The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) informs, inspires, and mobilizes Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations. UNA-USA’s grassroots membership includes over 125 chapters and more than 12,000 members nationwide who engage in public education and advocacy, promoting strong US-UN relations. As a result of the strategic alliance with the United Nations Foundation, UNA-USA is a leader of the largest network of advocates and supporters of the United Nations in the world.
OUR WORK
ADVOCACY
Representing UNA-USA in the nation's capital, the Washington office engages the Association’s diverse constituencies and like-minded organizations to build a better understanding of and support for the work of the United Nations among American citizens and elected officials.
Working in collaboration with UNA-USA chapters, members, the Council of Organizations, and the National Council, the Washington office helps inform elected officials, policymakers, and local communities about the importance of U.S. participation in the United Nations.
POLICY
The policy department supports the organization’s core activities by collecting, generating and sharing information and ideas about the UN and foreign-policy choices facing the member governments, especially the United States. The policy department also leverages UNA’s resources to convey meetings to provide a nonpartisan forum for policy makers and opinion leaders to generate new ideas that promote and reinforce cooperation among governments, civil society and businesses.
In addition, the policy department organizes the Annual Summer Study Program in partnership with the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations; coordinates UNA’s multifaceted Leo Nevas Program on Human Rights; and manages a nuclear non-proliferation Initiative.
EDUCATION
For the past 65 years, UNA-USA has facilitated improved education and understanding among the American people of the United Nations' goals and initiatives. Our educational programs serve as a bridge between students eager to make an impact on their country and around the globe, by fostering direct interaction between American citizens and the UN. Through Global Classrooms, Model UN and our other educational initiatives, UNA-USA enables students to develop the skills and understanding to excel in this new era of globalization.
MEMBERSHIP
UNA-USA is a nonprofit membership organization whose educational, policy and advocacy programs stress the importance of nations working together and the need for American leadership at the United Nations. UNA-USA pioneers efforts to involve the American public in the discussion of foreign policy priorities as well as to provide information and educational materials for Congress, the executive branch, corporations, NGOs, the general public and the media.
UNA serves many constituencies, such as community-based members and activists, affiliated organizations, business leaders, educators and academic and foreign policy specialists. The 124 chapters work locally throughout the United States, promoting and carrying out these programs, which benefit both local and international communities. Local chapter efforts are further supported at the regional and national levels through the UNA-USA Council of Chapters and Divisions and the national membership staff.
As a member of UNA, you will be involved in a valuable service as a community activist. UNA volunteers educate their communities; mobilize support for UN and US leadership; serve as liaisons with the media, educators and public officials in their states and communities; and provide visibility at the community level. Our members are a source of new leadership, ideas and energy.
