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Donor Information Centre
> E-Donor Updates
Sample E-Donor Update (from 15 March 2003)
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS a) UNA-Canada's 2003 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in Toronto from 13-15 June 2003. All "members in good standing" - defined as those who made a membership gift within the past 12 months - are welcome to attend and participate (please be aware that our Constitution currently limits voting rights on administrative issues to selected Branch representatives and the national Board of Directors). Further details on venue, agenda and a dinner guest speaker are not yet confirmed but will be provided in the next Donor Update and posted at http://www.unac.org/en/news_events/agm/index.asp b) UNA-Canada Nominated for Award of Excellence for Combating Racism in Canada: The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) has been chosen as a finalist for the prestigious Award of Excellence, presented bi-annually by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF). UNA-Canada has been nominated for its innovative Youth Forums Against Racism project (http://www.unac.org/yfar/splash.htm), and for The KIT, a manual produced by youth to combat racism through education. "We are thrilled to be recognized by the CRRF for our achievements in anti-racism education," says Steve Mason, Executive Director of UNA-Canada. "This nomination acknowledges the contributions of over a hundred youth from across Canada who produced The KIT and made significant progress on fighting racism in Canada." The CRRF's Award of Excellence program recognizes public, private or voluntary organizations whose efforts represent excellence and innovation in combating racism. The winner of the 2003 Award will be announced at the CRRF's Gala Dinner on 27 March 2003, in Toronto. c) Pearson Peace Medal 2002: UNA-Canada was pleased to name Alex Morrison, of Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia, as the 23rd recipient of the Pearson Peace Medal. Each year UNA-Canada honours a Canadian for his or her outstanding achievements in the field of international service and understanding. The Pearson Peace Medal (http://www.unac.org/en/news_events/pearson/index.asp) is awarded to a Canadian who has personally contributed, through their working lives and voluntary commitments, to those causes to which Lester B. Pearson devoted his distinguished career: aid to the developing world, mediation between those confronting one another with arms, succour to refugees and others in need, equal rights and justice for all humanity, and peaceful change through world law and world organization. A jury of eminent Canadians selects the recipient of honour. The announcement of Alex Morrison being honoured as the 2002 recipient is posted at http://www.unac.org/en/news_events/press/pearsonmedal_03.asp d) UNA-Canada honours Lieutenant-General (Ret) Roméo Dallaire: UNA-Canada honoured Roméo Dallaire at a Gala Dinner on 27 February 2003 in Montreal. The Gala was hosted by Michael Sabia, President and CEO of BCE Inc. Mr. Sabia noted that "BCE Inc. is very pleased to support the tremendous educational work of the United Nations Association in Canada and to join with the Association as it honours General Dallaire. Dallaire is a man who epitomizes the very best qualities Canadians regularly offer in service to the global community. His integrity on the world stage serves our country well." "General Dallaire is a true Canadian hero," says Steve Mason. "He has a deep commitment to issues of concern to the United Nations, such as war-affected children and peacekeeping, and he possesses integrity and courage to which we can all aspire. We are particularly pleased to honour General Dallaire prior to his testimony before the UN's International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda."
(For more complete information on these and other projects and programmes, please visit our website at http://www.unac.org/) PEACE & SECURITY: Given the current international scene, we have chosen not to focus on a specific programme or project in this Donor Update, but rather to briefly discuss UNA-Canada's position and actions around Iraq and the Middle East. UNA-Canada has issued several press releases and public statements.
(A complete list of UNA-Canada press releases and public statements can be found at http://www.unac.org/en/news_events/press/index.asp and http://www.unac.org/en/news_events/statements/index.asp respectively.) Now that the process of diplomacy has been abandoned and war is being waged against Saddam Hussein, there are loud voices speaking to the relevance, legitimacy and even the survival of the UN. UNA-Canada believes strongly in the validity, role and essential value of global dialogue and cooperation through the UN. Even President Bush is talking about a major role for the UN in the post-conflict reconstruction period in Iraq. Few of us individually, however, could speak as passionately or articulately as Dr. Robert Müller, former Assistant Secretary-General of the UN, on the value of the global dialogue about war that has taken place, both within the UN Security Council and around the world, over the past several months. On March 13, "he was in San Francisco being honoured for his service to the world through the UN and through his writings and teachings for peace. Dr. Müller surprised, even stunned, many in the audience that day with his most positive assessment of where the world stands now regarding war and peace." His speech is truly inspiring and provides a positive, unique and hopeful perspective that has not been highlighted by media. A synopsis of the remarks he made is posted by West by Northwest.org at http://www.westbynorthwest.org/artman/publish/printer_340.shtml Numerous polls have been made by media and government on Canadian views on war and peace. UNA-Canada also is strongly interested in knowing the opinions and perspectives of Canadians, and most particularly the views of its supporters. A survey has just been mailed to our donors so that we can better represent you - our constituents - when we are in discussions with Government and decision-makers on issues of international policy regarding peace and security, human security and international cooperation. We hope that you will take the time to respond. (Please note that if you have specified "only one letter per year" or "no surveys" that you will not be receiving the survey.)
UNA-Canada's ongoing work on "peace and security" issues is currently not supported by government, foundation or business. Unlike several other projects that receive partial or full financial support from these sectors, our "peace and security" initiatives rely on the generosity of donors and commitment of volunteers. As such, we are immensely grateful for the success of our 2002 "Peace Stamp" awareness-raising campaign, where blocks of 20 holiday "peace" stamps were distributed to UNA-Canada's donor base. Our donors not only increased UNA-Canada's profile by using the stamps on their letters and cards to share our message of peace, but they also donated over $25,000 to UNA-Canada's ongoing work on "peace and security". UNA-Canada's donor base is the foundation and lifeblood of the Association. So we are excited to announce that we welcomed 929 new donors to UNA-Canada's family between 1 January and 15 March. Our growing number of supporters is very encouraging, and makes us ever more effective in working for a better world. Our programmes and achievements are made possible by YOU, our devoted supporters who remain at our side and contribute to our efforts with generous gifts, take up our calls to donor activism (petitions, peace stamps etc.), and/or actively volunteer at our local Branches. We greatly appreciate your commitment and vision. THANK YOU! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This Update is reserved to current supporters of UNA-Canada who have asked to receive periodic information on the activities of UNA-Canada. The Update is sent out infrequently, approximately 4-8 times each year, and focuses on UNA-Canada programmes and how donor support is making a difference. If you have any feedback, suggestions or comments about the Update, or if you would prefer to receive information in French in future, please send an appropriate message to giving@unac.org Our partnership promise to you… UNA-Canada has and will NEVER trade or sell the emails of its supporters.
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