Report of the President
A year ago, when I took the Chapter presidency, I proposed some changes regarding the work program and some managerial matters particularly in the preparation, execution and monitoring of the Chapter's activities. Although the Board approved these changes, I confess that, at the outset, I have some doubt about their feasibility and I also knew that some Board members were also somewhat reluctant to accept my proposal. As the time went on, thanks to the valuable collaboration of all members, the changes had accelerated Chapter's activities and brought remarkable results, especially in the work of committees on Landmines, Membership, Hospitality and UN Day observance.
From January of this year, 75 new members have joined the Chapter, making us by far the largest Chapter in Florida. Attendance at our luncheons/dinner has significantly increased, reaching a peak of 115 at the last UN Day dinner. Apart from regular activities such as luncheons, afternoon happenings, board meetings and fund raising events, the following activities were added to our 2000 work plan and implemented with great satisfaction: in March, an expert group meeting on the Rights of workers in the Global Economy; in May, a wine and cheese reception to welcome new members, and a launching of the Adopt–A-Minefield project at Bird Key Yacht Club, with two guest speakers on landmines; in October, a Landmines Awareness Day with a simulated minefield, and a UN Day dinner celebration, which featured entertainment with an international flavor and the recollections of five former UN senior staff members concerning their UN careers. We have also increased, since this month, the number of copies of The UNA Reporter from 600 to 700 per month in order to permit a larger distribution among diverse communities.
Representatives of our Chapter also attended two Florida Division Board meetings and sent a delegation of five members to the Florida Division Annual Convention in Orlando in May. On behalf of the Chapter, I attended the Annual conference of the Council of Chapters and Divisions (CCD) in Washington in June. During the ADay on the Hill", organized by the UNA Washington office, I have had the opportunity to brief Rep. Dan Miller on the activities of our Chapter and he has promised to attend one of our luncheons to learn more about our activities.
These accomplishments could not have been realized without a spirit of teamwork and selflessness on the part of our Board and Committee members and volunteers, who generously contributed their time and financial support. Indeed, we worked as a family for a common objective of supporting and strengthening the United Nations system.
For the year 2001, we will make efforts to continue our work with the same intensity and devotion during the year 2000, to serve our membership, to better achieve the Chapter's objectives, and to help strengthening the UN effort in providing assistance to developing countries. First, we shall continue working energetically to raise additional funds to cover the cost of the Adopt-A Minefield project. To meet this objective, we will request UNA Headquarters to extend the deadline to the end of February 2001. In addition, we will give particular focus to the organization of a mini Model UN conference (January 27, 2001) for students of some selected high schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and the creation of a Global Health group, to promote awareness of infectious diseases, among diverse communities and concerned authorities. We will also make special efforts on the following activities: to increase our membership, particularly among students and young professionals; to encourage the collaboration with other cooperating organizations in the region; and to improve the attendance at our meetings, especially luncheons, afternoon happenings and seminars, by selecting outstanding speakers, topics of current interest, and occasional entertainment features.
. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members for their great efforts and exceptional contributions during the year 2000, especially to Dr. Margaret Bates, Education Chair, Scott Behoteguy, Program Chair, Ed Shapiro, Editor of The UNA Reporter, Walter Low, Chair of Finance committee, Jo Williams Chair of Landmines Committee, Janine Willem, Membership Chair, Margie Tinsley, Treasurer, Harvey Gutman and David Saca, Co-chairs of UN Day, Rose Walker, Hospitality Chair, Golda Basta (Chair), Dr. Mohinder Jain and Irma Fuller of the Nominating Committee, as well as all other members of our Board and standing committees.
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