Mission
“Working together for peace, freedom and justice.”
The Chapter’s Slogan since 1967
Since 1967, the Southwestern Connecticut Chapter of the UNA-USA has advocated for the goals and work of the United Nations. The chapter’s work rests on three pillars that reflect the talents and interests of its members:
Advocacy: Our members promote the Sustainable Development Goals through our local programs but also by lobbying our elected representatives both in Washington DC and at home.
Education: Through expert panels and speakers, the chapter provides the community the opportunity to learn about such issues as the refugee crisis and the importance of a free press in a democracy. Our guest speakers have included local congressman and distinguished visitors from the United Nations. The Chapter supports local Model United Nations and sponsors local scholarships and book prizes.
Hospitality: From the beginning, hospitality has been the foundation of the chapter’s work. The highlight of our year is the annual June Day (on the last Saturday in June to commemorate the signing of the UN charter). The Chapter and our sister organization the Internationals Visitors Committee of Westport invite the staff of the UN and the missions for a day of recreation in Westport. The Chapter also arranges Thanksgiving for international visitors with local hosts.
History
Since 1967, the Southwestern Connecticut Chapter of the UNA-USA has advocated for the goals and work of the United Nations. Founded by Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen, the Chapter has welcomed tens of thousands of international guests, raised the UN flag at over 50 UN Day events in towns across Connecticut and sponsored scores of speakers and panels for the local community.
Originally the Westport-Weston Committee for the United Nations, the group hosted Eleanor Roosevelt in 1958. Inspired by Mrs. Roosevelt, Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen renamed the group as the UNA Chapter of Weston and Westport. The Chapter was officially recognized as a chapter in 1967.
“In the United Nations lies the machinery to work for world peace and by believing in and actively supporting its ideals, we can lead the world...” Eleanor Roosevelt, May Day 1958, speaking at Long Lots Junior High School in Westport, CT
Through programs such as “Beating swords into plowshares” in 1977, or “Think globally and Act Locally, in 1985, the Outstanding Women of Connecticut Award in 1976, 1985 and 2003, as well as the annual June Day event since 1965, the chapter has promoted the United Nations in Connecticut.
Today our chapter members visit Washington DC to work with local elected representatives, assist Model UNs in our schools, and host programs of interest to the community.
Click here to see a history of the Chapter through the view of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen’s Biography by Jane Snyder. Or visit this profile of Ruth in Westport Magazine.
Board Of Directors
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Bill Hass
President
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Dennis Wong
Board Member/Vice President
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Melinda McMillen
Board Member
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Michaela MacColl
Board Member/Secretary
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Karen Pease Marino
Board Member/Communications
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Marge Nieuwenhuis
Board Member/Education
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Derick DeMarche
UNA Liaison
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Aye Aye Thant
Board Member