Salute to Rev. Richard Harris - Winter-Spring 2007
Pomona Valley Chapter UNA-USA Salutes
Rev. Richard Harris for 26 Years as a UNA-USA Leader
Our friend Richard Harris brings continuing passion, energy, and creativity
to the UNA-USA. Now in his 27th year as a UNA-USA leader, we are
proud to share his amazing story.
 Richard
was born in 1925 in Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Navy, WWII,
1943-1946, Atlantic & Pacific Theatres of War; Normandy, France D-Day
beach landing, June 6, 1944.
Richard has a college and three graduate degrees. He taught Psychology,
Sociology, Marriage & Family, Philosophy, & Religion at Chapman
University, UCSB, Allan Hancock College, La Verne University, & others. He
has been a Heifer Project International (HPI) project leader and spokesperson.
As a pastor, Richard served local Congregational (UCC) churches in Massachusetts;
Connecticut; Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; California; and Hawai’i.
Richard began his involvement with UNA-USA here in Southern California
and was Santa Barbara United Nations Association (SBUNA) President 1981-1984,
Executive Director 1984-1988, including Producer of a weekly Cable TV
show on the UN for 7 years; he served on Southern California Division
Board of Directors. Taught Roman Catholic seminarians (priests-to-be)
at St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo on the UN. Hawaii UNA – served
on Board in Honolulu; worked with University of HI – Hilo faculty,
staff & students on UN & UNICEF, 1988-1994. New UNA Chapter formed
in Hilo. He remains in leadership in his current chapter at Pomona
Valley UNA and served as Chap Secretary 1994 & 1998, Pres 1995-6,
Pres 2000-2001, and Vice-Pres 2002-present.
Richard has been UNA-USA Southern California Division Secretary 1994-1995;
President 1996-97, 1998-99 (16 Chapters Santa Barbara to San Diego);
and is currently Vice President. He attended UN 40th Anniversary
New York 1985; UN 50th Anniversary San Francisco 1995; and UNA-USA
Annual Meeting or Convention every year. Richard met UN Secretaries-General
Javier Perez de Cuellar, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, & Kofi Annan.
Among his many contributions to UNA-USA, Richard arranges for speakers
from the UN agencies, e.g., UNHCR, UNIC, UNDPI, UNICEF, et al. He coordinated
book of Children’s Peace Poetry for UN International Year for the
Culture of Peace 2000. Richard serves as Host/Producer for weekly TV
show on Claremont Public Access Television (CPAT). He provides
networking & advocacy for the UN & UNA-USA. Promotes Peace vs.
War – talking vs. shooting/bombing.
He has been a teacher for over 40 years. Richard served for four
years as Chairperson of Peace with Justice Center and Secretary for Martin
Luther King, Jr. Committee. Served on committees with PIVCC (Pomona Inland
Valley Council of Churches). Served two years as Chair of the Community
Advisory Board (CAB) for Claremont Public Access Television (CPAT). Served
on National Advisory Board (NAB) for Claremont School of Theology (CST).
Serves as Coordinator of Woodshop Booth at annual Pilgrim Place Festival
each November. We could not ask for a more energetic and gifted
leader than Rev. Richard Harris. Thanks, Richard. We look
forward to another 26 years together.
More tributes to Richard . . .
"Having had the privilege of knowing Richard Harris, it strengthens
one's believe that service and dedications we give to humanity is worth
giving to achieve the mission of global peace. With years of membership
in the UNA-USA and service to the community, and as an advocate for outreach
and dialogue between individuals, groups, communities and cultures Richard
has made remarkable contributions that have well gained our sincere appreciation,
gratitude and respect for the work he has given selflessly."
Ardishir Rashidi-Kalhur,
Division President
“When I was taking over the Santa Barbara Chapter
of UNA, Richard was an enormous help. He came to visit our board meetings
numerous times and never was unavailable. He is one of those people who
simply keeps giving.”
Catherine Dishion, President,
Santa Barbara UNA-USA
“Richard just loves being a participant and he most always has something
interesting to say.”
Rene Wilson, Pasadena UNA-USA
and CCD National Board Member
“My connection with Richard Harris is through shared service on the executive
committee of the Southern California Division of the United Nations Association
over a period of roughly fifteen years. He succeeded me as division president
in the mid-‘90s and we have worked together before and since. His skill
and dedication have always been impressive. No one is more committed to peace
in this world, within people as well as between them, and what it will take
to bring that. As remarkable is his striking blend of steady optimism and practicality.
I remember when he first told me his actual age, after we’d already been
acquainted for some years. All along I’d thought he was at least ten
years younger; and in spirit, of course, he is a great deal younger, and will
always be. I was also continually surprised over the years at the range of
his interests and abilities. Every cause to which he gives himself is fortunate
in having his support; every organization in which he leads is stronger for
his having served it.”
Jim Stanbery, Treasurer,
Southern California Division, UNA-USA
“Richard is an inspiration. His energy and creativity are an example
to all of us. His passion for peace and social justice is deeply rooted and
is combined with a practical, can-do spirit. He out hustles, out works, and
out thinks most of his friends and colleagues. Richard is a dear friend and
a mentor to all of us.”
Mel Boynton, President, Pomona
Valley UNA-USA
“Richard has been a great teacher to all of us.”
Manouchehr Lalehzarian, Board Member,
Pomona Valley UNA-USA |
