Say “No” to Apathy

By Carol Soelberg, President of UFI

United Families received many gratifying comments from our readers recently when we spelled out ways citizens can be involved in making a difference in the sex education curriculum in their schools.  This affirmed my belief that people are not really apathetic in regards to their community responsibilities rather they need to be informed about how to be involved!

I agreed whole heartedly with Dave Meslin’s 7 minute video presentation called “The Antidote to Apathy.”  He says people aren’t stupid, selfish or lazy.  We simply live in a world that discourages involvement by putting obstacles and barriers in our way.

These obstacles include:

1. Intentional exclusion exists because many public servants would rather make decisions for us than encourage our understanding and input.
2. We have intentionally put a price tag on freedom of expression. Our public space, i.e. billboards and such, are bought for a high price while many of the messages that need to be shared are not profitable.
3. The media focuses far more on entertainment and sports than political events and involvement.  Even when political stories are covered, rarely is information included that would direct input and involvement.
4. Many of today’s heroes are seen as “chosen” or exceptionally gifted. This leads the rest of us who are all fairly “ordinary” to assume that we haven’t much to contribute.  Meslin accurately states that, “A heroic effort is a collective effort”.  The real good that is accomplished in life involves the “collective, imperfect, voluntary” efforts and talents of many individuals.
5. Political Parties have sadly become a restatement of what marketers and pollsters  think you want to hear rather than coming up with bold creative ideas and policies that reflect and serve the good of the people.
6. And finally, the fact that charitable organizations are not allowed to advocate, means that many of the most “passionate and informed voices are kept silent especially during election time.”

Thank you Meslin for helping us all clarify some of the obstacles that hinder our involvement in the important issues of the day.  United Families International is dedicated to climbing over these obstacles and identifying ways for all who wish to be involved in making the world a better place to live by securing a future for families.

Gifts that Endure

Giving is the very essence of Christmas and the greatest gifts in the world are all about family, for family.  As I reflect on gifts that have made a difference in my life, my thoughts turn not only to my own family, but also to what United Families International is accomplishing for families around the world.

Today, we who love and care for our families often have precious little time or resources for much else. But if we are to preserve our own families, we cannot afford to ignore the harsh reality that families everywhere are under attack, beginning at the highest international level. Noted scholar Patrick Fagan of Family Research Council warns:

“Few Americans are aware that agencies within the United Nations system are involved in a campaign to undermine the foundations of society; the two-parent married family, religions that espouse the primary importance of marriage and traditional sexual morality, and the legal and social structures that protect these institutions.”

What’s at stake

The attack on the family is waged on many levels, spearheaded by powerful and well-funded organizations. Raising the banner of “tolerance” and “rights,” they relentlessly push a shocking social agenda that includes:
*    “gay marriage” with the right of gay couples to adopt and raise children, and public school programs that promote homosexuality to children of all ages
*    abortion as a fundamental human right, universally available regardless of parental consent or knowledge
*    “sexual rights” of all children, including their access to sex education programs that promote promiscuity and homosexuality, and push the distribution of condoms
*    limitations on parental authority to teach and enforce family values, and denigration of the roles of mothers and fathers.

These attacks are especially disturbing in light of the foundational and irreplaceable role of the family throughout history. The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius–selected by historian Will Durant as the greatest thinker of all time–declared: “To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order.”

This ancient truth continues to be recognized today, as for example in the constitutions of nations around the world that refer to the family as the “basis of society,” “the foundation of society,” or, using other imagery, as “the basic cell” or “basic nucleus.”   These and other interesting variations all recognize the key fact that, as expressed nearly half a century ago by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the family truly is the fundamental unit of society.

I am impressed by the insight expressed in the following words spoken by the U.S. representative to the United Nations General Assembly on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family:

[The] “family is a universal and irreplaceable community, rooted in human nature and the basis for all societies at all times. As the cradle of life and love for each new generation, the family is the primary source of personal identity, self-esteem, and support for children. It is also the first and foremost school of life, uniquely suited to teach children integrity, character, morals, responsibility, service, and wisdom.” (UFI helped draft that language, by the way!)

What this shows is how much is at stake in the battle over the family. Impair or injure or obstruct the family, and you have jeopardized society, civilization, and everything we hold dear.

What you can do

One year on Christmas Eve, a gentleman walked into our office and, without ceremony or fanfare, handed us an envelope containing a major gift of funds. He had been deeply impressed with our work and its practical impact on children and families, and knowing that we were in need of funding, he gave. His gift was a sacrifice, and its effect has been real and powerful.

Thanks to that gift, we kept dangerous language out of UN documents that would have forced abortion upon countries around the globe. Thanks to that gift, we continue to provide our widely used UN-Negotiating Guide and other pro-family educational publications. Thanks to that gift, we helped protect marriage between a man and a woman in many states in America. Thanks to that gift, we were able to reach many thousands of African young people to help them make choices to avoid AIDS and prepare themselves for faithful marriages and successful families.

But our accomplishments have truly been a team effort, the result of the gifts of many volunteers and supporters. Our strength is the combined strength of a host of unselfish individuals and families who have generously assisted us, each gift being an essential part of our effort. To those wonderful supporters, I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks for your unselfish gifts.

My gift in return is to continue to serve to strengthen families–not only in my own home, but as a volunteer for UFI.  I make this sacrifice of time and effort because I know that families today must be strengthened and because what United Families International is accomplishing is absolutely essential. Counseling with my husband and family, we decided that this service would be our gift to other families.

This particular holiday season as we give to friends and family, resources are very strained. The economic and political conditions of our world have created very difficult financial situations for many people and charities have suffered immensely.   Whatever your means allow, I invite you to join our family of UFI supporters by making a gift for the benefit of families around the world. It is a gift that will endure, and it is urgently needed.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Carol Soelberg
United Families International

“Too much diplomacy is evil”

Two weeks at the UN crafting language and monitoring what is going into important international documents can be somewhat grueling for representatives from United Families International.  But the ones who really have it bad are the UN delegates and diplomats from around the world who are of the pro-family, pro-life persuasion.  They are forced to sit through the negotiations listening to people pontificate, treat them in condescending ways, and they endure endless posturing and manipulation.

They have to solemnly nod their heads as other diplomats propose things that are outlandish, ineffectual, and sometimes downright stupid. They are constrained from speaking their mind—telling the gathered body exactly where their hearts and their values actually lie—by directives from their various capitols, by a desire to not alienate in order to retain funding for their country, by knowing that speaking out could jeopardize their careers, and oddly enough, they are constrained by diplomacy.

During a brief and insightful conversation with a “family friendly” delegate this week, I listened as she lamented all of the above.  She elaborated on the silliness of diplomatic training and how “speaking the truth” was not part of the program.  “So many bad things are passed here at the U.N., so many bad things are foisted upon the world, all in the name of diplomacy,” she said. “Too much diplomacy is evil.”

I asked her if I could quote her.  “Sure!” she replied.   “But just don’t use my name,” she continued with a wry smile.  “I just wish people knew what really goes on …”

Voice of the Nation Interviews Jennifer Stinson

This week “Voice of the Nation” will be talking with Jennifer Stinson, opening speaker for Smart Girl Summit 2009 in Nashville Tennessee.  Speaking on the importance of family values and national sovereignty (the right of nations to determine their own laws and customs), Jennifer urged citizens to make a stand for family values and to be proud of it.  Politics strives to educate and empower women and men to engage in the political process.  Join us as we talk with Jennifer and increase our knowledge of activism and leadership on a variety of arenas.  Stand up, speak out, and let your voice be heard!  TUNE IN 2PM (PST) THURSDAY BY CLICKING HERE!!!

Guest: Jennifer Stinson – Jennifer Stinson is an advocate with United Families International where she lobbies the United Nations and other governmental entities for policies and practices that strengthen families.  She also conducts research and helps write educational material for United Families. In addition, she serves on the Board of Arizona Family Council.

Before joining UFI and AZ Family Council, Jennifer was an active leader in the successful passage of the Arizona Marriage Amendment.

Previously, Jennifer served on the Board of Directors for Prairie Crossing Charter School.  In this position she was responsible for fundraising efforts related to the school’s expansion and co-authored the renewal of the school’s charter. Further responsibilities included hiring staff and administrators and curriculum development.

Additionally, Jennifer has been active in school and neighborhood organizations where she has held positions on the PTO and Booster Club Boards.  As a community leader she has served on a Block Watch Board and as a neighborhood organizer.  She has also led the children’s and young women’s groups at church.

Jennifer graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and received her Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School.  She and her husband are the parents of three sons.

The Time To Stand For The Family Is Now!

Join Voice of the Nation today as they talk with United Families International President Michael N. Duff about the urgent need to stand for the family.  Everyday new attacks on the family surface and we cannot stand aside any longer.  President Duff is leading UFI in new directions to take an even bigger stand for the family and he needs your help!  Learn how you can make a difference for the future of the family!

Michael N. Duff has spent his professional career in government, politics, international trade, economics, and pro-family advocacy.  He has
experience in the United States Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and was appointed by former Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush to work in their administrations.  He also served under Vice President Dan Quayle on the National Space Council.  Mike has managed political campaigns for various elected offices and operates a government relations consulting firm.  He and his wife Kandi have been married 26 years, are the parents of six children, and grandparents of one.

TUNE IN 2PM (PST) BY CLICKING HERE!

United Families Comes to Minnesota

United Families Minnesota is the state affiliate of United Families International. As a non-profit, non denominational organization, we invite all citizens of the state to unite with us as we work to defend and promote marriage and the family in Minnesota. As a chapter of United Families International we also support UFI’s many national and international activities to preserve marriage and the family around the world.

United Families Minnesota is creating a grassroots voice to defend the family throughout the state. To learn how YOU can help protect the family visit our new website at: www.unitedfamiliesmn.org. You will find blogs, poll questions and many resources that make YOUR involvement in winning the cultural war against families easy and informative!

We invite you to participate with United Families Minnesota in:

• Defending the family,
• Educating the public, and
• Equipping policy makers with research, facts and logical arguments in favor of the family and the unborn.

If you are interested in learning how to take an active role in protecting families in your community, please contact, Lynn Park, Director UFI Minnesota, at unitedfamiliesmn@unitedfamilies.org.

Please forward this to your friends and family members. We believe that through a grassroots movement, we can secure a safe future for families in Minnesota.

What’s Ahead for 2009?
We at UFMN pledge to develop the pro-family momentum in 2009 by standing up and being counted as those who champion the family. Our 2009 goals include:

• Upholding the five respects of United Families: family, marriage, life, parental rights and sovereignty.
• Sending regular, timely UFMN correspondence to our Minnesota readership.
• Increasing our associations statewide.
• Sponsoring community-based educational programs throughout the state.
• Promoting family policy through the state legislative process, in our communities and in our public schools.

In order to more effectively serve you, our www.unitedfamiliesmn.org is up and running! We want to be a resource for Minnesotans in education, community involvement and state legislation. There is no better time to be involved and there are many ways to contribute.

1. Make a financial donation. United Families Minnesota is an entirely volunteer organization. No officers or board members are paid for their time and effort – we simply love the work of defending the family! But, defending the family does take financial means. While we stretch every dollar that comes to us, we’d love to reach more Minnesotans through our grassroots efforts. Your financial contribution keeps the work moving forward (and as a bonus, is 100% tax-deductible).

2. Volunteer with us. Do you have an interest in pro-family legislation? Would you like to be a liaison from UFMN to your local school district or attend a committee at the capital? Are you already keeping a watchful eye on your community but would like more support? We’d love to hear from you! unitedfamiliesmn@unitedfamilies.org

3. Be educated by adding UFMN to your list of frequently visited websites, by reading our emails (like this one!), and by attending our educational events. Education is key to recognizing those issues in our community that require our attention. When we are aware of these needs we are often motivated with a desire to get involved. Your efforts can make a huge difference.

We appreciate all that you have done to promote the family in Minnesota. While much has been done, the work has just begun. You are an essential part of victory for the Minnesota family.

Very soon you will receive a legislative update of bills and issues that need your immediate attention. Please look for it and send it to all you friends and family.

We look forward to 2009 and the challenges and opportunities that will come our way as we stand for the family and the essential values that will build a successful state. Won’t you stand with us? Our children need us to support this great work.

Lynn Park
State Director of Minnesota

Beverly Rice Featured in March Issue of WCF Newsletter

UFI President, Beverly Rice was profiled in the March edition of The World Congress of Families Newsletter.  Mrs. Rice will address the fifth World Congress of Families in August of 2009 in Amsterdam.

Beverly Beckstead Rice is the President of United Families International, a nondenominational pro-family organization which has defended the family, traditional marriage, parental rights and religious liberty for over 30 years. As an NGO with consultative status at the United Nations, UFI works with countries around the world to strengthen family rights.

Prior to serving as UFI president, Rice was the organization’s California State Director. As such, she was a leader of the coalition that secured the passage of Proposition 8, the defense-of-marriage amendment. Rice was responsible for coordinating the coalition’s speakers’ bureau – more than 300 speakers who did interviews and participated in debates. She personally traveled the length and breadth of California speaking on behalf of the marriage amendment to groups as large as 1,000 and as small as 10.

Beverly represented UFI at U.N. Conferences on HIV-AIDS and the Status of Women (both in 2008). She recently participated in the 2009 U.N. Conference on the Status of Women. On December 10, 2008 (the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), Beverly was one of a number of profamily leaders from around the world who presented a petition — signed by more than 437,000 individuals from 168 countries – calling on the United Nations to return to the original understanding of the Declaration as protecting a right to life and the natural family. The petition was presented at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

Rice has worked in a variety of industries including banking, aerospace, healthcare, computer technology, telecommunications, administration, automotive, universities and local governments. Rice has been a faculty member at the University of Southern California, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Orange Coast College, Coastline Community College and Utah State University. Rice graduated cum laude with a Bachelors degree in Public Relations and Spanish from Utah State University, and a Masters degree in Organizational Communication and Behavior from the University of Southern California, where she attended on a full fellowship.

Beverly Rice has been married for 26 years and is the mother of two children, ages 20 and 23.

UFI at CPAC: February 27 Update

For the second day in a row, the 2009 edition of CPAC focused the conversation on the economy. Barack Obama’s plan to save the economy was discussed and many conservative alternatives to the president’s plan were offered. Rep. Jason Chaffetz from Utah submitted to the conference that the United States cannot continue to run the country on a credit card. Former Governor Mitt Romney and other business minds floated the idea of cutting all taxes in half, while eliminating the capital gains tax for the middle class. The economy aside, the family was mentioned by several speakers.

Dr. Larry Eastland, a man who has held several positions from White House staffer to statistical analyst to author and U.S. Marine, shared that of all the jobs he has had, the job of grandfather has been his favorite.  Dr. Eastland spoke of the importance of his family in his life and in his success.  He also spoke of the need to preserve freedoms, while holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Rep. Ron Paul, a medical doctor who has delivered over 4,000 babies spoke on abortion.  Rep. Paul, who is pro-life, stated that the decision of abortion should be a state decision, not  a federal one. He said that state legislatures should have the power to pass their own abortion legislation and that if the courts were needed, the State Supreme Court, not the U.S. Supreme Court should make the ruling. 

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney delivered one of the better speeches of the day. In the speech, Gov. Romney denounced liberal activist judges who seek to legislate from the bench. He spoke of the disregard for democracy as non-elected judges re-write the constitution. Gov. Romney pleaded with conservatives everywhere to stand up for their values as several important principles come under fire.

UFI added several signatures for the U.N. Petition to Protect Life, bringing the total number of signatures gathered at CPAC to just under 400.

SEE ALSO: UFI at CPAC: February 26 Update

Cold Temperatures Greet UFI In Minnesota

When I think of Fargo, North Dakota I think of cold, snow and ice; a place where only the very hearty would survive. Today, Carol Soelberg and Laura Knaperek experienced first hand the cold and snow…but were warmed by the enthusiasm of the people and their commitment to preserve the family.  

Lisa McKee and Lynn Park have consented to direct the efforts of United Families in North Dakota and Minnesota respectively. They hosted a “get acquainted” meeting tonight in Moorhead, MN on the university campus where Carol, UFI’s Chapter Development Director, presented on “Issues that Threaten the Family and Strategies to Strengthen the Family”. Carol and Laura will be holding chapter leadership training with the two groups all day Friday and Saturday. And, on Friday night, Laura – former AZ State Representative, will facilitate an interactive mock legislative hearing – with role playing of lobbyists and legislators. Not only will those attending learn how to affect change at the state level, they will have fun doing it!

SEE ALSO: PRESS RELEASE: Speakers to Address New Chapters of UFI: North Dakota and Minnesota

Change in Leadership at Arizona Chapter of UFI

Lina Hatch, the now former Director of United Families Arizona, introduces new State Director, Tricia Groe:

As former director of United Families Arizona, I am excited to announce a recent change in leadership. Tricia Groe, a former member of the Arizona House of Representatives from Legislative District 3, is our new Arizona director!

Trish has the experience and ability to take UFAZ to greater heights. She knows legislation, she is masterful with technology, and her enthusiastic and positive support has blessed United Families Arizona from the first time she joined our team. I am pleased that Trish has accepted this position. I have full confidence in her and the future of UFAZ.

United Families Arizona successes

Successes of United Families Arizona this past year include:

• In June, UFAZ sponsored E11even family concert. Nine children and two parents of the Kofoed family from Idaho presented a musical program promoting family, marriage, motherhood, fatherhood, faith, love and self worth.
• UFAZ was a member organization of the YES for Marriage coalition that successfully passed Proposition 102, marriage between one man and one woman, on November 4, 2008.
• UFAZ participated in numerous booth sponsorships at events around the state, including Arizona Families for Home Education Convention, Arizona Right to Life Conference, Yavapai County Fair, and Constitution Fairs in Gilbert and Mesa.
• In January 2009, UFAZ sponsored “Celebrate Life – Roe v Wade 36 Years Later”, a community outreach program with speaker Shane Wikfors.
• In January we also hosted “Lunch With Our Legislators” at the Capitol in conjunction with AZRTL, volunteering our support to our legislators in pro-family issues.
• Last week UFAZ hosted “Standing for Families – 30 Years of Securing Our Future”, a very successful fundraising event at Fiesta Inn Resort. Richard and Linda Eyre were our guest presenters and the YES for Marriage coalition leaders were honored.

I pledge my continued support and urge your support of UFAZ! With our continued participation we will keep a watchful eye on proposed public policy that impacts families throughout the state…including yours!

To all of you, our friends of Arizona families, I express sincere appreciation for your supportive efforts in behalf of United Families Arizona and for me as director. It has been my privilege and great blessing to rub shoulders with and learn from many of you.

I realize there are great challenges ahead and therefore, I call upon each of us to continue to focus our efforts in defense of Arizona families.

Sincere Warm Regards,

Lina Hatch