UNA‑USA Davis Chapter Annual Membership Meeting 2025 Recap
January 12, 2026 | Virtual Meeting
The UNA‑USA Davis Chapter held its Annual Membership Meeting on Monday evening, January 12, bringing together members, supporters, and community partners to reflect on a meaningful year of work, celebrate shared accomplishments, and formally welcome a new slate of board members for 2026. The meeting served as both a moment of gratitude for the chapter’s growth and a thoughtful transition into its next phase.
Welcome & Community Connection
The meeting opened with a warm welcome and introductions from the current board, followed by a brief icebreaker inviting attendees to share which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) they feel most passionate about. Members highlighted goals ranging from Zero Hunger and Quality Education to Climate Action and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—underscoring the diverse motivations that bring the Davis community together around the mission of the United Nations.
Participants were reminded that UNA‑USA Davis exists to connect the local community to the work of the United Nations through education, advocacy, collaboration, and grassroots engagement. This framing set the tone for an evening focused not only on what the chapter has accomplished, but why the work continues to matter.
Looking Back: UNA‑USA Davis Achievements in 2025
A central portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the chapter’s major accomplishments over the past year. Together, these moments reflected a year marked by strong partnerships, visible community impact, and renewed civic engagement.
Highlights from 2025 included:
International Women’s Day (March 9, 2025): A community‑centered celebration recognizing women’s leadership and advancing conversations around gender equity.
Earth Day Picnic at the Peace Rose Garden (April 19, 2025): A relaxed, family‑friendly gathering connecting environmental stewardship with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Local Advocacy Efforts: Continued engagement with elected officials and community leaders to advocate for UN priorities and values.
UN Day Proclamation (October 24, 2025): The City of Davis formally recognized United Nations Day, affirming the city’s commitment to global cooperation and peace.
UN Day Celebration (October 26, 2025): A collaborative event with International House Davis, UC Davis Global Affairs, UNA‑USA, and Mrs. Neal’s 6th‑grade class from Willett Elementary, highlighting youth voices and global citizenship.
Human Rights Day (December 7, 2025): A public reading of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, honoring its enduring relevance 75+ years after its adoption.
Chapter Communications: The publication of mostly monthly newsletters throughout the year and the official launch of UNA‑USA Davis on social media, expanding the chapter’s reach and visibility.
Partnership Building: Strengthened relationships with organizations such as UC Davis Global Affairs, International House Davis, local schools, service organizations, and community groups.
These accomplishments reflected the collective efforts of volunteers, board members, partners, and supporters who continue to sustain the chapter’s work.
How Members Can Stay Engaged
Attendees were encouraged to remain involved with UNA‑USA Davis in a variety of ways, including becoming or renewing UNA‑USA membership, staying connected through newsletters and social media, proposing new events or projects, and stepping into leadership roles within the chapter. The board emphasized that the chapter’s strength lies in its members’ ideas, energy, and willingness to participate.
2026 Board Elections & Results
The Annual Membership Meeting concluded with the formal election of the UNA‑USA Davis Chapter Board of Directors for the 2026 term (January 2026–January 2027). Members in attendance participated in the voting process, approving the proposed slate.
The UNA‑USA Davis Chapter is pleased to announce the following 2026 Board Members:
Board Members‑at‑Large
Fred Dastmalchi
Judi Eppele
Hendrix Thomas Dyke
Kelly Mae Heroux
Hakan Ozcelik
Jolynn Shoemaker
Laleh Rastegarzadeh
Ekta Jain
Viki L. Motera‑Heckman
Officers & Coordinators
Molly Thompson – Social Media Coordinator
Lynn Dykstra – Advocacy Chair
Several officer positions—including Chapter President, Secretary, and Treasurer—remain open and will be filled as the board continues its transition and onboarding process in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
As the chapter moves into 2026, the newly elected board will focus on building relationships with one another, setting priorities for the year ahead, and continuing to advocate for the mission and values of the United Nations at the local level. The Annual Membership Meeting marked not an ending, but a handoff—rooted in gratitude for past leadership and optimism for what lies ahead.
The UNA‑USA Davis Chapter extends sincere thanks to everyone who attended the meeting, supported the chapter throughout the year, and continues to believe in the importance of international cooperation, human rights, and global solidarity.
For more information or to get involved, visit unadavis.org or contact info@unadavis.org. If you would like to download the slideshow of our presentation, you may do so below. Thank you.
