Founded in 1985, Friends of the United Nations (FOTUN) is an independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the United Nations' activities. They work with educational institutions, corporations, the media, the international governments and other organizations to inform and educate people about the U.N.'s efforts on behalf of peace, human rights, the environment, children and responsible economic development.

FOTUN acts as a consultant to the United Nations Department of Public Information. Through their expansive network of resources, they help the U.N. distribute its messages, by:
 

• Holding briefings about U.N. activities for opinion-makers helping U.N. agencies develop outreach programs.
• Informing and educating the general public about U.N. programs and initiatives.
• Connecting individuals, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on U.N. issues.

Their mission is to encourage individuals to learn about the U.N.'s efforts and be inspired to help the U.N.'s goals.

The United Nations (U.N.) is a vitally important organization in today's global society. It can only achieve its objectives if citizens worldwide are aware of and support its activities.

How Friends of the U.N. helps: Friends of the U.N. assists the U.N.'s public information office in a variety of ways. In the last few years, they:
 

• Developed educational outreach programs for high schools and universities.
• Distributed U.N. publications and videos to educational institutions, legislators, the media, key opinion makers and NGOs.
• Sponsored briefings in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles for opinion- leaders, including editorial boards of news organizations, political leaders, and trade union officials.
• Helped establish a relationship between the U.N. and the media and entertainment
• industries to get the U.N.'s message out to a wider audience.
• Initiated awareness programs celebrating the 40th, 45th and 50th anniversaries of the U.N.
• Helped other NGOs, including U.N.A.-U.S.A. (United Nations Association of the United States); the YWCA; SGI (Soka Gakkai, a lay Buddhist organization); and the League of Women Voters, develop U.N. support programs.