Mana Tahaie

Meet Her on October 15th;
Learn about the Refugee Crisis;
Buy Your Ticket Today! 

On Saturday, October 15th, you are invited to learn more about one of the most urgent challenges facing our world today -- the Refugee Crisis. Participate with us as we explore the response of the United Nations and our global civil society  -- to restore security, to protect human lives, and to create order in a fractured world.

Buy Your Tickets Now.

We think you will enjoy this timely program featuring a panel of stellar presenters. Tickets are on sale now:

Adults ... $15       (plus $1.82 fee)
Students ... $10      (plus $1.54 fee)

The program will take place at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. It is located on the faigrounds at 3000 Pershing Drive in Oklahoma City. The panel discussion will begin promptly at 1:30pm.

Reserve your seat today through our online sales agent, "EventBrite."

Here's the link ...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-refugee-crisis-one-humanity-shared-responsibility-tickets-27575413805

We are proud to present as one of our featured panelists Ms. Mana Tahaie. She currently serves as the interim Director of Immigrant & Refugee Services at YWCA. She has led the YWCA's racial justice initiatives since 2008 and women's empowerment efforts since 2014. Under her leadership, the Mission Impact department grew to include anti-racism training, community events, consulting, racial dialogue programs, and advocacy. She specializes in power analysis, organizational and institutional development, and identity-based oppression.

Mana has devoted her career and personal life to social justice. Before joining YWCA Tulsa, Ms. Tahaie served as the Deputy Director of Oklahomans for Equality, Tulsa’s LGBT advocacy organization and community center. She previously served as the convener of the Tulsa Say No to Hate Coalition and board member of Crossroads Antiracism Organizing & Training, the United Campus Ministry at The University of Tulsa, and ACLU Oklahoma.

She currently chairs the board of the Center for New Community, a national organization focused on monitoring the organized anti-immigrant and Islamophobia movements.

Read more about our program here:
http://una-okc.blogspot.com/2016/10/one-humanity-shared-responsibility.html

We hope to see you at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center! 

Rachel Bowen Pittman

Meet Her on October 15th;
Learn about the Refugee Crisis;
Buy Your Ticket Today! 

On Saturday, October 15th, you are invited to learn more about one of the most urgent challenges facing our world today -- the Refugee Crisis. Participate with us as we explore the response of the United Nations and our global civil society  -- to restore security, to protect human lives, and to create order in a fractured world. 

Buy Tickets HERE. 

We think you will enjoy this timely program featuring a panel of stellar presenters. Tickets are on sale now: 

Adults ... $15       (plus $1.82 fee)

Students ... $10      (plus $1.54 fee)

The program will take place at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. It is located on the faigrounds at 3000 Pershing Drive in Oklahoma City. The panel discussion will begin promptly at 1:30pm.

Reserve your seat today through our online sales agent, "EventBrite."

Here's the link ...

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-refugee-crisis-one-humanity-shared-responsibility-tickets-27575413805

We are proud to present as one of our featured panelists Ms. Rachel Bowen Pittman. She is the Senior Director of Membership and Programs for the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA). In her role, Rachel manages programs for UNA-USA’s network of 20,000+ members and its 150 chapters to facilitate youth engagement, advocacy efforts, education programs, and public events. 

Other panelists will include:

• Robert Andrew, Diplomat in Residence at the University of Oklahoma; and
• Imam Imad Enchassi, Senior Imam at ISGOC and Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies at Oklahoma City University

Attend our "Refugee Crisis" Program on Saturday, October
15th, and learn about the UN Association's new
"Adopt-A-Future" campaign. 

More about Rachel Pittman. Prior to joining UNA-USA, Rachel served as a Membership Director to several professional associations that represent lawyers, surgeons, regulators, and engineers. In her many accomplishments, Rachel increased membership programs by over 15% and secured agreements with national associations representing China, Korea, Argentina, India, Peru, Egypt and Mexico. 

Ms. Pittman holds a B.S./B.A in International Business from American University and an MBA in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University. She also serves as an advisor to the UNA’s Women and LGBT affinity groups.

Rachel will deliver an exciting message about a new UNA-USA initiative: "Adopt-A-Future." It's our Association's new campaign to give refugee children the education they need to build a better future. Read more about the "Adopt-A-Future" campaign here: 

The UNA-USA Adopt-A-Future Campaign

http://www.unausa.org/programs/adopt-a-future

UNA-USA is a membership organization dedicated to informing, inspiring and mobilizing the American people to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations. 

Are you a member yet? Join us today! 

One Humanity; Shared Responsibility

Gain a New Understanding of the Refugee Crisis
Saturday, October 15th, in Oklahoma City --
Tickets on Sale Now! 

Around the globe, 65 million children, women and men are in need of protection. Their security has been shattered. Their rights have been violated. They have been caught up in a frightening storm of conflict and oppression.

The international community has reacted to the Refugee Crisis with compassion, solidarity, and -- sometimes -- ambivalence.

Robert Andrew

On Saturday, October 15th, you are invited to learn more about the Refugee Crisis. Participate with us as we explore the response of the United Nations and our global civil society to one of today's most urgent challenges -- to restore security, to protect human lives, and to create order in a fractured world.

There will be good company, good food, and an important message on the Refugee Crisis. Enjoy being part of a community of globally-minded people who support the values of the UN Charter -- to reaffirm faith in human rights, to practice tolerance and live together in peace as good neighbors, and to promote the economic and social advancement of all peoples. 

Panelists will include:

Robert Andrew, Diplomat in Residence at the University of Oklahoma

Rachel Pittman

Imam Imad Enchassi, Senior Imam at ISGOC and Adjunct Professor of Islamic Studies at Oklahoma City University

Mana Tahaie, Interim Director of Immigrant & Refugee Services at YWCA Tulsa.

Rachel Pittman, Director of Membership for the United Nations Association of the United States of America

There will also be a silent auction at this event. Bring your bidding skills! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are on sale now: 

Adults ... $15       (plus $1.82 fee)
Students ... $10      (plus $1.54 fee)

Purchase tickets HERE. 

Reserve your seat today through our online sales agent, "EventBrite."

Here's the link ...
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-refugee-crisis-one-humanity-shared-responsibility-tickets-27575413805

The program will take place at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. It is located on the faigrounds at 3000 Pershing Drive in Oklahoma City. The panel discussion will begin promptly at 1:30pm.

We think you will gain a new understanding of the Refugee Crisis by participating in this program. Our hope is that you will feel a sense of solidarity with the men and women of our global society who are responding to this humanitarian challenge. 

We are proud to present this program in honor of the UN's 71 years of working around the globe! Every year, we celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (October 24th) by exploring a timely topic that is relevant to our Oklahoma community. This year’s theme is "One Humanity. Shared Responsibility."

Join us! 

Facts About the Refugee Crisis

The world is now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 65.3 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 21.3 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also 10 million stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement. Nearly 34,000 people are forcibly displaced every day as a result of conflict or persecution.
Source: "UNHCR Figures At A Glance"
http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html

"Together, now, we have to open our hearts and do more to help refugees who are desperate for a home."

--President Barack Obama
Addressing the UN General Assembly
September 20, 2016
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/20/address-president-obama-71st-session-united-nations-general-assembly

Our New President

Sinead Maguina is Elected

by our OKC Chapter of the 

United Nations Association 

Over the summer, the board of directors of our Oklahoma City chapter held a planning retreat. We examined the opportunities and challenges facing our OKC chapter of the United Nations Association. We reflected on our mission and the 40+ years of service we have given to the Greater Oklahoma City community.

As provided in our chapter bylaws, the election of officers was on the agenda.

We are pleased to announce the election of our new chapter president: Sinead Maguina.

Sinead is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma. She is pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Political Science. She plans to attend the Oklahoma City University School of Law. After that, she hopes to pursue a career as a Special Agent for the FBI.

Born in Huaraz, Peru, Sinead has been an Oklahoma Resident since 2001. She is active in many student groups at UCO -- including groups supporting Latina students. She serves on many executive boards on campus.

Sinead is a big advocate for animal rights, and she loves spending time volunteering and exploring OKC.

Reflecting on her role in our OKC chapter of the United Nations Association, Sinead says, "I believe the UNA is important, because it gives a voice to people who were silenced."

Other officers of our chapter include:

Vice President of Programs ... Michelle Rodriguez
Vice President of Membership ... Bansari Mehta
Secretary ... Luci Perez
Treasurer ... Floydette Seal

You'll have an opportunity to meet Sinead Maguina at our annual UN Day program, which will be held on Saturday, October 15th, at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. The program will feature a panel discussion on "The Refugee Crisis: One Humanity, Shared Responsibility." Find more information about the program here ... 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-refugee-crisis-one-humanity-shared-responsibility-tickets-27575413805

Before our board of directors adjourned, we offered our heartfelt thanks to our past president, Priya Desai, for her continuing service to the United Nations Association. Thank you, Priya! 

Join the Friendship Walk on September 24th

Photo Credit: Patty Mooney

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14907688

OKC Friendship Walk will Nurture Our 

Culture of Peace, Celebrate Diversity

Saturday, September 24th -- 2pm
at Oklahoma City's Myriad Gardens

The first UNA-OKC Friendship Walk will be on Saturday, September 24th, 2pm, at the Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City. The walk will be a part of the Turkish Festival, and it will demonstrate the rich diversity of Oklahoma's communities as well as our commitment to building a culture of peace and friendship. It will commemorate the International Day of Peace (9/21) as proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

After the Peace Walk, enjoy
some yummy Turkish cuisine.

Everyone is invited to participate. There is no charge for admission to the festival. The only requirement is for walkers to maintain a positive attitude and a peaceful demeanor. Flags, signs, and banners are welcome, as well as expressions of support for the sustainable development of our planet in a global culture of peace.

The Turkish Food and Art Festival is one of Oklahoma's premier international festivals. It will open at 10am. The festival features an inviting mix of authentic Turkish food as well as demonstrations of Water Marbling (Ebru) Art, Turkish Ceramic Arts, Calligraphy, and Henna Art. Will you be able to purchase some delicious baklava? Yes, of course, you will. It is the Turkish Festival, after all!

At 2pm, the Friendship Walk will take place. It will be introduced by Sinead Maguina, president of the OKC Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA. A welcome message will be delivered by Maureen Heffernan, Executive Director of the Myriad Gardens Foundation. Additional remarks will be offered by Kuaybe Basturk of the Interfaith Dialog Institute and Aamr Hasanjee of the Muslim Student Association at the University of Central Oklahoma.

The 7th Annual Turkish Food and Art Festival at the Myriad
Gardens in Oklahoma City will feature festivities such as
whirling dervishes, arts, crafts and Turkish cuisine.

The walk will follow a path around the perimeter of the Myriad Gardens. Walkers will be accompanied by flutes and drums.

Walkers are invited to bring signs and banners expressing support for peace, freedom, human rights, and international solidarity. (Please no partisan messages). The organizers welcome and encourage the participation of school groups, faith communities, national heritage associations, and organizations supporting the values expressed in the United Nations Charter -- peace, tolerance, equal rights, and the social advancement of all peoples.

The walk is being planned to coincide closely with the International Day of Peace (as proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations).

Sponsors of the Friendship Walk include the United Nations Association, the Raindrop Turkish House, the Respect Diversity Foundation, and other community-based organizations.

For more information: www.facebook.com/okcdayofpeace/

About the Myriad Gardens

The Myriad Botanical Gardens are located at 301 W. Reno Avenue in Oklahoma City. The Myriad Gardens is one of the metro’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 17-acre natural escape in the very heart of downtown OKC.

Celebrate Nelson Mandela Day with Us

To Honor Nelson Mandela's Life of
Service to Humanity, Your OKC Chapter of
The United Nations Association is Organizing
A Crew to Support the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

Join our Team ... Saturday, July 16th, from 9:30am to 12 Noon. 

Here are the instructions to sign up for our 3rd Annual Mandela Day Service Project. This year's project is sorting and packing food at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. If you are able to join us on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 9:30am - 12:00 Noon, please follow the instructions below to secure your spot.

About your shift:
 
Saturday, July 16th
9:30 - 12:00pm
10 volunteers (could be more)
Sorting/Packing Food

General Information:

• You must be at least 8 years old to volunteer
• Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Volunteers under 18 must bring a signed Parental Consent Form.
• Wear closed-toe shoes.
• No loose, revealing or offensive clothing.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your shift begins.
• Before your shift, each member of your group must register online. (Please register no later than Wednesday, July 13th). 

Here's what you need to do: 

Step 1. Go to the RFB registration page ... Enter your email address; create an account; add your name to the crew list.

...

Photo: Oklahoma Gazette

Step 4
If you aren't able to register, enter this Event Registration Code:

unaokc

You'll receive a friendly email message from the Regional Food Bank confirming that you have registered correctly.

For more detailed registration instructions, watch this video or view this PDF file.

If you have any difficulties, feel free to call our friends at the Regional Food Bank: (405)600-3161 or email them at volunteer@regionalfoodbank.org. The folks at the Regional Food Bank are more than happy to help!

There is no cost to sign up ... Please be sure to register online at least 3 days in advance of our service day ... So, register by Wednesday (so we'll be able to confirm the number of workers on our team). 

Remember to bring your energy and passion and good spirit. 

About Nelson Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela at the United Nations

Every year on July 18th — the day Nelson Mandela was born -- the UN observes "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the global culture of peace and freedom.

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

Members and friends of the United Nations Association are invited to join us in this service project.

Be sure to register online.

We hope to see you Saturday at the Regional Food Bank! 

International Women's Day in OKC

Join Us at "DC on Film Row" for
a Timely and Insightful Discussion
on Advancing Women & Girls Through STEM 

Saturday, March 5th, at 1pm -- It's Free! 

Your OKC Chapter of the United Nations Association invites you to observe International Women's Day with us on Saturday, March 5th. We'll be visiting Oklahoma City's Film Row district where we will convene for a discussion on the subject of, "Advancing Women and Girls in Society through STEM." That's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Reserve Your Seat -- Register Online Now -- Free Tickets Available while They Last
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-womens-day-in-okc-tickets-22474218994

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right,
but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous
and sustainable world. Read more at
www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality

Why this topic? 

Well, gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Over the course of the next 15 years, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution to economic development of the world. Gender equality is one of the major themes of the UN's Goals for Sustainable Development.

Plus, science and technology are valuable tools for the advancement of those goals.

Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, writes:

"The new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underlines the power of science as a driver for human rights and dignity, poverty eradication and the protection of the planet.... More than ever today, the world needs science and science needs women."  

To lift up this message, we have assembled a stellar team of local experts:

- Barbara Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma

- Amanda Harlin, Techlahoma Board of Directors, Secretary

- Dr. Sezin Kadioglu, OU Gallogly College of Engineering

They will offer their own perspectives on the importance of closing the gender gap in STEM.

The panel discussion will take place from 1pm to 2pm at DC on Film Row inside of Dunlap Codding at 609 W. Sheridan Ave. We will offer light snacks and drinks. This is a free program. Find more information at our Facebook Event page.

Who Should Attend? 

Men, Women, Teens, and Children -- anyone who is interested in gender equality, careers in science & technology, sustainable development, and the future of our planet.

Priya Desai, president of UNA-OKC, says, "Feel free to bring your children to learn more." 

According to the most recent UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 28 percent of researchers across the world, with the gap deepening at the higher echelons of decision-making.

A solar engineer trainer in India. "No country can move
forward with only half its creativity, energy, and dreams." 

Irina Bokova puts this problem into a global perspective:

"Women have less access to funding, to networks, to senior positions, which puts them at a further disadvantage in high impact science publishing.  

"This calls for deep and sustained change, starting in the earliest years through improved participation of women and girls in science education, training and research activities at all levels. 

"Girls’ and women’s access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) cannot be envisaged when girls and women remain the majority of out-of-school children, youth and illiterate adults. This gap throws a shadow over entire societies, as no country can move forward with only half its creativity, energy, and dreams."  

A "Cool" Event Space

DC on Film Row is a unique venue for this program. Our friends at DC on Film Row tell us that their goal is "To celebrate the incredible diversity of creativity, innovation, and passion within Oklahoma City and to provide a venue... to those groups and individuals working to bind us all together and make our home a cooler and better place."

DC on Film Row is located inside of Dunlap Codding, 609 W Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Support Your Local Chapter of the UN Association 

To make the event more special, we invite you to participate in a Silent Auction supporting the good work of the UN Association in Oklahoma City. Auction items include:

• Avon Spa gift basket

• Gift basket from JR Watkins

• A Dodger Baseball gift basket - has baseball, shirt, banner (no tix)

Science Museum Oklahoma offers a diverse collection
of  interactive and historic exhibits and programs.
Photo by TravelOK.com

• A Science Museum Oklahoma gift basket- has goodies and TICKETS!

The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a membership organization dedicated to inform, inspire, and mobilize the American people to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations. - See more at: http://unausa.org/about-us#sthash.Myew2kX3.dpuf

Join us on Saturday as we step up our efforts for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s human rights.

Did You Know? 

When you join the United Nations Association of the USA, you are eligible to join the "UNA Women" Affinity Group. UNA Women advocates for UN programs that further women's rights and empowerment nationally and internationally.

UNA Women takes direction from the interests and passions of current UNA-USA members who convene in person and virtually, to advance important and timely issues related to women and girls. Participation in UNA Women is open to any current UNA-USA member.

See more at: UNA Women