By Don’She Cloude

This past month, the United Nations club made its official debut in the Notre Dame community.

The UN club is an on-campus organization open to all Women’s College students interested in global issues, international affairs, and the works and goals of the U.N.

According to the United Nations, the UN is an international organization founded in 1945 with a purpose of maintaining international peace and security.

The idea for the UN club originated from its current president, Christina Newton, a senior political science major. “My overall goal in creating the UN Club is to inspire my peers to fulfill NDMU’s mission statement,” explains Newton. “I want us to be aware of global issues and then use it as inspiration to transform the world.”

With the help of Valentina Dallasta, current vice president and sophomore political science major, and Dr. Anne Henderson, faculty advisor and chair of the political science department, the UN club was brought into existence.

“Christina came to me during lunch and I loved the idea, so we went straight to Dr. Henderson and asked her to be our advisor,” says Dallasta.

The club’s first and biggest event, “The UN Trip” was held from December 6 to the December 7. For this event, students were given the opportunity to apply for the trip online. Those selected went to New York and toured the UN Headquarters, attended a briefing on human rights, and had a meeting with Syrian and Argentinian ambassadors to the UN.

“I am a political science major, and working in the UN is my dream.  I am super excited about this trip and can’t wait to meet with the Syrian ambassador to ask him about his country’s current situation,” Dallasta says.

According to members of the executive board, the club’s first meeting will be held in December. More information will be released soon.

Meanwhile, Dallasta encourages everyone to come to the first meeting, including students who are not political science majors.

“The UN works in solving issues related to health care, sanitation, and environment. Any person who wants to help those in need should join,” Dallasta comments.

PC: NDMU UN Club FB Page