Fieldnotes

Monday UNICEF pic: Brazil

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:45:22 -0500

Our latest Annual Report (click here to download a PDF) just came out, so I thought I'd share this fantastic UNICEF photo that's featured on the cover:

Meet Poliana da Silva, age 7, and her brother, Gabriel, age 4, who live in on the outskirts of the city of Olinda, in the north-eastern state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Despite its commitment to ending poverty and hunger, the Brazilian government keeps a tight rein on social spending in order to pay its debts. There are some 62 million Brazilians under the age of 18, but only a fraction of the national budget is allocated to programs for children. That's where UNICEF comes in, supporting programs for health, nutrition, education, clean water, sanitation and child protection.

And that's something to smile about.

Children discuss the needs of children

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:06:50 -0500

What does a child need to be safe and healthy and to develop to his or her full potential?

This is not an easy question to answer, but who better to ask than children?

Dr. Sara Young (an instructor from UMass) and I spoke last week with elementary students from the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Public Charter School in Hadley, MA. We introduced them to UNICEF, its work with children around the world, and how they can take action through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and other opportunities.

David discussing with students of the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Public Charter School about UNICEF's work and what they can do to help children just like themselves around the world.

We started our discussion by first asking: What does a child need to be safe and healthy, and to develop to his or her full potential? Some of the many answers that the students gave were: clean water, play, apples, vegetables, medicine, shots, sleep, mom to help with homework, my big brother, school and books.

Team UNICEF goes the distance

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:31:29 -0500

Team UNICEF runner Sean Hawks passes one of the five UNICEF cheering stations.

In addition to Trick-or-Treating this weekend, we supported UNICEF in other ways as well: in conjunction with the ING New York City marathon, we hosted all the Team UNICEF runners and their supporters!

There was a pasta party Friday night, where runners, friends and family were inspired by speakers who reminded us that training for a marathon demonstrates commitment and dedication, as does UNICEF in doing whatever it takes to save children’s lives. We distributed "cheer gear" to the cheer captains, who had agreed to recruit volunteers and supporters to five stations throughout the course.

Forty runners, comprised of volunteers from all over the country, actor Peter Wingfield, employees of our corporate partners, former Campus Initiative members, and staff not only ran 26.2 miles, they each raised at least $3,500 for UNICEF, and got their friends and family involved along the way.

In addition to 40 runners, as many volunteers and staff met up at five cheering stations throughout the course to encourage Team UNICEF and other runners.

I was part of a cheering section between mile 24 and 25. We had cyan blue UNICEF shirts, signs, pompoms and cowbells. I was joined by volunteers, interns, staff, and friends to route on not only our Team UNICEF runners, but also many of the 42,000 runners who comprised the largest marathon in the world.

Cheering that day, for me, wasn’t just about cheering. For me, it was about thinking of the dedication and passion one must have to train for a marathon, and how the length of a marathon is symbolic of the long road we have for eradicating poverty and preventing all preventable deaths of children. I thought about the strength needed to complete this race and about the race that mothers all over the world have to unwillingly compete in against time for access to food, medicine, water, so many things we generally take for granted, and for which UNICEF is working tirelessly to provide. Cheering wasn’t about cheering, it was about being part of a community of UNICEF supporters who joined together to run and to cheer and who all believe that we can make zero our finish line.

If you would like to support Team UNICEF, please click here.

Uniting on Capitol Hill to save children

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:52:54 -0500

Is there an issue that transcends partisan divisions on Capitol Hill? We who “Believe in Zero” think there is: saving children and mothers from dying from preventable causes.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) have united to introduce S. 1966, the Global Child Survival Act of 2009. The bill directs the U.S. Government to develop a comprehensive, integrated strategy to reduce infant and child mortality rates and authorizes funding to reach more children and mothers who are at risk.

This bipartisan Senate measure helps to make the plight of children who are needlessly dying a foreign policy priority for the United States. We are excited that key Senators from both parties are coming together to fight for legislation that reflects the global values of our country. As Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, said when the bill was introduced, “Americans strongly believe that no child or mother should die from preventable causes.”

Leadership from the United States Government can help save the lives of the 8.8 million children who die every year from causes we can prevent. But for that to happen, your Senators and Representatives need to hear from you!

Tell your Senators now that you want them to cosponsor and support S. 1966, the Global Child Survival Act of 2009. And let your Representatives know that you want them to cosponsor and support a similar bipartisan House bill, H.R. 1410, the Newborn, Child, and Mother Survival Act of 2009.

Take a few minutes to urge the policymakers in Washington to work together on behalf of the world’s children.

For more information, see http://volunteers.unicefusa.org/activities/advocate/congressional-leadership.html

Did you Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:49:58 -0500

If so, thank you! Thank you for making Halloween count for children around the world!

If you've got a box full of change, click here to find out how to send the money in, so that we can put it to use immediately to save kids' lives around the world.

Thanks for making Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 2009 a great success—we'll be sharing stories and pictures here soon!

Monday UNICEF pic: Pakistan

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:37:16 -0500

Pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in children under 5, killing more than 4,000 every day.

Today—the first-ever World Pneumonia Day—UNICEF and the World Health Organization are launching an action plan against pneumonia, which could save more than five million children over six years if it's adopted worldwide.

Big numbers. Here's one kid, just a year and a half old, exhausted from his struggle against the preventable disease:

His mom, Tasleem Mondy, is carrying him home from the Sindh Government Children’s Hospital in the city of Karachi, Pakistan, where he spent nearly a month being treated for pneumonia. He continues to get fortified milk to treat his malnutrition and Tasleem spends an hour walking to the hospital every day because she can't afford the 35-rupee bus fare.

You can download the complete Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia (GAPP) here.

Happy Halloween!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:29:57 -0500

From trick-or-treating door-to-door, to creative fundraisers, thousands of people, both young and old, will Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF today!

Forward this Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Halloween e-card to family and friends to wish them a Happy Halloween and remind them to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF today.

While you’re out Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF, be sure to take pictures and share them with us on Facebook and Flickr! And, don’t forget to turn in the donations you've collected as soon as possible. Every donation counts in helping UNICEF do whatever it takes to save children’s lives, so be sure to send in even the smallest of collections.

Thank you for making Halloween count! Happy and safe Halloween to everyone!

Tomorrow is Halloween!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:19:06 -0500

Tomorrow is Halloween, and while you're busy getting ready for your party and putting the last details together for your costume, we're just as busy here at Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF headquarters.

This morning, many of my colleagues hit the streets of New York City, asking local commuters to make Halloween count by tossing some change into our giant collection boxes.

U.S. Fund for UNICEF employees hit the streets to celebrate Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

Speaking of boxes,it's not too late to get your own! They're still available at local Pier 1, Hallmark and Baskin Robbins locations. You can also print out this canister wrapper and create your own.

A special thanks to our wonderful Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson, Selena Gomez, for all the support she's given us. There's still time to join the "Selena Gomez & Friends Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF" team. Join now and help the team achieve their fundraising goal of $1 million!

And before you forget, send friends and family our free Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Halloween e-card wishing them a Happy Halloween and reminding them to make Halloween count by trick-or-treating for UNICEF.

One last thing... remember that you have the power to help save kids' lives!

Cheer for our marathoners!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:44:13 -0500

As you may have heard, the U.S. Fund has recruited 40 runners to raise funds for UNICEF and participate in this weekend's ING New York City Marathon. We would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to you and to your friends to support Team UNICEF during the marathon on Sunday, November 1.

UNICEF volunteers and staff will be stationed at the following locations starting at 10:00 a.m.

Brooklyn: 10:00 a.m. 4th Avenue & 7th Street (on the Natural Plus Deli corner which is right by the True Clean Laundromat) off of the 4th Avenue and 9th street subway station. Exit from the 24hr exit (F and G, R and M trains) .

Queens: 11:00 a.m. 44 Drive & 21st street (stand in front of the 21-10 Green Mountain Graphics shop- Across the street is Palace Chicken and Pizza) off of the Long Island City Court Sq subway station (G train). It is a connecting hub with subway trains (E and 7) at 23 street Ely Avenue stop. Exit from the 21st street exit.

Manhattan Spot 1: 10:30 a.m. 97th street & 1st Avenue (southwest corner, in front of the red pipe- across from the handball courts) off of the 96th street station (6 train).

Manhattan Spot 2: 11:00 a.m. 97th street and 5th Avenue (under the West Side low clearance 9'-11" yellow sign) off of the 96th street station (6 train).

Manhattan Spot 3: 11:00 a.m. Central Park entrance of 69th street and 5th Avenue -must walk inside park, head straight to the running lane- stand to the right of the square green trash can, next to the small crosswalk. Off of the 66th street station (6 train).

Manhattan Spot 4: The Congratulations Spot! Meet the runners and their friends and family after the marathon finish on the corner of 77th and Columbus Ave. We’ll be there to congratulate them on a job well done and take photos.

Thank you to everyone who has made this inspiring journey possible. We can’t wait to see Team UNICEF “Make Zero their finish line!”

Countdown to Halloween!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:28:14 -0500

With only four more days til Halloween, here's an update on what you can still do to participate!

Become our fan on Facebook, and join our Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Cause. Donations received through the Cause application from now until November 6th will enter us for a chance to win $50,000 in America’s Giving Challenge! Also, follow us on Twitter and retweet @unicefusa updates to help spread the word about Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

Perhaps you've been invited to, or are hosting one of the over 3,000 registered Halloween parties to benefit UNICEF. No? Ok, then register your party now and help make Halloween count!

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Spokesperson, Selena Gomez, is hosting a live web cast tomorrow, where she’ll be talking about all things Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF! Selena also created the “Selena & Friends Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” fundraising team. Join them and help the team reach their fundraising goal of $1 million. (Oh, and Selena has some cool incentives for the top fundraisers on the team!).

And last, but certainly not least, it’s not too late to order Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection boxes! We’re accepting orders until October 30 at 12:00 pm EST. After that time, visit one of our Pier 1, Hallmark or Baskin Robbins retail partners to pick up a box, or create your own with this wrapper.

Make Halloween count this year!

Did you remember to wash your hands?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:21:46 -0500

“Did you remember to wash your hands?” This is a question most of us heard thousands of times throughout our childhoods. Hand washing is a routine we pick up at an early age, drilled into us by constant reminders from relatives, teachers, and catchy TV jingles. By adolescence, it becomes an ingrained habit that we eventually pass down onto our own children. Most of us have never stopped to consider why this simple act—washing our hands with soap and water—is so important. The truth is that thorough hand washing can save the lives of millions of children each year.

Children line up to wash their hands in a communal bucket at at school in Tenghory, Senegal

A spirit of service on Halloween

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:49:29 -0500

This post for Fieldnotes was co-authored by Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and Paul Palazzolo, President of Kiwanis International.

Kids love to be like grown-ups. And for many adults, part of being a grown-up is contributing to a worthy cause. Believe it or not, Halloween can be a child’s first experience with altruism and can present the perfect opportunity to honor our national spirit of service.

When boys and girls across the nation dress up next week as princesses, witches, and ghosts and go door-to-door, they will have the chance to gain something far more profound than candy. By asking not only for sweets—but also for donations to UNICEF—children can make a big difference in the lives of their peers around the world and can discover the satisfaction that comes from helping others.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began in 1950 as a youth project. What started as a simple idea has grown into a cultural phenomenon that has introduced millions of youngsters to the power of philanthropy and instilled in many a lifelong passion for giving back.

Toting that little orange Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box and filling it with change empowers children to take action locally while serving the global community. And that change has added up. Since its inception, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has raised more than $144 million, saving and improving the lives of scores of children.

Monday UNICEF pic: Somalia

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:52:44 -0500

Last week we reported that funding shortfalls could threaten humanitarian assistance activities that are so desperately needed in Somalia. One of UNICEF's key areas of concern is preventing and treating malnutrition in children, so I thought I'd share this photo taken at a UNICEF-supported nutrition program in Jamalaaye, a camp for displaced people in the north-western city of Berbera.

The girl in the background is eating a ready-to-eat therapeutic food.

In Somalia, armed conflicts, droughts and floods have displaced over one million people and have contributed to a nutrition crisis that leaves one in six children under the age of five acutely malnourished.

UNICEF and its partners currently provide nutritional support to over 100,000 children per month. Nevertheless, over 300,000 children are expected to experience acute malnutrition over the course of the year.

If you would like to support UNICEF's work for children in Somalia, please click here.

Youth unite for climate

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:41:47 -0500

Climate change is an issue that will affect generations to come, which is why it’s important for the youth to join the discussion.

UNICEF Denmark will organize the first Children’s Climate Forum (CCF) a new youth event linked to the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Much like the Junior 8 Summit, the CCF aims to advance young people’s understanding of global issues and provide a platform for them to discuss and advocate on issues of climate change and the environment.

The CCF is designed to give children a voice in the debate and a chance to influence the important discussions made at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC-COP15). The UNICEF Children’s Climate Forum is to be held in parallel to the UNFCCC-COP15 in Copenhagen from November 28-December 5, 2009.

Approximately 180 students have been selected by UNICEF to represent at least 57 countries. The students chosen to represent the United States are:

Becca Arbacher, Silver Spring, MD
Pulkit Agrawal, Hialeah, FL
Chloe Songer, Menlo Park, CA
Olivia Zhu, Saratoga, CA

Opportunities for youth to join the discussion are not limited to the Children’s Climate Forum. UNICEF is encouraging young people to join the community at www.uniteforclimate.com. There you can find out how young people are responding to climate change, learn about their experiences, and join campaigns from around the world.

Join the community today!

Thank you Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Partners!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:06:40 -0500

October 31st will be a day to celebrate for so many reasons! Lots of careful planning will culminate in millions of people around the country standing up for child survival, and we at the U.S. Fund couldn’t be more excited. While we are just catching our breath, it seems a perfect time to express our heartfelt thanks to our corporate partners and supporters who’ve made this campaign possible. They’ve promoted Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in innovative ways, and we’d like to give them a big shout out for doing well by doing good!

Special thanks go to our National Partner Procter & Gamble. 2009 marks the company’s tenth year supporting the program, with over $3.3 million in donations to date. New this year, Procter & Gamble will double the impact of donations made by viewers of a Halloween-themed primetime television special airing on HGTV. P&G will match all donations made via HGTV.com through October 31, 2009, up to $100,000. UNICEF receives support from P&G through the company’s Live, Learn and ThriveTM global corporate cause, devoted to improving life for children in need.

We’d also like to especially thank HGTV, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF’s new National Media Partner. HGTV will highlight Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in a prime time Halloween television special, to air on October 24 at 8 PM EST, and they’re including Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in the Halloween section of HGTV.com. Watch the HGTV special, and then log on to HGTV.com to have your donation make double the impact . Let your friends know that you’re supporting too, and join HGTV and P&G in helping UNICEF get one step closer to zero!