Successful 2008 National Meeting in D.C.
Four members from Pomona Valley UNA joined many other delegates to the energized four-day Annual Meeting & Conference in Washington D.C. Sweltering weather didn’t discourage our long days, a bit of sight-seeing, and enjoying good food. “Except for the weather, it couldn’t have been much better” said first-time attendee Emily Burch.
More and Photos . . .Our chapter delegation included Ardi & Wendy Rashidi-Kalhur, Emily Burch, and Mel Boynton. Following three days of workshops and briefings on Human Rights, US relations with the UN, Climate Change, Peacekeeping, Communication Techniques, and Best Practices for chapters, our chapter delegation met with Congressman David Dreier and his foreign policy advisor, Mary Steffen. We had time with them to press the causes of full funding for the UN, Iraq options and Kurdish rights, Health Care funding, and Human Rights. We also stopped to thank Mel’s former representative, Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum, for authoring a successful Respect for Human Rights resolution in the House of Representatives.
The conference featured networking with colleagues from all around the US, the improved Washington climate regarding the UN, growing involvement of youth and young professionals, and operations from the most successful UNA chapters. In the SoCal breakout, we shared best practices, upcoming programs, and fundraising opportunities. “This was the most successful lobbying visit we’ve had” said Chapter President Mel Boynton.