Exciting News From the Global Outreach Committee (GO)

Another month, and Global Outreach is still on the GO! I have now attended my second Unitarian-Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) Board meeting, this time in New York city. While there were many issues to deal with, the big news for Winnipeg was negotiated shortly afterwards. I spoke to Bruce Knotts, the Executive Director of UU-UNO. GO is planning a UN Sunday, scheduled for November 21st. Was there any possibility that he could come to Winnipeg for that date? Incredibly, that date in his busy schedule was free. He was delighted to be able to come, and we are delighted to have him!

Bruce is a dynamic, committed advocate of the United Nations and of our UU-UNO office. Importantly, he brings valuable experience and credentials to his role as Executive Director. During many years of experience as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, he developed the skills needed to negotiate his way through the UN. Among other postings, he worked in several African countries. During that time he had sustained contact with the UN system, working with UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO and various NGOs to assist refugees from conflict in West Africa.

Since joining UU-UNO in 2008, Bruce started a program to end criminal sanctions based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Under his leadership, UU-UNO has been transformed into leading advocacy roles at the UN in a number of areas such as climate change, LGBT rights, women’s rights, etc. Bruce currently chairs both the UN NGO (Non-Governmental) Committee on Human Rights and the Faith and Ethics Network for the International Criminal Court.

Mark your calendar: an exciting weekend of special events to meet Bruce Knotts, Nov. 20-21.

Ruth Pearce

Message from Ruth Pearce, Chair, Global Outreach Committee

January 2010

We are all well aware of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and wondering how we can help. Steve Lennon described that devastation Sunday morning in church. As chair of the Global Outreach Committee, Ruth Pearce then briefly provided information and cautions regarding donations. The following expands on that information.

1. Be aware that tax credits for charitable donations can be claimed only for donations given in Canada through Canadian sources. For example, donations given to UU UNO on United Nations Sunday had to be clearly addressed to CUC in Canada. CUC provided the receipts for our Canadian donations, and then forward the appropriate donation to our New York office.

Lotta Hitchmanova

By Ruth Pearce, April 2009

Lotta Hitschmanova might not recognize the Unitarian Service Committee (USC) she founded so long ago to help feed and clothe war-devastated Europe, but she would be proud of the latest incarnation of her dream and her untiring work. This is a special year, as we will be celebrating the 100th year of Lotta’s birth. It is an appropriate time to remember the past, to update to the present, and look forward to the future of the USC: the continuing legacy of this petite, remarkable woman.

At 56 Sparks St., David Rain is diligently working to collect memories of Lotta from Unitarian Universalist congregations all over Canada. Hopefully, these will be published as a further tribute. He has been surprised at the marvelous response he has already received - particularly from the west.

Indeed, there has been a long and memorable connection between our Unitarian Universalist congregation in Winnipeg and the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada, now better known as USC Canada. Indeed, this bond was firmly in place long before my husband, myself and our children (Ruth and Ken Pearce and six kids) joined the church during the 1960s. Thanks to Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova, both adults and children in the congregation were well informed of USC Canada’s programs, and many were actively involved in supporting one of Canada’s very first internationally-focused Non Governmental Organizations (NGO).

Our congregation held a celebration on November 22, 2009. Steve Lennon and Ruth Pearce coordinated this very special anniversary. Visit DrLotta.ca to find out more about this remarkable woman.