About United for Jamaica (UFJ):
In terms of the number of initiatives being pursued, UFJ is one of the most active and dynamic volunteer organizations in the Caribbean community in metropolitan Atlanta. In the relatively short time that it has been in existence, UFJ has been making positive waves with an imitable style.
UFJ - Background Information:
Established in May 2004 by a group of six founding members, UFJ is a not-for-profit organization led by a group of “dedicated and progressive” individuals who take on projects that benefit the underserved. The organization’s leadership is committed to serving, not only the Jamaican community, but the Caribbean community as a whole. Projects benefit the underserved without regard to the beneficiaries’ nationalities, according to UFJ. The organization is currently in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Service code.
It should also be noted that UFJ has a fairly well organized and informative Web site. The site, with its patriotic, anthem-playing index page, may be found at www.unitedforjamaica.org.
UFJ’s Mission:
According to the Web site, UFJ’s mission is “to foster relationships between committed individuals and interest groups who will join in efforts to better the health, education and living conditions for the citizens of Jamaica.” It is clearly altruistic, but it begs for clarification on certain fronts. For instance, if a goal (stated elsewhere on the Web site) is to serve those who need assistance without regard for their nationalities, the mission statement should be updated to reflect that fact.
Interestingly enough, a mere one day before we published this report I got an e-mail from the organization’s vice president, and that e-mail had a more inclusive UFJ mission statement included as part the e-mail’s signature. That mission statement, which has not yet made it to the Web site, now reads: The goal of United for Jamaica is to foster relationships between committed individuals and interest groups who will join in efforts to better the health, education and living conditions for the citizens of Jamaica, the Jamaican Diaspora and the greater Caribbean. How dynamic!
The Leadership:
UFJ President Jason Walker is often labeled as a “lightning rod.” He may have his critics in certain areas, but he is nonetheless known and respected widely as an award-winning and highly talented radio personality/musical “selector.” Further, he is an immensely effective fund raiser.
Asked to comment on why anyone would have characterized him as being a “lightning rod,” Jason explained, essentially, that most leaders shy away from tough issues. “That leaves me, by default, with more than my share of challenges,” he rationalized.
Jason firmly believes that established, time-proven principles must be preserved. For instance, at a community meeting in 2004 when he presumed that certain proceedings were unfair, he adamantly and vociferously demonstrated his firm commitment to the basic ideology that certain principles must be maintained.
Separately, the president does not hide his disdain for the service record of Vernon Jones, the DeKalb County CEO. Mr. Walker opines that over the years the DeKalb County CEO has failed to support the Caribbean Community in a meaningful way. In fact, I was on the dance floor at the 2004 Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA) Ball when Jason chided me for a decision to include CEO Jones’ message in the AJA Ball souvenir journal.
Others in the UFJ leadership hierarchy include:
Lisa Watson, vice president
Chris Stewart, treasurer, and
Shelley Chapman, secretary.
UFJ’s Record of Accomplishment:
UFJ claims success with a number of its initiatives. As an example, it boasts, deservedly so, of its highly successful efforts raising over $6,000 for victims of Hurricane Ivan. In addition, UFJ reports that it collected enough hurricane relief supplies and goods in 2004 to fill a 20-foot container. That container was shipped to Jamaica to benefit those who were ravaged by the wrath of Hurricane Ivan.
UFJ has also worked with the Union of Jamaican Organizations in Atlanta, the AJA, and with the Hon. Vin Martin, Jamaican Consul in Atlanta. UFJ did so, in particular, as it hosted a series of medical forums designed to educate the public on topics related to the spread of life-threatening diseases. These forums addressed several related medical issues, and also updated the community on strategies to be employed to minimize certain medical risks.
On a separate project, UFJ has been working feverishly with the Guyana Association to provide flood relief to those in Guyana affected by a spate of raging floods. In addition, UFJ is currently conducting a book drive to collect books for selected schools and libraries in Jamaica.
Upcoming Events:
Even with its spectacular record of accomplishment, UFJ is not “resting on its laurels.” In fact, it has an array of events planned for the rest of the year. These include the following:
Jamaica-to-Georgia Trade Show
Caribbean Student Reception
medical Forum, and
Christmas Treats with Basic schools and learning institutions.
Navigate to UFJ’s main page at http://www.unitedforjamaica.org/main.php for a comprehensive list of accomplishments and for a complete list of planned events. Caribbean Community Information Service in Atlanta - UFJ’s Role:
Until his death earlier this year, AJA Past-President Mike Mordecai kept the community informed on matters of community interest. With Mike’s passing, Jason Walker and UFJ assumed this role with added vigor. Armed with a powerful and resourceful e-mail- and text-messaging distribution system, Mr. Walker has been keeping the community aptly informed on matters of local and international interests.
As an example, in February 2006, within minutes of the announcement in Jamaica of the historic results of the People’s National Party’s presidential race, many on Mr. Walker’s distribution list knew that the current Jamaican prime minister had staved off the challenges of three other party contestants. I was the MC for an AJA program at the time when I promptly received a text message on my cell phone. The message announced Simpson-Miller’s astounding victory.
I immediately conveyed the message to members of the audience. Needless to say, they were highly impressed with the fact that I had such ready access to information that mattered so much to them. Such is the foresight and genius of Jason Walker for providing this valuable service to the community.
Membership - Criteria and Process:
According to UFJ, “anyone interested in the betterment of Jamaican society and the greater Caribbean in terms of healthcare, education and business is invited to join.” It should be noted, however, that prospective members are required to attend a minimum of three consecutive meetings. After that, they must meet with the membership committee to review membership obligations, as well as the UFJ constitution and bylaws.
Meetings and Contact Information:
Meetings are held every three weeks, and are normally announced to members and interested parties via Jason Walker’s massive e-mail distribution network. Such meetings are usually held on a Saturday at the WFRG radio station where Mr. Walker is a popular radio personality. WRFG is located at 1083 Austin Avenue, Atlanta GA 30307.
The August general membership meeting, scheduled to be held on the 12th, was set to cover a wide range of topics. Topics on the agenda included:
Between meetings, subgroups hold teleconferences. These subgroups include: education, business and health committees.
For additional information about UFJ call Jason Walker at 404-533-1248, or send an e-mail to info@unitedforjamaica.org .
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