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Role of Stevenson Family in the McLean County UNA-USA

In 1962 the fourth chapter in the United States was formed here in McLean County with the help of Buffie Ives and Rev. Robert Reed. Buffie Ives was the sister of Adlai Stevenson who was raised in the Bloomington-Normal area. Adlai served as governor of Illinois, and was a two-time Presidential candidate. He held the post of US Ambassador to the United Nations during the Kennedy administration, playing a significant role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. While Buffie was a catalyst for the establishment of the McLean County UNA Chapter, Adlai Stevenson launched the Chicago UNA Chapter. Though he was not directly involved in founding the local chapter, Adlai was very supportive of his sister and her work. He sent many letters to Buffie inquiring on her progress with the organization. He even brought back a cardboard model of the United Nations building in New York to help as an educational tool in school presentations.

Mrs. Ernest "Buffie" Ives recognized as Honorary Life President by the UN Association-McLean County Chapter, October, 1966. Also pictured are chapter board member D. Hodge Fuller and chapter president Mrs. DeVerne Dalluge. (Photo courtesy of The Pantagraph)

One of the many reasons for the founding of this local chapter was to aid Adlai in developing his own political career. Other reasons were to get the local community involved in this grassroots portion of the UN and to bring global issues closer to home. Since the 1960's, the McLean County UNA has promoted US participation in the UN. The Chapter members helped to bring issues of global importance into the local community.

Adlai on a campaign stop in Bloomington, 1952. (Photo courtesy of The Pantagraph)

In 1966, the Adlai Stevenson Memorial Lecture Series was started and is still in existence today. The series is a joint venture between Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and the local McLean County United Nations Association. Each year the universities take turns selecting and inviting speakers to speak on a variety of issues facing the world today. The first speaker was Arthur J. Goldberg on June 8, 1966. During the following years speakers addressed a variety of topics, including Human Rights, International Peace and Security, and Women and Development.