About the United Nations Association – Marin County Chapter
Mission Statement
We are dedicated to educating, inspiring and mobilizing people in Marin County to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations, strengthening the United Nations system, promoting constructive United States leadership in that system, and achieving the goals of the United Nations Charter.
When you join the UNA – Marin Chapter, you are joining a nationwide network of over 100 chapters doing this important work. Contact us with any questions.
About the UNA
You can learn more about our national organization here.
History
For the history of the United Nations Association and precursors (including information about the involvement of Eleanor Roosevelt) visit this informative blog page.
Check out these related resources from Rotary, a long-time supporter of the United Nations, including this digital book.
About the UN
Learn about the 1945 conference in San Francisco where the United Nations was established, and more about the history of the United Nations here.
Your Local Board of Directors
Paul Clarke, President, UNA Marin Chapter
Paul Clarke grew in Mill Valley and currently leads institution building, security sector reform, and combating terrorism projects for US government programs with partner nations in Africa. Previously he organized seminars to combat violent extremism overseas. He is a retired Air Force officer who served on the National Security Council staff under administrations of both major parties. He has been a member of the board of the Marin UNA chapter since 2009.
Ro Rigney, Advocacy Chair
Ro has a degree in music and two teaching credentials from Sonoma State University. She led watershed restoration trips and organized environmental activities with students for many years under the wing of scientists and teachers from Point Blue (previously Point Reyes Bird Institute). She first learned about the UN from her father who had attended the signing of the UN Charter in San Francisco in 1945. After retiring from teaching, she joined the local UNA chapter to learn more deeply about the UN and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Bonnie Hunter, Secretary
Involved with the United Nations Associations since 2000 and was secretary and membership chair for several years. Grew up in Mill Valley and presently living in Novato. Formed Earth Charter Marin 2000 – 2009. Lived in the Sausalito houseboat community for 9 fantastic years and learned to deeply respect Mother Nature. Enjoy singing in a capella choir and taking jazz singing lessons. 90% vegan and getting closer – a believer in climate action. Her husband, Skip, has been a supporter (except for being vegan) of just about every radical and less-radical view and action she has taken.
Skip Hunter, Treasurer
Skip has a Fine Arts Degree in painting from Layton School of Art, Milwaukee, WI. In addition to being the treasurer of the UNA Marin Board since 2009, in the past Skip was a Planning Board member of Earth Charter Marin (9 years), and promoted and hosted events on concepts from the Earth Charter sustainability principles. He has also been an Environmental Committee leader of the Floating Homes Association of Sausalito, a member of the Marin Chapter of the San Francisco Opera Guild, and is currently singing in four local choruses as a bass. He finds pleasure in travel, music, and movies.
Kimberly Weichel, Board Member and President Emeritus
Peacebuilder, Educator, Author, Non-profit leader/advisor (Moderator). Kim is a women’s leadership specialist, cross-cultural communicator, peacebuilder, author, educator and non-profit leader who has worked on the forefront of building bridges between cultures and peoples for over 30 years. She is a passionate advocate and champion for women’s and girls’ advancement and leadership and for global cooperation. Kim has extensive experience in South Africa, East Africa, Southeast Asia, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Canada, Russia, and Australia working with global agencies. In particular, she has had a long background working with UN agencies, including UN Women, and participates in the annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN.
Marsha Torkelson, Board Member
My interest in the work of the United Nations began when I represented my university at a week long UN session for students in New York. Much later in 1995, I was thrilled to go to the Women’s International Conference in Beijing. Currently, I am glad to be a part of the UN-USA which is able to influence our representatives in Washington to fund the unique peacekeeping efforts of the UN.
Jennie Jackson, Board Member & Communications Chair
As a United Nations Association Marin Chapter board member, I am excited to contribute to its vital work. The UN first piqued my interest as a student when I visited its headquarters in New York City while attending the High School for Performing and Visual Arts and was exposed to the United Nations Charter and its words, “We the Peoples of the United Nations are determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. Witnessing the organization’s dedication to preventing global conflict left a lasting impression and ignited my lifelong commitment to world peace. This passion grew stronger as I watched my kid participate in Model UN programs in Marin County and Switzerland when we were living abroad. The UN’s critical role in preventing global conflict with the power of diplomacy deeply resonates with me. The UN’s unique ability to foster dialogue, even among nations in conflict, is essential for maintaining peace. My professional life also aligns with these principles and my desire to create value. I own a global boutique recruitment firm that focuses on retention through a happiness model. I am excited to support UNA-USA’s mission to educate, inspire, and mobilize Americans in support of the United Nations’ principles and vital work.