WHO WE ARE
The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA -USA) is a non-governmental organization that exists to enhance the relationship between the people of member states and the United Nations, to raise public awareness of the UN and its work, and to promote the general goals of the UN.
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The United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City (UNA-GKC) represents members in western Missouri and eastern Kansas. We are dedicated to educating, inspiring, and mobilizing the Greater Kansas City Area to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations, strengthening the United Nations system, promoting constructive United States leadership, and achieving the goals of the United Nations Charter.
Interested in how our chapter is organized? Click here to read our chapter bylaws.
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WHAT WE DO
Advocacy
UNA-GKC works to raise public awareness and support for the UN and to advocate that the US Congress provide full funding for the UN and its agencies. Our members organize visits with members of Congress to ask for their support of the UN and programs that impact their constituents.
Events and Programs
We organize programs that educate the public about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted by the UN member countries in 2015 as a to-do list for the world to acheive by 2030. These 17 SDGs are designed to advance human rights and protect the planet. Our programs highlight ways that the UN and other agencies are working to advance the SDGs, as well as how these issues effect the local Kansas City area. Most of our events are free or ask for a small donation.
In addition, we host events to mark days with special significance to the UN, such as International Women's Day in March, International Day of Peace in September, United Nations Day in October, and International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in November.
Networking
We provide professionals in all fields with opportunities to network with others who are interested in global issues and the work of the UN. We often co-sponsor events with other groups in the greater Kansas City area who share our focus on advancing human rights and protecting the planet.
UNA-GKC Young Professionals (UNA-GKC YP) provides opportunities to develop contacts while building better understanding and broader constituency for the UN.
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MEET THE BOARD
​Officers:
Heidi Garrett, President
Jay Sjerven, Vice-President
Christine Traner, Treasurer
Dr. Karenbeth Zacharias, Secretary
Board Members
Abdulkadir Bakar
Emalea Black
Diane Bosilevac
Julie Brogno
Carrie Brown
Stacey Carrow
Vania Castro
Nancy Cohn
Suzanne DePetro
Dustin Dye
Karmello Coleman
Grace Kamotho
Kimberly Masteller
Dr. Hira Nair
Dr. Sieglinde Othmer
Dr. Usha Saha
Godlove Tebe
Wim van Klinken
Barbara Washington
Patricia Williams
Michael Wood