What is the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs United Nations Pilgrimage
for Youth?
This unique Educational Program was
established by The Sovereign Grand
Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1949 when the United
Nations was just a four year old “toddler.” Annually
the UN Pilgrimage brings together high school students from around
the world to study and learn about the United Nations. For young
adults interested in world affairs, international relations,
economics and/or political sciences this is an opportunity of
a lifetime
to observe the United Nations in person while exchanging views
on education, politics and religion.
Students tour the United Nations building and listen to behind-the-scenes
briefings conducted by specialized United Nations agencies and
departments including Ambassadors, Minister Counselors and Country
Representatives. Each student (delegate) will participate in
in-depth discussions with other young people from around the
world as well as make new and lifelong friends. In addition,
students experience one of the greatest cities in the world:
New York. Attending a Broadway play; St. Patrick's Cathedral,
Rockefeller Center and much more.
In the years since it was established, over 43,000 people have
participated in the UN Pilgrimage. Growing in popularity, the Odd
Fellows and Rebekahs United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth program
has been garnering growing public attention in the United States,
Canada and abroad. The National Association of Secondary School
Principals has placed this program on the advisory List of National
Contests and Activities.
When are tours conducted?
Tours are conducted during the summer and vary from six to twelve
days in duration.
Which students are eligible?
Competition is open to all high school students 16 or 17 years
of age with a minimum of one year of high school remaining. Applications
are reviewed by the selection committee for evidence of leadership,
character, concern for community welfare, interest in world affairs
and general fitness. Each applicant is required to write an essay
and may be required to also participate in a local speech contest.
A valid PASSPORT is required by
the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs United Nations Pilgrimage for
Youth for EVERYONE participating
in the program. It will be used at all border crossings and
at airports.
- United States Citizens click on the following link for passport
information: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
- Canadian Citizens can click on the following link for passport
information: http://www.ppt.gc.ca/
- Citizens of other countries will need to check with their
own government for passport information. In some cases visas
may be required by government agencies
How much does
it cost?
Expenses including transportation,
meals, lodging, and sightseeing are paid by the sponsoring Odd
Fellows and Rebekah lodges in your community, county, district,
state or province, and donations by corporations and individuals.
The tour fee paid by the sponsoring unit will be $1,300.00 for the Summer 2009 tour.
The student must provide spending money for souvenirs, laundry,
shopping, extra refreshments
and some entertainment. Parents (or Legal Guardians) must give
written permission for the student to attend the program and agree
to pay for student's return trip when an accident, illness
or misbehavior prevents
further participation in the tour.
Who sponsors the students?
Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodges.
The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth
program is funded by fund-raising activities and donations of
the many dedicated members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
along with corporate and individual donations. This non-profit
fraternal organization has sponsored over 43,000 students since
the program's inception in 1949!
After more than a half century,
the members of Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges continue to proudly
inspire the young people of today to pursue global agendas that
will enable them to help their communities relate to world affairs
in the future.
Where does one apply?
Students should contact their local
Odd Fellows or Rebekah lodge or school authorities for their application
today! To find a sponsoring group you may also contact The
UN Pilgrimage for a referral to your regional UN Pilgrimage Chairman.
Application
Students or Delegate Sponsors may
download an application here; however, Students
must apply through their local sponsoring group and comply with
their requirements.
To find a sponsoring group you may also contact The
UN Pilgrimage for a referral to your regional
UN Pilgrimage Chairman. Click
Here to download an application
(MS Word Document). You may fill out the blanks before you print
the document and then complete the other items.
Deadlines
Sponsoring groups must have all
items to the Jurisdictional Charman in their area as required
by the Chairman. There is a $50 (US) penalty for each
document or payment which is not submitted to the UNP Headquarters
by the deadline.
All Jurisdictional Chairmen must meet the
following deadlines:
- January 15: Number of Delegates and
1/2 Delegate Fees.
(Jurisdictions can indicate their preference for Tour dates
when they make their January 15th deposit - NOT AFTER.)
- April 1: Final Payment and ALL
Required Documentation (must be complete.)
Each Jurisdiction will set their own earlier
deadlines for delegates in order to complete the selection process |
