The Wisconsin Division of the United Nations Association was established in 1945 by Grant Haas with the assistance of the Johnson Foundation to develop grassroots support for the concept of the United Nations (UN) in Wisconsin. This support was subsequently extended throughout the state by a network of county chapters. As a member of the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), the Division's purpose has been to “study and promote the fundamental basis of peace with freedom and justice,” specifically in connection with UN activities. The organization's research activities and its promotion of educational and informational materials has defined programs and policies supporting U.S. participation in world peace organizations.
The Wisconsin Division serves as the executive council for the County Chapters and coordinates statewide UN activities such as the High School Model UN, UN festivals, and UN Day. It also distributes information concerning UN programs, including UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the UN magazine VISTA, CIRUNA (Council on International Relations and United Nations Affairs), and the UN support organization UN We Believe.
