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David Lara - UNA Poly Campus Chapter Board Member

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David Lara - UNA Poly Campus Chapter Board Member

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I was honored to be able to take part in this Youth Video Competition, and I am very grateful that I was able to earn funding to continue the work that Project Talent Launch does. Hearing the work that other students at Poly have done, especially those in the younger grades who show such a passion for their impactful and meaningful work, was a significant experience for me. I also feel like it was an optimistic event, as all of the students who participated saw an issue and dedicated themselves to making a difference. The videos and the students who participated were really able to create a "Blueprint for a Better Future". Additionally, the discussion leaders were excellent!

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I really enjoyed this event! I think Kate and Ikenna did an excellent job leading the discussion. Hearing from Dustin Liu and Cynthia Yue was very inspiring because I learned about how young people can get involved in their community and make change.

I also enjoyed the the video presentation/competition. Thank you fo such a wonderful event!

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The virtual UN Day was very informative and engaging. Both the speakers, Dustin Liu and Cynthia Yue, provided excellent insight into their work and background. I thought that the overall theme of UN Day was youth activism. Both the speakers did a great job promoting youth activism and explaining what hinders the youth from getting involved.  I was particularly blown away by the video submissions. All of the participants are good examples of youth getting involved in SDGs and advocacy work. It was inspiring to see people that young wanting to make a difference in their community. I can't wait to see what they accomplish going forward. Also, Ikenna and Kate were excellent leaders in this event.

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I am really grateful to attend the UN Day event and all of the amazing speakers, like Dustin Liu and Cynthia Yue. One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the focus on the young generation. The youth advocates showed their dedication to their roles in the UN and spreading awareness about global issues. It is always inspiring to observe people around my age speaking about the issues they are passionate about and how they are actively trying to make an impact on the world in their own way. I also appreciated everyone sharing their videos about what issues they are passionate about resolving, especially Audrey Ma, whose environmental sustainability and activism inspired everyone who had the opportunity of attending. Overall, it was inspiring to see young change makers sharing their stories and projects about making the UN goals achievable.

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I'm really grateful I was able to get the chance to see the UN day event. enjoyed getting to hear Dustin Liu and Cynthia Yue and I thought their message about making sure to put youth in meaningful roles in to give them opportunity to make a difference. I especially appreciated the chance to hear from people the same age as me and hear their perspective on similar issues that we've talked about in our global scholars class. It's also nice to hear more about how our school's focus on the Sustainable Developments Goals for our community service is making an impact, and it was just overall really inspiring to hear more about their passions and youth advocacy

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In an epoch replete with foreboding news and harrowing narratives, Dustin Liu's and Cynthia Yue's narratives instilled me with newfound hope, illustrating the unprecedented advocacy of students across the nation. Despite the conventional wisdom of youthful apathy, minors in the United States have expressed their concerns regarding imminently pertinent issues such as climate change and burgeoning inequality while demanding action from political authorities. The presented videos exemplified the vigor of young changemakers. Both Audrey Ma, whose sustainability project tangibly alleviates the environmental ramifications of landfills, and David Lara, whose nonprofit organization bestows underprivileged students with internship opportunities, illustrate how middle school and high school students can promote the Sustainable Development Goals and construct a blueprint for a better future.

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I enjoyed the poly UN day virtual event. The UN youth advocates sounded so devoted to their positions and roles, I was really engaged in the talk and about their dedication to helping solve the UN goals and spread awareness to the different issues around the globe. I loved hearing the perspective of all the other video applicants as well. I thought the videos were creative and enjoyable to watch. Seeing how young people are going out into the community and working towards making the UN goals achievable is so inspiring. I plan on being just as motivated and passionate about the UN goals and help to work toward fulfilling them just like the current UN youth observers. Thank you for being such great role models!

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I really enjoyed attending the UN day virtual event this past week. It was so fun to see my peers Kate and Ikenna lead such an engaging event. I also really appreciated hearing from the youth observers Dustin Liu and Cynthia Yue. It was really interesting to hear the perspective of people who are similar in age to me and can relate to my experiences. The sentiment about how getting young people involved with global issues can affect positive change really resonated with me. It is easy to sometimes feel like actions don’t make a true difference in the community so I appreciate all the work the youth observers do to engage and support our community. The other part of the presentation I really enjoyed was the videos. I thought it was really inspiring to hear young people talk directly about what they are passionate about.

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Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed attending Poly's UN day talk. I felt so honored to hear from this year's incredibly qualified and impressive UN youth advocates. It was valuable to hear from people in my generation, around my age speak on the intersection of work in the UN and specifically how youth fit into the picture. Something that resonated with me was the message of the importance of giving youth  clear, definite roles when it comes to any work/volunteer opportunities towards the UN goals. From my own personal experiences working towards UN goals, I find that when I have a defined objective/role, I feel far more motivated and passionate towards my work, and thus I become far more engaged.

I also loved that the presentation included current examples of some of these youth projects. Thanks for a great presentation!

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I appreciate Dustin Liu and Cynthia Yue for taking the time to speak to the Poly community about the significance of youth advocacy in the UN. I was especially interested in their point about giving young people more tangible roles in the opportunities they do get. To really involve young people, it is important to let them know that their voices matter; otherwise, young people will not be as inclined to participate. The UN observers are clearly passionate about their roles, which made the event extra engaging. I think that their dedication to involving young people is admirable and has motivated me to find ways to become globally engaged. I am excited to learn more about the Youth Observer position and to hear more from the UN in the future.

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I am so grateful to have been able to co-lead this virtual UN Day Celebration event. After listening to Dustin Liu and Cynthia Yue on their affiliation in the UN and youth advocacy, I directed the video competition presentations and discussion. In the midst of the honoraries responses during the Q&A, I began to see the greater picture of what youth advocacy can start out as right now and become in the future. When it comes to empowering young people, I think that this event really nailed it. We heard great insights from the UN Observers and honoraries, and we emphasized a strong sense of initiative and advocacy throughout. I can't wait for next year's UN Day Event!

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Change starts with YOU!

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One part of Cynthia Yue's presentation that really stuck out to me was the fact that her grandparent's experience inspired her to work against a modern-day parallel. As someone whose grandparents grew up under Nazi occupation, this point resonated personally with me. In addition to both the 9th and 10th Youth Leader's presentations, I found the articulation skills of all parties involved in the video contest, particularly the middle schoolers, very impressive. I can't help but think back on my own middle and early high school experience and be incredibly happy and proud that other youths in my community are becoming more and more actively engaged with local and international problem-solving. I encourage everyone involved, particularly those younger, to continue being connected and turning passive ideas into actions.

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You are truly inspirational.

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Narrative 4 creates dynamic opportunities for students to get together, meet amazing authors, musicians, and artists from around the world, explore nve 4

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Just as Dustin Liu spoke about "narrative capital" we will commit to participating in periodic story exchanges through Narrative 4 and the UNESCO story circles.

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Just as Dustin Liu spoke about "narrative capital" we will commit to participating in periodic story exchanges through Narrative 4 and the UNESCO story circles.

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Narrative 4 offers educators creative tools to teach compassion and develop strong student leaders in the classroom and community.

Through our Story Exchange, Artists Network, Learning Resources, and Civic Engagement projects, Narrative 4 is creating a global network of changemakers.
We're thrilled to share NBC's TODAY show segment on N4!

Adolescent loneliness has increased in 36 countries worldwide and doubled in English-speaking countries.1

Stories combat loneliness and motivate youth to make positive changes in their communities.

We create connections and combat isolation through the power of art, education, and action

What we do
Help students and teachers build authentic connections

Where we work
Classrooms, student clubs,
after-school programs, and more

How we help
Story Exchanges, professional development, curriculum tools, and more

I helped launch Narrative 4 seven years ago in Chicago. It was hard to know where it would go, how fast it would grow, and how much it would be needed. But I believe then as I do now in the power of stories to shape and change the world.
Sting, N4 Music Chair

Narrative 4 is not here to change your mind. N4 tells us, 'You can hold on to the integrity of your beliefs and understand somebody else's at the same time.
Mary Slone, Educator, United States

There you are, laid bare, no mask, no finery,
just your story as simple or complicated as it may be.
What this Story Exchange taught me is that pain is universal, so is love.
Winnie Ahupa, National Story Exchange Participant, N4 Nigeria

Narrative 4 on NBC's TODAY Show

We are thrilled to share TODAY's segment on N4! TODAY co-host, Craig Melvin, visited N4 during our November 2022 Field...

Article * Ethical ELA, Aug 15, 2021

Using Storytelling for Trauma-Informed Pedagogy During COVID and Beyond

Dr. Leslie Burns explores how narrative strategies support students' need for community and connection.

Video * YouTube, Sep 02, 2020

Synchronicity: A Celebration of Art, Empathy, and Action

Get to know Narrative 4 through the stories of our students, educators, and artists!

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Narrative 4 offers educators creative tools to teach compassion and develop strong student leaders in the classroom and community. Through our Story Exchange, Artists Network, Learning Resources, and Civic Engagement projects, Narrative 4 is creating a global network of changemakers. We're thrilled to share NBC's TODAY show segment on N4!

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Advocate for the UN through the UNA's Advocacy programs

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Advocate for the UN through the UNA's Advocacy programs

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Start with the 1021 Call-In Challenge!

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1. First, review the sample scripts to make sure you're ready to get your main points across.

2. Visit house.gov to find your Representative.

3. Dial (855) 466-4862 to connect to the Capitol Switchboard.

4. Once you call, you will hear a recording from a UNA-USA staff member that will explain how you'll connect to your Representative's office. Stay on the line during this message, and wait to be connected.

5. You will be prompted to press 2 to speak with your Representative. (Note: You may reach a live operator. Simply tell them the name of the Representative you are trying to reach and they will connect you directly.)

6. Make your selection, and you'll be automatically patched through to the front desk of the correct office.

7. Urge your Representative to support the United States Commitment to Peacekeeping Act of 2021.

8. Didn't reach your Representative on your first attempt? Call again or leave a voicemail!

9. Complete the follow-up survey to ensure you receive a certificate.

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1. First, review the sample scripts to make sure you're ready to get your main points across. 2. Visit house.gov to find your Representative. 3. Dial (855) 466-4862 to connect to the Capitol Switchboard. 4. Once you call, you will hear a recording from a UNA-USA staff member that will explain how you'll connect to your Representative's office.

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Participate in the National Chapter's Programming this Monday and beyond.

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Participate in the National Chapter's Programming this Monday and beyond.

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Hear from leaders in the UN committed to the SDGs.

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Start a UNA campus chapter at your school.

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Start a UNA campus chapter at your school.

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Membership is free and campus chapters have access to resources and opportunities.

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Start a Campus Chapter

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If you are under 26, membership is free and offers numerous opportunities to link up with like-minded global citizens.

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Membership in the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is open to any U.S. citizen or resident who is committed to supporting the United Nations and its vital work.

Together, we can educate, inspire, and mobilize the nation to take action for a better world. Stand up for the UN and support global progress by activating your UNA-USA membership today!
If you are 25 years old or younger, you are eligible for free youth membership. Click here ➔

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Membership in the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is open to any U.S. citizen or resident who is committed to supporting the United Nations and its vital work. Together, we can educate, inspire, and mobilize the nation to take action for a better world.

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A special collaborative project between UNA-USA Pasadena Chapter and the San Fernando Valley Chapter. Share your thoughts with us by clicking the + button.