Las Vegas, Nevada –The Las Vegas chapter of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA held its monthly program and new Ambassador for Peace (AFP) appointments at Las Vegas City Hall on April 29, 2015. Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, chairwoman of UPF Las Vegas, organized the event.
Mr. Ricardo de Sena, UPF USA president explained UPF’s principles of peace and goals to the candidates and asked them to reaffirm the responsibilities of becoming an AFP. The awards and appointments were given by Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, chairwoman, UPF Las Vegas; Mr. Gregg Smith, secretary general, UPF Las Vegas; and Mr. de Sena.
The newly appointed AFPs will begin their work immediately, addressing interfaith peace building, strengthening marriage and family, and organizing and engaging in community service projects. The first community service project will be the creation of the Moulin Rouge Float for the Helldorado Parade. The event will provide a community platform to discuss the history of race relations in America and address ways to solve conflict.
Moulin Rouge opened in 1955 as the first interracial hotel casino in America and closed shortly afterwards under political pressure because it was still illegal at that time for the races to mingle publicly. It would be another five years, or in 1960, when equal access would be granted through the signing of the “Moulin Rouge Agreement”.
Las Vegas, NV – A new beginning for the City of Las Vegas occurred on March 18, 2015. The Las Vegas Chapter of the Universal Peace Federation USA (UPFLV) held a reunion mixer at the Now Café’, on the 2nd floor of the Las Vegas City Hall. 22 people attended and heard plans for Las Vegas to become the model city for peacebuilding in America. Three people have already registered for the next meeting on April 29, 2015.
Newly appointed Las Vegas UPF USA leaders, Mrs. Katherine Duncan-Bartlett, Chairwoman, and Mr. Gregg Smith, Secretariat General, established three committees aligning with the National and International goals as were presented by the Dr. Ricardo de Sena, President, Universal Peace Federation USA (UPF USA). One of the main goals outlined was holding of an American Leadership Conference in Las Vegas this year.
Local Las Vegas Ambassadors for Peace (AFPs) eagerly registered for three committee assignments in preparation for the upcoming, monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month. New AFPs will be appointed to work in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, marriage and family relations and serving the community.
UPFLV is going to celebrate several days in 2015, namely International Day of Families on May 15; National Parent’s Day on July 26; and International Day of Peace on September 21.
AFPs were asked to support the amazing work that is already being done in Las Vegas to strengthen local initiatives such as the Mayor’s Interfaith Council, the Women’s Federation for World Peace, and the Family Education and Empowerment Foundation. Representatives from each initiative were present at the reunion.
AFPs were encouraged to become members of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and to help plan an annual “One World Under God” festival to provide the necessary funds to support the local initiatives.
“I was very thrilled to have a big check presented on behalf of UPF founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon” said the UPFLV Chairwoman, in a surprise presentation to support the Moulin Rouge Community Development Corporation. The corporation is a major community service project aimed at eradicating the slum and blight in Las Vegas, restoring an important African American landmark and establishing a training center for the hardest-to-employ individuals to find jobs in the hospitality industry.
Dr. de Sena was very pleased with the Now Café’ and suggested for UPFLV to have all of their monthly meetings in the same location. UPFLV believes it will grow large enough to have their meetings at the Las Vegas City Council Chamber in the near future.
