"Is the 'Golden Door' Still Open?  America's Reception of Refugees in the 21st Century" was the title of Jonathan Guzé's November 28, 2011 lecture for the Mary T. Hall Seminar held at Webster University's Emerson Library.  He told of his personal work as a North Carolina attorney assisting a couple of refugees from Somalia and Iraq to make the point that America is no longer as welcoming to refugees as it once was.  Some good work is being done, but there are still many obstacles to be overcome.  He noted how the work done by Mary Hall with various St. Louis non-governmental organizations including the UNA provides a model for what all of us need to be doing.

   An attentive crowd of 60 persons was on hand for the event.  Unfortunately, Mary's cold kept her from attending this commemoration of her 100th birthday, but her son, granddaughter, and other relatives were present for the event.  Also in attendance was Joy Guzé, Jonathan's mother.  She was also chair of the 1989 UNA/STL committee that raised $55,000 (1989 dollars!) to create the fund the interest from which still provides the financial support for the annual Mary T. Hall Seminars.

    Jonathan Guzé's lecture was also co-sponsored by Webster University's Human Rights program, Citizens for Global Solutions of St. Louis, and the St. Louis chapter of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

       Report by Ronald Glossop, chair of the event 

Honoring Anita Koester Freeman by Ronald Glossop
November 2011 
 For most of her life Anita Koester Freeman has been firmly dedicated to the protection of human rights for everyone. She studied the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the U.N. General Assembly on December 10, 1948 so thoroughly that she could quote it from memory. She also wrote and published a book about it. Anita has also worked with many organizations to further the struggle for the protection of human rights. One organization was the St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights chaired by Jamala Rogers. Every year on or about December 10, the Coalition sponsors a St. Louis celebration in recognition of Human Rights Day at which cash prizes are awarded to the winners of a student essay contest related to the protection of human rights. There are separate contests for high school and middle school, and the specific theme and emphasis is changed from year to year. Anita provided most of the money for the prizes, but she always gave it through the other organizations to which she belonged and on whose boards of directors she served - the Unit-ed Nations Association of St. Louis, Citizens for Global Solutions of St. Louis, and the League of Women Voters of St. Louis. Anita worked tire-lessly behind the scenes so many were unaware of her important role, but those involved know how much of the activity was the result of her because of her generosity and persistent efforts. Recently, Anita was stricken with Lou Gehrig's disease (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS), and passed away on July 10, 2011. Her work on these hu-man rights topics were very important to her and so central to her life. We will remember her spirit and passion for human rights issues, her dedication and work for these causes. Memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association, 1276 K Street NW, #1050, Washington, D.C. 20005 or the UNA of St. Louis, Treasurer Bob Wil-cox, 6915 Amherst Avenue, University City, MO 63130.

UNA Reflection by Madeline Charles, Intern/Coordinator-St. Louis Chapter
August 2011

I've come very far in my knowledge and deep appreciation for the United Nations since I was browsing on the internet for summer internship opportunities this past May. I was in search for a position that would expand my understanding of global issues, how they are resolved and how the world's most vulnerable populations are aided on an international level. My search results lead me to the United Nations Association of Greater St. Louis. Not familiar with the organization, I did some research and was very much impressed with not only the numerous solutions the United Nations is working on to solve major worldly issues, but also the dedication and creativity the local St. Louis Chapter has to make connections in the community to advocate on behalf of the national UNA-USA office.  

I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have gained through this internship. Having the chance to meet and interview Mary T. Hall was truly inspirational. As a future social worker, her story really resonated with me and provided an example of what life long determination and perseverance can achieve. Attending the national UNA-USA meeting in Washington, D.C. has been the highlight of it all, and I appreciate the board supporting my decision to represent the St. Louis Chapter. I met people from various chapters around the country, and learned a tremendous amount about just how important UNA is in sharing with the American people about the good work the United Nations does. 

This internship has been an immense learning experience. Just a few month ago, I thought of the United Nations as an organization comprised of country leaders from around the world, coming together to solve problems that I, as an individual, had little impact on. As it turns out, I could not have been more wrong. Local UNA chapters, like St. Louis, provide people the knowlege and the necessary tools to becomed informed, engaged, and most importantly, a part of the solution to the most pressing issues facing our world. I am proud to be involved with the organization and will undoubtedly remain a lifelong member. 
 Madeline Charles in Peru