14 June 1999

BONN: This time, UNVNews starts with a "Thank You!" from the editorial team to those who responded to the questionnaire included in issue No. 82. It seems that the magazine has passed the acid test of our readers' opinion. The feedback was extremely encouraging. Most responses were also very positive about the magazine's new look - and readers feel well informed about the range of UNV activities.

This would be impossible without the many UN Volunteers who contribute with personal accounts of their experiences, with articles and photos, thus enabling us to keep you abreast of new developments. UNVNews is about the work and achievements of the more than 2000 UNVs who serve at any given moment in more than 130 countries. Please help us spread the word. It is not going unnoticed: one of the pleasant surprises gathered from the responses is that every copy of UNVNews is read by an average of 11 people!

Yet the magazine is also for the UN volunteers: "It is nice to have UNVNews by your side when you feel sometimes homesick and know you are not alone serving the cause of voluntarism and development", wrote one UNV. We promise to continue to do our best by providing it regularly and on time.

Our "thank you" applies also to the suggestions received. Some of them, such as the updates on upcoming operations and new initiatives, are already incorporated; we are working on others, such as specific requests for coverage of certain topics or regions. Still others, referring for example to separate language editions, are not possible. Yet we are always glad to receive new ideas on how to keep UNVNews relevant to your interests. Keep us informed, so that we can inform you!