History of the Johnson County United Nations Association
The Johnson County United Nations Association, also known as the Johnson County Chapter of UNA-USA, is one of 200 community and campus-based chapters of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA). UNA-USA is a program of the United Nations Foundation based in Washington DC. Other UNA-USA chapters in Iowa are located in Linn County, the Cedar Valley (Waterloo and Cedar Falls), and the University of Iowa campus. All are affiliated with the Iowa UINA, our statewide affiliate.
The Iowa UNA was founded in 1953 after Eleanor Roosevelt, then a volunteer leader of UNA-USA's predecessor organization, visited the state. Thereafter local chapters were established in several Iowa communities. The Iowa City Chapter (later renamed the Johnson County Chapter) was formed in 1957. Jean Lloyd-Jones, who later served in the Iowa Senate, and Willard “Sandy”Boyd, President of the University of Iowa (1969-81) served as early leaders.
Throughout its history the chapter supported Model United Nations activities at local high schools and for many years raised funds by selling UNICEF greeting cards at what was then the First National Bank (now US Bank) downtown. Beginning in the 1990s the annual Night of 1000 Dinners, originally a project to raise funds for landmine clearance, was held in Iowa City. first under the sponsorship of the Iowa UNA and since 2016 under the sponsorship of the Johnson County Chapter.
We are allied with the Iowa United Nations Association, our statewide organization, also based in Iowa City. Other UNA chapters in Iowa: Des Moines, Cedar Valley, Linn County, University of Iowa Campus Chapter.
JCUNA Videos
In January, 2023, JCUNA honored three of its founding leaders: Susan Boyd, Jean Lloyd-Jones, and Dorothy Paul. We share these recording of these remarkable women.
Susan Boyd
Dorothy Paul
Jean Lloyd Jones
“Lessons in Sustainability" event on April 17, 2023
Jim Olson, JCUNA member (L) Jim Throgmorton, JCUNA member (C) Lucie Laurian, Director of the UI School of Planning and Public Affairs (R)
Q&A Discussion
Jim Olson, JCUNA member (L) Jim Throgmorton, JCUNA member (C) Lucie Laurian, Director of the UI School of Planning and Public Affairs (R)
Pictures from Past Events
Members meet with Congress Dave Loebsack, 2019
2019 United Nations Day event at Oaknoll Retirement Community
International Day of Older Persons, 2019
Mayor John Lundell of Coralville presents UN Day proclamation to chapter leaders
Members at Climate Change Rally, 2019
Chapter members meet Marco Sanchez (top left), 2019
Night of a1000 Dinners, 2019
World Refugee Day, 2018
Night of 1000 Dinners, 2018
Celebrating the World’s Children, 2017
Chapter leaders celebrate with Sudanese community, 2017
Night of 1000 Dinners, 2017
Celebrating the World’s Children event, 2016
Proclamation for International Day of Peace, 2021
Johnson County UNA display at the 2022 Johnson County Fair
World Refugee Day event, 2022
New JC UNA Board President Barbara Eckstein receiving the Iowa City proclamation about Human Rights Day 2022 from Mayor Bruce Teague.
Human Rights Day event, December 6, 2022
2023 Night of 1000 Dinners
2023 Night of 1000 Dinners
2023 Night of 1000 Dinners
2023 Night of 1000 Dinners
2023 Night of 1000 Dinners
2023 Night of 1000 Dinners
2023 Night of 1000 Dinners
The Johnson County UNA Night of 1000 Dinners youth helpers were nominated for the IC Office of Equity and Human Rights youth awards, and they were chosen! Pictured from L-R is: Sylvie, Neema, Mike, Claire, Mayor Bruce, Charlotte, Zoey and Lizzie!
The Johnson County UNA Night of 1000 Dinners youth helpers were nominated for the IC Office of Equity and Human Rights youth awards, and they were chosen!
Proud parents - Bijou Mali and Britta Loftus
United Nations Day 2023 focused on Sustainable Development Goal #4, Education
JCUNA marched in the 2023 UI Homecoming Parade to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights