Advocacy gives people the ability to use their voices to create change and address the issues that shape our world. The United Nations Association – Pasadena Chapter connects our local action with global goals, empowering individuals to advocate for issues that matter to them on a global scale.
Recently, five UNA Pasadena members were selected for the “Red, White, and UN Blue” advocacy summit in Washington, D.C., standing out among nearly 500 applicants for 150 spots. The group included Ann Diederich, Charlotte “Char” Bland, John Delbridge, Madeline “Maddie” Delbridge, and Christiane “Annie” Delbridge. For both John and Maddie, this marked their third time attending this annual advocacy summit, underscoring their commitment to representing our chapter at the national level.
Individuals from across the country advocated for one specific cause: urging Congress to protect and fully implement the international affairs funding enacted for Fiscal Year 2026 and support strong funding for key UN accounts in Fiscal Year 2027. Specifically, activists asked Congress to budget $1.389 billion for Contributions to International Organizations, $1.255 billion for Contributions for International Peacekeeping Activities, $410 million for Peacekeeping Operations, and $436.9 million for International Organizations and Programs. Additionally, advocates addressed the growing financial crisis facing the United Nations due to delayed and unpaid U.S. contributions.
To tackle these pressing issues, advocates met directly with congressmen and policymakers on Capitol Hill. Board member Charlotte “Char” Bland had several meaningful conversations with important figures, including Congresswoman Judy Chu and newly appointed UNA-USA Director Faith Akovi Cooper. Additionally, chapter members John, Maddie, and Annie Delbridge delivered an insightful speech on the importance of multigenerational involvement in the UN.
UNA-Pasadena members also had the opportunity to engage with diverse political perspectives at this summit. Specifically, Treasurer Ann Diederich shared, “I learned how different pharmaceutical and medical state contracts worked and how Pennsylvania benefited, so I could talk to MAGA people on a financial level. I was actually surprised because they weren’t sure about where they stood, but they were actually really convinced by the end of the conversation.” Her interaction serves as a testament to the rich dialogues fostered by this summit.
While reflecting on her experience at the summit, Char stated that “By advocating for strong U.S. support of the United Nations, we are investing in diplomacy, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and global health programs that make America—and our own communities—safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Supporting the United Nations is more than foreign policy—it’s an investment in peace, global health, economic opportunity, and America’s leadership. The Advocacy Summit reinforced that local advocates can make a global impact.”
Stay tuned for more updates regarding ways you can get involved with UNA summits!
