Unitarian Society of Germantown
Different People, Different Beliefs, One Faith.
UU United Nations
Celebration of the 63rd Anniversary
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Saturday, December 10, 5-7pm
1906 South Rittenhouse Square
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Saturday, December 10, 5-7pm
1906 South Rittenhouse Square
Celebration of the 100th Anniversary
of International Woman's Day
Wednesday, March 16, 2012
International House, Philadelphia
of International Woman's Day
Wednesday, March 16, 2012
International House, Philadelphia
United Nations Sunday
This year we celebrated the United Nations on Sunday, October 23, as a part of our social action effort. The Unitarian Universalists United Nations Organization (UUUNO) theme this year is “Empowerment of Women for a Better World.” Women comprise more than 50 percent of the population, yet carry the burden of systemic global injustices and inequalities, suffering violence, rape and torture around the world. One hundred countries have no laws against domestic violence; sex trafficking of women and children is escalating, family planning is discouraged or outlawed by religion or custom, and women are underrepresented in policy-making and decision making in the political arena.
We are asking that UU’s support implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 to strengthen women’s role in civil society worldwide. Advocate that businesses involved in tourism commit to the code of conduct for the protection of women from sexual exploitation. Lead a faith-based effort to demand the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) by the US Senate. Provide for family planning, encourage women’s proportional representation in government, and urge women to join together to work toward peace and civility in the world.
UNICEF boxes were available for those who wished to donate to a fund especially geared to the children of the world.Thank you so much for the generous contribution of $204.50 to UNICEF. Children and their families contributed, even though the door to door collection of coins is fraught with difficulties these days. Individual members, despite the economic downturn, did not forget that the emergency health supplies, vaccinations, and basic family water kits for poor children everywhere that their "Trick or Treat" dollars buy are a worthwhile investment. Boxes were returned without the name of the donor, so I cannot thank each of you individually, but I want you to know that your efforts are greatly appreciated. ~ Marietta J. Tanner, UUUNO Envoy, USG
Announcement of UUA-UNO Merger
We are delighted to report that at this year's General Assembly in Charlotte, NC, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Unitarian Universalist (UU)-United Nations Office (with the strong support of the Canadian Unitarian Council), announced agreement on the terms of a merger of our international programs.
Apart from a closer relationship, a renewed commitment to speak with one, powerful voice in international affairs, the cost savings and the streamlining of the advocacy services we provide to UUs throughout the world, this move brings the benefit of our values to a world that sorely needs to hear from us!
Whether we are helping UN Member States understand the complexity of global climate change, the need to empower women and their families with education, health and equal rights, and most recently when we make clear our support of LGBT rights...the need of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect, we are representing you in the world's most important international forum.
The good news is that we will continue, without interruption, the heroic work that staff, interns, and volunteers perform everyday at our UN office. We will continue to maintain our offices directly across the street from the United Nations Headquarters on New York's UN Plaza. The even better news is that we will become far more effective and efficient in making our voices heard.
Apart from a closer relationship, a renewed commitment to speak with one, powerful voice in international affairs, the cost savings and the streamlining of the advocacy services we provide to UUs throughout the world, this move brings the benefit of our values to a world that sorely needs to hear from us!
Whether we are helping UN Member States understand the complexity of global climate change, the need to empower women and their families with education, health and equal rights, and most recently when we make clear our support of LGBT rights...the need of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect, we are representing you in the world's most important international forum.
The good news is that we will continue, without interruption, the heroic work that staff, interns, and volunteers perform everyday at our UN office. We will continue to maintain our offices directly across the street from the United Nations Headquarters on New York's UN Plaza. The even better news is that we will become far more effective and efficient in making our voices heard.
We won. Thank You: Extra-Judicial Killing Resolution
Bruce Knotts, Executive Director
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I promised not to bother you again this year, but I couldn't resist thanking you for your very successful effort. Yesterday, thanks to your efforts, the UN General Assembly voted to include "sexual orientation" in its resolution against extra-judicial killing among its long list of vulnerable populations that deserve particular protection. UN pundits called the victory the result of "top-down pressure from the United States and bottom-up pressure from civil society." In case you don't recognize yourselves, you are the "bottom-up pressure from civil society" that won the day. The final vote in favor of including "sexual orientation" was 93 in favor, 55 opposed, 27 abstaining and 17 absent. Many of you copied me on the messages you sent to the White House. On December 13th, 2010, the UU-UNO, working together with GLAAD, the MetropolitanCommunity Church, Integrity and Union Theological Seminary formed a coalition of 60 representatives of people of progressive values of faith and our allies. We call ourselves the UN Coalition of Faith. We all went out to our constituencies and called on your to write to the White House. You did and it made a difference. It encouraged the Obama Administration to do the right thing. It also put other nations on notice that civil society was watching and active. Caribbean that want North American tourists and developing nations that want North American investment took notice and switched their votes at the UN in favor of the inclusion of sexual orientation" or they abstained. Thanks for a job well done. Feel your power and enjoy the holidays.
I wish you all the very best for the holidays and may the new year bring enhanced peace, justice, compassion, equality and care for Mother Earth and all the life it supports.
Bruce Knotts
Executive Director
Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office
If you wish to support this important work today go on-line to: <http://uno.org/donate>www.uu-
Or contact Marietta J. Tanner, UUU-NO Envoy, USG.
Working together for compassion and justice,
Working together for compassion and justice,
777 UN PLAZA, SUITE 7G | NEW YORK, NY 10017
212-986-5165 TEL | 212-983-5498 FAX | | office@uu-uno.org www.uu-uno.org
212-986-5165 TEL | 212-983-5498 FAX | | office@uu-uno.org www.uu-uno.org
© 2012 Created by Unitarian Society of Germantown.
