I served as president of Citizens for Global Solutions, Minnesota for 3.5 years, from July 2017 through December 2020. This has been a significant transitional period for our 73-year-old non-profit, as we phased out our decades-long Third Thursday Global Issues Forum series, began to create partnerships with other local like-minded organizations, initiated efforts at cross-generational dialogues, strengthened our relationships with CGS national, and experienced the passing of Joe Schwartzberg, for decades the linchpin of CGS-MN. I could not have carried out this role without the tremendous support of many active Board members and especially my good friend Kristi Rudelius Palmer, vice president during my tenure. As Julie Andrews sings in The Sound of Music, “I must have done something good,” for I now have the privilege of passing the baton to a most capable, intelligent and passionate successor, Kathya Dawe, who became our president as of January 1st.
For the record, here is an overview of what CGS-MN accomplished in the last 3.5 years:
July 2017 to June 2018 (YEAR 1)
Held eight Third Thursday Global Issues Forums, a World Law Day event and an Annual Meeting, continuing the rhythm of chapter activities conducted since 2000 (a listing of all past Forums can be found HERE).
Co-sponsored “Minnesota’s Role with the SDGs” with United Nations Association, MN.
Promoted and participated in the CGS national monthly Book Club sessions focused on Joe Schwartzberg’s Transforming the United Nations System: Designs for a Workable World
We were a Community Partner of the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Film Festival
CGS-MN was awarded a $9,500 Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society, to gather information about the Minnesota UN movement. Jim Nelson initiated the effort to pursue this grant and was principal investigator.
July 2018 – June 2019 (YEAR 2)
Due to dwindling attendance, we decided to forego the Third Thursday Global Issues Forum program, hosting just one Forum, a World Law Day event and an Annual Meeting.
Co-sponsored several events with Augsburg University (Nobel Peace Prize Forum); United Nations Association, MN; and Vets for Peace.
Participated in the continuing CGS national monthly Book Club sessions focused on Joe Schwartzberg’s Transforming the United Nations System: Designs for a Workable World
We were a Community Partner of the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Film Festival
CGS-MN, with Jim Nelson as the principal investigator, completed work in fulfillment of the Grant received from the Minnesota Historical Society.
September 19, 2018: Joe Schwartzberg, a lion in our chapter for many decades, passed away
July 2019 – June 2020 (YEAR 3)
Participated in the CGS national monthly Book Club sessions, studying books such as Ben Ferencz’ Planethood, Ron Glossop’s World Federation? and Garry Davis’ My Country is the World
Oct 23: “The Future We Want, the UN We Need: Minnesota kick-off event toward the 75th anniversary of the UN.” Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Co-sponsored with UNA-MN and Global Minnesota.
Oct 28: Augsburg University, Human Rights Forum, Peace Meal. CGS-MN hosted a cross-generational dialogue on the topic of “Is the US on a slippery slope toward fascism?”
Dec 8: “The World Is My Country” broadcast on TPT Life. We promoted viewership, hosted house parties to watch the film and then tune in to a Q&A session with Producer/Director Arthur Kanegis.
Jan – June: promoted and participated in multiple Citizens for Global Solutions UN2020 and UN75 events, focused on needed reforms of the UN system in honor of its 75th anniversary
Community Partner of the Minneapolis / St. Paul International Film Festival
July 2020 – December 2020 (AFTER YEAR 3)
Promoted and participated in UN2020 / UN75 activities
Promoted and participated in the CGS national monthly Book Club sessions
Initiated a new series: the Third Thursday Global Films Discussion Group:
October Film: Prosecuting Evil (Ben Ferencz) documentary.
November Film: Made in Bangladesh
December Film: The World Is My Country, the Garry Davis story
Oct 21: “The UN Celebrates 75: What Does the Future Hold?” (Virtual). UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres. Co-sponsored with UNA-MN & Global Minnesota.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Completed a re-design of our website. Set up ongoing contract with website consultant.
Improved communication with our mailing lists (US Mail and e-mail)
Organized financial records and established a process of completing needed 501c3 paperwork
Strengthened partnerships with local organizations, especially UNA-MN and Global Minnesota
Several new board members joined, adding new energy and skills
We were very fortunate to receive $16,500 from Lynn and Donna Elling during this period; we would not exist if not for their generous support