San Francisco as well as a master's degree and a Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Denver.

For more information about our UN Day Luncheon, see our blog entry "Our UN Day Luncheon -- You're Invited!" ... link here.

Our UN Day Luncheon -- You're Invited!

Saturday, October 26th 

The University of Central Oklahoma - Nigh Center - Edmond

Sorry -- The Registration Book for this Event has closed. 

This year's UN Day Luncheon is going to be our best ever! OK, we always say that ... and, as ever, we really mean it!  

Dr. Don Betz -- president of the University of Central Oklahoma -- will be our host and our keynote speaker on Saturday, October 26th.

Yes, of course, you're invited to attend. Keep reading for details on how to reserve your tickets.

President Betz will speak on a topic that is being discussed right now in the UN General Assembly: Progress toward meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals.

We have also asked Dr. Betz to give us a brief description of the UN's Academic Impact initiative -- which recognizes the critical role of higher education in economic and social development and as a foundation for world peace. (You may know that UCO was the first university in Oklahoma to sign on to the principles of the UN's Academic Impact, which includes support for human rights, literacy, sustainability, conflict resolution, and more).

We'll start gathering for lunch at 11:30am. The registration table will open, and we'll sit down for our meal and program at 12 Noon.

Our venue will be the Heritage Room in UCO's Nigh Center, 700 East Main Street, in Edmond. 

There are 2 ways to reserve your place at the luncheon:

(1) Use this handy online form ...

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e89nnfr4hm6l213j/start

or

(2) By postal mail, you can send a check to (made payable to "UNA-USA"). The mailing address is ...

   United Nations Association of OKC
   P.O. Box 60856
   Oklahoma City, OK   73146-0856

Regular price tickets are $20. If you're a high school or college student, you can get a reduced price ticket -- just $10. It's a bargain! 

As always, advance reservations are required. Don't miss your chance to enjoy this informative program.

Reserve your seat today!

Questions? Contact our program chair, Nancy Musselman, at nlmusselman@hotmail.com.

We hope to see you on the 26th!

About our Speaker

University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz, Ph.D., has enjoyed a distinguished career in higher education that spans more than 40 years, developing a reputation for teaching and encouraging students, and leadership development. He is known for his diplomacy skills, developed through his international activities, most notably with the United Nations and its affiliated non-governmental organizations. Dr. Betz held leadership positions at several universities before accepting the position as President of the University of Central Oklahoma in 2011.

Conserving our Natural Inheritance

Expressing our Appreciation 
for the Good Work of Ben Pollard
and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission

If you remember the days of The Dust Bowl -- the period of drought and dust storms that struck the plains states in the 1930's -- you probably have a good sense of appreciation for the vital work of Ben Pollard, the winner of our 2013 Public Service Award.

Mr. Pollard is the assistant director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, a state agency that promotes the conservation of our state's natural resources.

The Conservation Commission was created in 1937 in response to the Dust Bowl, the worst man-made disaster in American history. The Commission, working in partnership with local conservation districts and the federal Natural Resources Conservation, provides technical, financial and educational assistance to landowners to protect and conserve the state's soil and water resources. The vision of the Commission is "Responsible Care for Oklahoma's Natural Resources."

We think Mr. Pollard is an exemplary choice for our Public Service Award. His professional accomplishments reflect a commitment to excellence and innovation in government.

Mr. Pollard is a career public employee working 35 years for the OCC, the last 22 as Assistant Director. During that time he has worked on a number of initiatives to advance conservation in the state. They include:

(1) Development of a state funded conservation cost share program for landowners to install conservation practices;

(2) Establishment of a water quality program to monitor and assess nonpoint source pollution and initiatives for landowners to prevent nutrients from their land entering Oklahoma waterways;

(3) Development of an abandoned mine reclamation program to reclaim both surface and underground mine areas in eastern Oklahoma;

(4) Facilitation of operation maintenance and repair to the state's 2,100 flood control dams which protect the lives and property of Oklahomans statewide;

(5) Preparation of a $25 million dollar conservation bond program (passed by the legislature) to repair flood control dams damaged during 2007 Hurricane Erin causing public safety issues.

Beyond Mr. Pollard's personal commitment to serve the people of our state, we're proud to honor the members of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and their professional staff. 

The programs of the Conservation Commission are somewhat unique in that they are voluntary and not regulatory. The philosophy of our award winner and the agency is that government can and should work cooperatively with landowners to address soil erosion and water quality issues.

Win / Win results are possible when landowners can maintain productive agricultural operations while also protecting natural resources for future generations.

Ben Pollard has devoted his career to building the kind of relationships with landowners statewide that lead them to a commitment of time and finances to protect their land. Many hours have been spent developing ways to communicate and share information about innovative farming techniques that protect soil and water. Local, regional and state meetings where landowners meet face to face for discussion and idea sharing are one method. Mr. Pollard initiates and plans these meetings.

Our recognition of Mr. Pollard is the result of a nomination and selection process that we launched after our Spring Meeting earlier this year.

Mr. Pollard was nominated by long-time UNA-USA member Dorothy Messenger, who lived for a while in the Texas Panhandle during the Dust Bowl years. 

In making her recommendation, Dorothy wrote about Mr. Pollard's commitment to "social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom" (a phrase borrowed from the UN Charter):

"The nominee believes that lessons for social progress and a better standard of life in the future are sometimes best learned from the mistakes of the past. The Dust Bowl of the 1930's taught that ignoring the lessons of the land had dire consequences affecting livelihood and lives on the Great Plains. 

"Filmmaker Ken Burns documented this disaster by interviewing Dust Bowl survivors from the southern Great Plains. Before airing the resulting film in Oklahoma, Mr. Burns asked OETA to help promote the program. The nominee worked closely with the OETA staff and other partners to coordinate previews in six Oklahoma cities. Screenings were followed by a community discussion about today's conservation issues and challenges. The screenings attracted over 3,000 participants. In addition, OETA produced six news pieces on related natural resource problems in the state. 

"Mr. Pollard served on the team that developed message content, organized and promoted these events. The result was The Dust Bowl, one of the highest rated shows in OETA history. Recently, OETA has been notified that its partnership with the Conservation Commission and other agencies has been honored with a regional Emmy nomination under the community service category. The nominee considers this accolade by the television industry as a career highlight because of the number of citizens reached with the conservation message during the airing of 'The Dust Bowl.' 

"Reminding Oklahomans of this powerful lesson of the past has given the nominee and others energy to carry on with the day to day urgent work of keeping conservation practices in place on the land." 

An important mission of many UN agencies is the conservation of our world's natural inheritance -- including the soil and water which sustain us all.

We're pleased to present our 2013 UNA-OKC Public Service Award to Mr. Ben Pollard.

"Conservation is not something that is achieved, but is a continual process." 
--Ben Pollard