Citizens for Global Solutions

Leaders from around the world meet on the United Nations 60th anniversary to focus on making the institution stronger and more effective.

But change won't happen without you!

The United Nations is about people around the globe coming together to find solutions to today’s global problems. You too can be part of these solutions:

Ask Secretary Rice and your elected representatives to help the UN protect the environment, end genocide and promote democracy.

Citizens for Global Solutions is a national advocacy organization made up of people like you -- people who know that in today's interdependent world, there are some problems that can't be solved by one country alone, no matter how strong that country is. A strong and effective United Nations is an important partner to the U.S. in tackling these global challenges. Make your voice heard: join Citizens for Global Solutions today to help build a better, safer world for everyone:

The Partners for Global Solutions Program is a fun, easy way for you to make a difference on the global issues that matter to you. By becoming a Partner, you will join a network of activists who take action in their local communities. The common goal of our efforts is to build the political will for positive multilateral US global engagement.

Send a Letter to the Editor of Your Local Paper

Below is a sample letter you can send to the editor of your local paper to let your policy makers know that a strengthened United Nations is important to you.

Dear Editor:

In mid-September, the largest gathering of world leaders in history will meet in New York to strengthen and revitalize the United Nations in order to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Many of today’s most pressing global issues will be addressed, including terrorism, economic development, health, security and climate change. It is absolutely imperative that during this historic opportunity the United States play a constructive, engaged and leading role.

America has much to gain from the September Summit, but only if it is willing to be a team player. Some of the key provisions on the table – spreading democracy, ensuring effective peacekeeping and promoting human rights – reflect fundamental American interests. If we respect the priorities and interests of others, it is more likely that they will respect ours.

President Bush should recognize that in today’s interdependent world, where no one country can solve the world’s challenges on its own, the UN is a critical foreign policy partner for the U.S. At the Summit the President should work to strengthen the world body so that it can play an even more effective role in an era of global interdependence.

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Find Out How Your Legislators Voted on Global Issues

Citizens for Global Solutions Congressional Report Card lets you know how your Senators and Representatives voted on legislation impacting international issues. Find out how your Congressmen voted on issues such as nuclear proliferation, the global environment, international AIDS funding, the International Criminal Court, UN funding and more.

+ VIEW THE REPORT CARD

Help spread the word by hosting a town hall meeting with the topic: “Building a Safer World: Defining the US/UN Relationship for the 21st Century.” The town hall could be a public discussion that includes a panel of speakers to talk about one or more of the following topics: the environment; weapons of mass destruction and terrorism; poverty, hunger and health; and war and conflict.

Need help organizing the event? The People Speak was established in 2003 by the United Nations Foundation, which partnered with 29 other non-partisan organizations to create a series of nationwide town hall meetings that discussed America’s role in the world. In 2004, over 4,000 events were held under this banner, with almost 1,000,000 people attending across the country. Their goal for this year is to hold even more events and bring together even more Americans. They even offer small grants, ranging from $50-$500 to host such an event. They also provide fabulous materials online that can help you set up the event, invite speakers, suggest formats and questions, and run a terrific event.

Another way to reach out to friends is to host a house party on the importance of a strengthened United Nations. You can download our Citizens' Guide to the United Nations in the 21st Century brochure to help you get started. If you need help organizing the event, take a look at the online organization Let’s Talk America. They provide hosting resources such as invitations, flyers, conversation starters, hosting kits, etc. This is a great opportunity to reach out to those close to you and your local communities about issues that are very important to you!