Resolution #8
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A UNAC/UHCP HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
1 WHEREAS:
2 UNAC/UHCP represents healthcare professionals whose work is rooted in caring for
3 people and responding to human need; and
4 WHEREAS:
5 Individuals and communities locally, nationally, and throughout the world may experience
6 significant hardship resulting from natural disasters, displacement, food insecurity, loss of basic
7 necessities, public emergencies, armed conflict, and other humanitarian crises; and
8 WHEREAS:
9 UNAC/UHCP members should have a forum to discuss humanitarian needs, learn about
10 circumstances affecting communities, identify ways to help, and participate in meaningful service
11 without requiring the union or its members to adopt a political or ideological position; and
12 WHEREAS:
13 UNAC/UHCP maintains committees dedicated to other important organizational purposes,
14 while humanitarian assistance represents a distinct function centered on human need, service, and
15 voluntary member participation; and
16 WHEREAS:
17 Meaningful discussion of humanitarian issues can occur while respecting differing
18 perspectives among members and remaining focused on the needs of affected populations rather
19 than political parties, governments, ideologies, or competing political positions; and
20 WHEREAS:
21 Establishing a structured process for evaluating humanitarian needs, identifying credible
22 organizations, and developing appropriate service efforts would provide members with an
23 organized way to translate discussion into meaningful assistance.
24 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
25 That UNAC/UHCP establish a standing Humanitarian Assistance Committee dedicated to
26 humanitarian education, discussion, service, and assistance for individuals and communities
27 experiencing significant need; and
28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
29 That the Committee shall provide a forum where members may discuss humanitarian crises
30 and the needs of affected populations, exchange information, hear differing perspectives, and
31 consider appropriate humanitarian responses in an environment that respects the diversity of
32 UNAC/UHCP’s membership; and
33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
34 That discussion within the Committee shall remain focused on understanding humanitarian
35 need and identifying constructive ways to assist affected populations and shall not require
36 consensus among members regarding the political, religious, ideological, historical, or geopolitical
37 issues surrounding a humanitarian crisis; and
38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
39 That the Committee shall remain nonpartisan and shall not endorse or oppose political
40 candidates, political parties, governments, military actions, legislation, or political or ideological
41 movements on behalf of UNAC/UHCP; and
42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
43 That the Committee may identify and recommend credible charitable organizations, relief
44 efforts, volunteer projects, donation drives, educational programs, and other appropriate
45 humanitarian activities through which UNAC/UHCP members may voluntarily provide assistance;
46 and
47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
48 That participation by individual members in activities coordinated or promoted by the
49 Committee shall remain voluntary; and
50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
51 Those recommendations involving the expenditure of UNAC/UHCP funds, use of
52 organizational resources, or formal commitments made in the name of UNAC/UHCP shall remain
53 subject to the approval and financial controls required by the UNAC/UHCP Constitution, policies,
54 and governing bodies; and
55 BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
56 That the Humanitarian Assistance Committee shall provide members across UNAC/UHCP
57 with a forum to learn, discuss, serve, and respond to human needs while respecting the diverse
58 political, religious, cultural, and personal perspectives represented within our union.
SUBMITTED BY:
Laura Lopez, RN, Clinic President and Delegate
Lisa Martinez, RN, Secretary and Delegate
Kaiser Baldwin Park Registered Nurses Association (KBPRNA)
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION: ADOPTION CONDITIONAL ON AMENDMENT
A/R COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: ADOPT AS AMENDED
AS PASSED OUT OF COMMITTEE