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USA back in the UN!
Welcome Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield!
President Biden has worked quickly to begin healing international relations through UN engagement again. In a month’s time, the United States has rejoined the Paris Agreement, the UN Human Rights Council, and the World Health Organization. And last week, Linda Thomas-Greenfield was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations just in time for the US to assume the rotating position of president of the Security Council this month.
Our new ambassador has an impressive resume. Born and raised in Louisiana, she attended a segregated high school before going to Louisiana State University, where she was a student with David Duke, former grand wizard of the KKK. Her Louisiana roots followed her throughout a robust career in Foreign Service that included working in Rwanda during its genocide of 1994, serving as ambassador to Liberia, and holding the top US diplomat post for African Affairs. Throughout her career she practiced her own “gumbo diplomacy,” engaging others in the process of making the traditional Cajun/Creole soup while having difficult discussions.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield is eager to begin restoring the positive influences of the United States in the United Nations. “When America shows up, when we are consistent and persistent, when we exert our influence in accordance with our values,” she said, “the United Nations can be an indispensable institution for advancing peace, security, and our collective well-being.”
Are you also eager to help improve global relations? Consider joining the St. Louis Community Chapter of the United Nations Association, the nation’s largest group of advocates for the UN.
Membership is FREE if you are under the age of 26! Click here for more information.
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Friday, March 5; 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Friday evening Session for Greater St. Louis Model UN
Saturday, March 6; 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday All-Day Session for Greater St. Louis Model UN
Much more to come; check next week's Civitas newsletter
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Powerful Discussion last Saturday on Basic Rights with Nicole Rainey
If you would like to increase your own advocacy of basic rights for all, Nicole suggested following the ACLU on social media and writing letters of support to local and national representatives about bills being proposed. “A letter from a high school student is very powerful,” she said.
The informative morning flew by, so if you have a specific question or concern about your personal rights or the rights of others that Nicole did not address, she generously shared her email: nrainey@aclu-mo.org.
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Photo from Saturday, February 20, 2021 ZOOM Model UN
It was a remote session, but these students from Webster Groves High School could not contain their excitement!
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Calling for Conversation and Connection
Are you a middle or high school student who enjoys Model United Nations? Or maybe you are especially interested in St. Louis issues? You might also be looking for something fun (and free!) and safe to do on a Friday night and Saturday during a pandemic. We imagine many of our readers will be very interested in a special Greater St. Louis Model UN (GSLMUN) Virtual Conference on Friday evening, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 sponsored by the John Burroughs School Model UN team. Maxine Clark, founder of Build-a-Bear, will be the Keynote Speaker, followed by a “fireside chat” opportunity for student delegates to ask her questions. The conference will include engaging dialogue about the Delmar Divide and Airport Privatization in a simulation that will be a“reimagined version of local government.” Workshops on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will also be part of the weekend experience.
Click here to learn more and register for this FREE, exciting, and unique opportunity!
Civitas will give Game Changer points to any student who attends. You can email us at info@civitas-stl.com with any further questions.
Here is more information from organizer Nathaniel Doty:
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Nathanial talking about the GSLMUN
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LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES?
After nearly two weeks of temperatures below freezing and a city blanketed in snow, you might be longing for warm, summer days ahead. Predictions of vaccine progress make the summer of 2021 look less restrictive than last summer, meaning more summer options for students looking for challenges and a change in scenery. Below are some programs we feel might interest Civitas students. If one catches your attention, feel free to email us at info@civitas-stl.com and we can nominate or recommend you.
A Model United Nations Camp at Chaminade College Preparatory School--This camp will explore the United Nations, a body founded after the Second World War to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Using a variety of active learning techniques, students will learn about some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Each student will represent a state in the United Nations General Assembly, conduct research from that state’s perspective on a specific issue, and draft a General Assembly resolution. On the last day of the camp, students will debate and vote on the draft resolutions in a simulation. Sign-ups will be on the Chaminade website soon.
Who? Any students entering grades 7-12
When? June 7-June 10, daily from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Where? Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis, MO
Questions? Contact Dr. Robert Barnidge at rbarnidge@chaminade-stl.org
Sustainable Development Goals Changemakers Youth Action Program--The purpose of this program is to unite youth together from the St. Louis region to address challenges within the lens of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and equip young people with the tools, resources and relationships to take sustainable action.
Who? Students entering grades 10-12.
When? July 12-16 & July 19-23, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Where? Innovation Hall @ Cortex Innovation Community & additional field trips to areas in St. Louis
Questions? Click here to visit their website.
Leadership Initiatives Summer Internships--Leadership Initiatives is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has partnered with outstanding high school students to provide them with hands-on experience that builds their ability to collaborate, communicate, and confidently pursue their futures. Unlike other education programs where simulations are the key component, students intern with real law firms, business development organizations, security agencies, and hospitals to build their resume and their knowledge. This year, they are offering both in-person programs at Georgetown University and virtual internships to ensure all participants can develop their career goals and professional skills in a safe and accessible environment. Programs include Law & Trial, International Leadership & Business, Medical & Public Health, Medical Neuroscience, and National Security & Intelligence.
Who? Students entering grades 9-12
When? Various weeks in July, 2021, depending on program
Where? Georgetown University in Washington D.C. (and remote opportunities)
Questions? Visit their website: https://lichangesummer.org/
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson takes part in an online class as he visits the Sedgehill School in London on Tuesday, February 23. Jack Hill/Pool/AP |
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This past week at the United Nations
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