2009 National Convention Substantive Resolutions -

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Dear UNA-USA Chapter and Division Leaders:

I am pleased to invite you to submit substantive issues resolutions on behalf of your chapter or division for consideration at the upcoming UNA-USA National Convention, to be held in New York City from June 13-15, 2009.

While we are still finalizing the agenda and other conference details, we want to provide sufficient advance notice to allow all interested chapters and divisions the opportunity to draft and submit resolutions on substantive issues. We request that all presidents serve as the sole liaison for their chapter/division during the substantive resolutions process and be responsible for the submission of all resolutions coming from their chapter or division. If you would like to designate someone to act in your stead as liaison for your chapter/division, or have any questions, please contact Alan Averyt at aaveryt@unausa.org or 202.462.3446.

As determined by the Association’s bylaws (Article IV; Section 4(a)), the biennial National Convention “may adopt positions on substantive issues within the purpose and scope of the activities of UNA-USA and make recommendations to the Board of Directors and its standing committees.” While preparing substantive resolutions, please keep these guidelines in mind.

The Association’s mission, as outlined in Article 1 of the bylaws, is “educating, inspiring and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations, strengthening the United Nations system, promoting constructive United States leadership in that system, and achievement of the goals of the UN Charter.” You may also find it helpful to review resolutions adopted at the last Convention, held in 2007, which are available at www.unausa.org/2007resolutions.

Please submit any substantive issues resolutions by no later than April 1, 2009, to the UNA-USA Washington Office (1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 610, Washington, DC 20036; fax: 202.462.3448; aaveryt@unausa.org). A committee is being formed to provide input and make recommendations on proposed resolutions prior to a final vote by Convention delegates. It is important that resolutions are submitted by February 1, 2009, to provide adequate time for the Committee to review them and consult with sponsors, if necessary.

The substantive resolutions serve several important purposes, including clarifying Association policy, making US-UN policy recommendations, and making recommendations to the Board. UNA-USA staff will present the adopted resolutions to members of Congress and key administration officials. As an important part of this process, UNA-USA members will be asked to personally present the resolutions to their members of Congress during in-district office visits as part of our National Advocacy Week that will be held shortly after the Convention. More details will be forthcoming on this exciting biennial event, which is held in years when we do not organize a UNA-USA Day on Capitol Hill.

Thank you for all of your efforts to help make UNA-USA a strong voice in support of the United Nations. The 2009 National Convention will be held during an exciting time for those of us who recognize the need for renewed American commitment to international cooperation. We look forward to working with you to achieve this important goal at the Convention next March.

Sincerely,
Steven A. Dimoff
Vice President, Washington Office