Officially, we’re recognized as a non-governmental organization (NGO) associated with the Department of Public Information (DPI) at the United Nations, in short, DPI/NGO. In this capacity, our responsibility is to disseminate information and raise public awareness about the purposes and activities of the United Nations and issues of global concerns. We’re also expected to bring information about our own activities back to the UN, to keep the DPI/NGO section informed of what our members are doing to help promote and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and address social needs and issues.

While our UN ministry is new in venue, our RSHM presence in this global setting is in keeping with our mission to “respond to the needs of our time and to work with others in action for evangelical justice”. This is truly a collective initiative, one in which we all have a share. Together – sisters, students, extended families, teachers – WE are the NGO, and we bring our presence and spirit of faith and zeal to the NGO community at the UN. Through our DPI accreditation, everyone associated with the RSHM Institute can now say that they are represented at the United Nations! Collectively, we will focus on global issues most in keeping with our mission and chapter mandates, and our initiatives with the UN will be yet another means of “enabling the powerless, the deprived, the marginalized, the voiceless to work effectively for their own development and liberation”.

My hope is that in due time many of our members from around the world will have a chance to join me at United Nations headquarters in New York City for a short or long-term visit to broaden our RSHM international presence and become more familiar with the NGO community and the humanitarian goals of the UN. You are all most welcome!

Our UN News will be posted on the Generalate web site, thanks to Cathy Minhoto and her superb communications initiatives! In future notes, I’ll include information on topics such as the role of religious communities at the UN; MDG awareness; RSHM association with Religious Orders Partnership/Partnership for Global Justice; global issues and events; our Global Leadership Training Program for college/university students; and most importantly, the 2007 DPI/NGO conference on Climate Change at UN headquarters Sept 5-7, 2007. (Interested persons, mark the date! I have a few UN passes.)

If anyone wants to join my direct email list for occasional news from the UN before items get posted on the web, send me a note at rarthur@gmail.com. My emails will be sent in English, your responses can be in English, French or Portuguese. (I’m hoping to improve my Portuguese at the General Chapter this summer!) .

Peace and good wishes to each and all.

Rita Arthur
RSHM NGO Representative at the United Nations
April 24, 2007