North America | Events and News
Upcoming Events
WYANA City Adventure - September 27, 2008
A scavenger hunt for college students which highlights New York history and cultural gems in order to foster cultural awareness and provide an experience of the dignity of the person through culture. A taste of Kenya, the hills of Ireland, martial arts of Korea, and more! Check out our blog. Contact Casey for more information: wyana.casey@gmail.com.
Download the registration form and the information sheet.
Fall Internship
The applications to the fall internship (September 9th to December 12th) application has been extended to August 1st
Meet the current interns here.
Recent Events
WYANA Coffee house
The Coffee House was a success; we had a lot of fun. There was plenty of coffee and entertainment. We saw old friends and made some new ones. We hope to do this again in the near future.
 
WYANA Camp
From June 22nd to the 28th, World Youth Alliance North America invited campers from the ages 11 to 18 to Portsmouth Abbey in Rhode Island for a fun educational week of sports and inspirational talks. The campers learned the role of WYA in the UN and the world. They also had fun playing soccer, kickball, and Capture The Flag. The participants ended with one final game of ultimate frisbee -- campers vs councilors. The campers won, 3-0.
  
International Solidarity Forum
From March 26 to 30, 2008 the New York office welcomed the participants of the 5th International Solidarity Forum. Click here for more details.
Advocacy
CEDAW Committee Session - June 30th to July 18th 2008
CEDAW or the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, is an instrument of international law adopted by the UN in 1979. The CEDAW Committee, is responsible for reviewing the implementation of the convention in countries that have ratified the treaty. At this year's New York session the committee evaluated:
Yemen, Lithuania, Nigeria, Iceland, Finland, the United Kingdom, Tanzania and Slovakia.
WYA's summer interns attended the three weeks of committee sessions to evaluate the priorities of the committee in supporting the wellbeing of women. See some quotes below:
"I was very impressed with Lithuania's family policy as one that really supports women, motherhood and a family-friendly work/life balance. It was suprising that the CEDAW committee could not see its value and innovativeness." - Nicole
"It was really a challange for smaller countries that do not speak one of the six UN languages to fully engage in the discussions and respond to questioning by the committee members. It's easy to see how their ideas and priorities can be misunderstood or overlooked." - Gina
International Aids Conference
WYA will be attending the XVII International AIDS Conference hosted in Mexico City from August 3-8. Representing WYA North America will be two of our members Gabrielle Ferri and Clare Halpine along with Regional Director for WYA North America, Shannon Joseph.
WYA's North American delegation to the conference will work jointly with our Latin American Director and five members attending. The participants have been working hard completing the World Youth Alliance training on AIDS and preparing materials to distribute at the conference.
WYA will be a voice speaking for the need of a holistic response to HIV/AIDS branching from the recognition of the dignity of the person. We will be advocating for programs to encourage the delay of sexual debut for young people, the reduction of concurrent sexual partners, testing programs for HIV coupled with Anti-retroviral treatment and care. As HIV/AIDS thrives in conditions of poverty and social unrest, WYA will be a strong proponent in Mexico City for development as the first necessary component to the fight against HIV/AIDS through provision of such basic needs as education, sanitation, health, and nutrition.
Stay updated on the WYA's experience and progress at the International AIDS Conference and be aware of the discussions and issues by checking out our Esperanzas which will be posted soon!
New York Internship
Interns come to New York City from different countries all over the world to participate for internship programs that run for three and half months. The internship program is a unique experience where young leaders have a chance to challenge, shape, and change the world with the common goal of human dignity.
For more information on internships, how to apply, and deadlines, click here.
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