Chapter Spotlight: Ozarks Technical Community College

Chapters throughout the Midwest are working every day to further the mission of the United Nations Association through advocacy and community service. Maintaining steady growth and impact is not always an easy task, even for the most experienced chapters. One group of students recently came together during their fall semester to form UNA-Ozarks Technical Community College Chapter and have shown what can happen when you mix ambition and passion into an organization.

Although a new chapter, UNA-Ozarks Technical Community College Chapter has hit the ground running. During their first semester, UNA members at this university—located in Springfield, Missouri—were able to participate in a number of events after celebrating a kickoff event attended by students and university staff, including the Chancellor, Provost, and Dean of Public Administration. They spared no time after launching their chapter to become a part of the community, starting with a “Green Dot Event” focusing on ending campus violence. After helping out in several other activities on campus, the chapter hosted the first United Nations Day Celebration on campus. They celebrated the accomplishments of the UN, discussed plans for the future and their part in it, and encouraged attendees to play a role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals on a local level. Two distinguished individuals were invited to speak at the event regarding climate action: Dr. Loren Lundstrom, who has a background in international relations and experience with the United Nations; and Molly Matney from the United Nations Foundation. Below are a few photos from the new chapter. We look forward to seeing what else they accomplish in their first year!