The People Speak Launches Fourth Season

The People Speak (TPS), announced today the launch of its fourth season of national and international forums on international policy and the role of the United Nations.

"In an era of globalization and difficult international challenges, The People Speak is emerging as a premier opportunity for citizens – and young people especially – to talk about the world around them and how the United States and other nations can work together to solve issues like global warming, poverty and nuclear proliferation," said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation, the primary sponsor of The People Speak. "The People Speak has always featured discussions in coffee houses and living rooms, auditoriums and meeting halls. This year, we are delighted that our new, highly interactive website (www.thepeoplespeak.org) empowers citizens even more to talk about these issues across border, backgrounds and interests," Wirth said.

Coordinated by the United Nations Foundation, The People Speak is a partnership of diverse civic organizations, including Americans for Informed Democracy, International Debate Education Association, League of Women Voters, National Forensic League, Religions for Peace, and the United Nations Association of the United States of America.

The theme of The People Speak 2006 is: "Working together in the World: What's in it for the U.S.?" Within that theme, participants will focus on three topics: Energy and Global Climate Change; The Millennium Development Goals; and Peace, Security, and Human Rights. Perspectives on these issues will be offered across the political spectrum, with contributions from entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Forums on these topics are expected to be held between September 5 to November 30, 2006, during which time TPS partners anticipate organizing more than 14,000 discussions across the U.S. and around the world. The People Speak 2006 events are currently planned in all 50 states, and in more than 50 countries around the world. Interested participants can learn more about these events at www.thepeoplespeak.org. The new, technologically advanced website, developed by the Center for International Governance Innovation provides extensive background information, kits on organizing an event, a calendar of existing events, discussion forums and blog postings on TPS topics.

"We're proud to be a partner of The People Speak because we realize that discussion of our country's relationship with the United Nations has never been more important," said Seth Green, President of Americans for Informed Democracy. "Today's greatest challenges – from climate change to infectious disease to the spread of deadly weapons – cross borders and require global solutions. An effective U.S.-U.N. partnership is critical to meeting these challenges and dialogue is the first step toward building this partnership."

"By focusing on the topics of The People Speak, our debates enable students across the country to learn about international issues and participate in ongoing dialogue," said Liz Leach, The People Speak Coordinator of the National Forensic League. "Member high schools of the National Forensic League will be holding a number of inter-generational debates between high school speech students and residents of retirement communities."

"Religions for Peace-USA is pleased to be part of the People Speak because it gives religious people an opportunity to speak his or her mind about the most pressing issues shaping our world," said Bud Heckman, Executive Director of Religions for Peace-USA. "Religious communities are our largest social networks and offer profound motivations for people to work on violence and security, energy and climate change, and other development issues such as the Millennium Development Goals. We can't let religious extremists, opportunistic politicians, and a sensationalist media co-opt the voice of people of faith and goodwill."

"The League of Women Voters has been a strong supporter of the United Nations since 1945," said Zaida Arguedas, Deputy Executive Director of the League of Women Voters. "The League is proud to be a partner of TPS for a fourth consecutive year. Through the organization of over 56 forums across the nation we have found that there is a real thirst among citizens to learn more about the UN and to be more involved on issues that impact this country. One of the most popular themes over the years has been issues of peace, security and human rights."

"A proud partner of the People Speak 2006, UNA-USA looks forward to a broad spectrum of events across issues and around the U.S.," said George Garland, Executive Director of National Membership, UNA-USA.

Launched in October 2003, The People Speak was created to raise awareness and initiate discourse about international issues and the United Nations' role in the world. Since its inception The People Speak has sponsored more than 19,500 events reaching individuals in all 50 states and 46 countries. Working with partner organizations, the program continues to develop new ways to increase discourse and reach people of all ages in communities across the U.S. and around the World.

Contact:
Alissa Maupin
Press Secretary, The People Speak
919.923.6785
alissa@thepeoplespeak.org  

Amy DiElsi
Press Secretary, United Nations Foundation
202.887.9040
adielsi@unfoundation.org