BACKGROUND

In April 2006, a group of Liberians residing in the United States, motivated by improved
developments in their home country as a result of the 2005 national elections, came together to identify options under which they could contribute to the postwar rebuilding of the country. The outcome of those discussions was the creation of an organization called Liberians United for National Reforms (LUNAR).

Some of the founding members of LUNAR had participated in many peaceful initiatives to end the Liberian civil conflict and build a democratic society. In the several meetings leading to the decision to organize LUNAR, the founders were careful in choosing a suitable mission. The organization’s aims and objectives reflect the deep concerns and extensive experiences of its members and the needs of Liberia.

MISSION STATEMENT

LUNAR is a political empowerment organization whose mission is to encourage and support the development of democratic institutions and values in Liberia, as well as promote checks and balances in government, rule of law, and respect for civil liberties in Liberia.

CORE BELIEF

LUNAR believes that viable, credible political parties are the foundation upon which stable democracies are built. In functioning democracies, those in government often do the right thing not necessarily because they love the people but because there is a real possibility, presented by the existence of serious and credible opposition, that they will lose the privilege to provide leadership if they are unresponsive to the needs of the people. It is this competition to provide national leadership that fosters an environment within which civil society organizations can live up to their potential and individual citizens can best realize their dreams.

LUNAR also believes that democratic dispensations are impossible in the absence of an informed citizenry. The government can only be held accountable by a people who understand that they are the employers of every elected government official and that they, the citizens, are endowed with certain rights which their government has been instituted to promote and defend. LUNAR, therefore, believes one of the most effective means of ensuring a functioning democracy is to empower the people through civic education.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

A. Independence: LUNAR is an independent organization, beholden to no government,
political party, civil society organization, or any other group. The organization is committed to objectively engaging the Liberian government to ensure it fulfills its obligations to the Liberian people; empowering the Liberian people to hold their government accountable; and challenging Liberians to fulfill their obligations to their
government.

B. Collaboration: LUNAR believes collaboration with other Liberian organizations
and friends of Liberia would engender best practices from our collective efforts and
experiences. Therefore, building partnerships with diverse organizations, including political parties, institutions, and individuals who share similar vision would form the foundation of LUNAR's mission and programs. In some instances we will engage different organizations to take actions to support our initiatives. In other cases we will voluntarily or in response to requests from other organizations or individuals take actions to support projects that are in line with our vision and core values. At all times, we will follow clearly defined guidelines to decide how LUNAR’s resources will be utilized.

C. Accountability: LUNAR believes that charity begins at home. LUNAR members, therefore, hold their leaders to the same standard of excellence and accountability that they expect from public officials. No person elected to serve on the Executive Committee of LUNAR or appointed to a major position, such as head of committee, head of delegation, special representative of the organization, etc., shall use his/her office or position to seek personal favors, political or otherwise. Realizing that national reform is both an institutional and personal exercise, LUNAR believes that those who require their national leaders to be responsible stewards of state powers must themselves be good
examples of the values they espouse.

The commitment of the organization’s resources to any project will, at all times, follow a transparent and vigorous approval process. Financial transparency and accountability are central to the organization’s operation.

GOALS

LUNAR’s goals are to:

• Provide resources, information, and programs that support the development and sustenance of democratic institutions in Liberia.
• Empower Liberians to become active, informed, and responsible participants in the management of their country.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

LUNAR’s programs and services include:

• Advocacy for the enactment of legislations that support the development of democratic institutions and values.
• Facilitating and/or supporting the development of programs and youth organizations that instill democratic values in young people.
• Creation of unhindered access to public information.
• Development and/or dissimulation of democracy-related educational programs and information.
• Provision of democracy-related training and networking services.
• Providing voters’ education.

STRUCTURE

The General Assembly, consisting of all members, is LUNAR’s highest decision-making body. The Assembly meets once a year in August.

The day-to-day management of LUNAR is the responsibility of the Executive Committee which comprises the President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Chaplain. A Monitoring Committee, the equivalent of a Board of Directors, keeps in-check the powers of the Executive Committee and acts on behalf of the General Assembly in between the August conventions. Members of the Executive Committee are elected once every two years while members of the Special Monitoring Committee are elected once every four years. LUNAR’s work is carried out through regional groupings, affiliates, and committees.

REGISTRATION

LUNAR is incorporated in the State of Maryland, United States of America, and the Republic of Liberia as a non-profit organization.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in LUNAR is open to all persons of Liberian descent and friends of Liberia eighteen (18) years of age and older. While LUNAR’s primary focus is Liberia, the organization seeks membership from amongst professional Liberians world-wide.

  For membership and service opportunities, please contact us at 847-644-0920 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it