It’s hard to miss UT’s dedication to making students increasingly aware of global issues on campus through the numerous programs, classes and study abroad opportunities offered. Sophomore Brittany Friesen hopes to add to students’ global awareness through her newly formed organization, the UT United Nations Student Alliance, which is chartered through the non-profit United Nations Association, USA.
“The UT UNSA was established to promote an understanding of the UN system in the student body,” Friesen explained. Another goal for the UNSA is “to engage in and encourage activity that strengthens the goals of the UN charter: peace, justice, respect, human rights and social progress for all people of the world.”
Through her internship with the Tampa Bay chapter of the United Nations Association’s Global Classrooms program, Friesen stumbled upon the Student Alliance program. The Alliance encourages awareness through participation with the HERO and Adopt-a-Minefield programs, both of which are partnered with the United Nations.
HERO is a fundraising project which provides educational support to children living in African communities affected by HIV/AIDS. The Adopt-a-Minefield program searches for sponsors to adopt minefields for de-mining and provide funds to assistance programs for survivors.
Students who join the UNSA have plenty to look forward to. According to Friesen, “students have the opportunity to network with elected officials, UN dignitaries and NGO leaders through letter writing, lectures and national UNA sponsored events.”
“Being chartered through UNA-USA is a remarkable benefit,” she continued. “We can communicate with the national office, which offers members invitations to participate in local briefings and seminars, discounts on publications, internship preferences at UNA-USA headquarters and more.”
Friesen first became involved with the United Nations after a semester-long stay in Geneva, during her freshman year of high school with her father, Dr. Bruce Friesen. Through Kent State University, Dr. Friesen directed a study abroad program focusing on international relations.
During her stay Friesen was allowed access to the United Nations office in Geneva, the European Parliament, the European Union and the Hague. It was after this trip that she “resolved to pursue a future in world affairs.”
The UT UNSA is being advised by Dr. Rublee, who specializes in international relations and politics. Prior to teaching at UT, Dr. Rublee served as a senior research analyst and management analyst for the United States government. Friesen believes that Dr. Rublee “is a valuable, experienced resource as well as an enthusiastic professor.”
“The main concepts of the UN can, and should, be incorporated into our university and community – recognizing all people as valuable human beings and seeking to establish meaningful relations and effective communication with each other,” suggests Friesen.
The UT United Nations Student Alliance held its first interest meeting on Oct. 3, and Friesen hopes to have monthly meetings. For more information contact Brittany Friesen at bdfriesen@ut.edu or visit the United Nations Association of the United States of America website http://www.unausa.org.