THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (08/15/99)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

A mid-year review of organizing achievements

by Martha Lysko
UNA National Secretary

Andrij Skyba and Jacek Koczarski once again lead in the Ukrainian National Association's organizing activity. During the first half year of 1999 the top organizers were Mr. Koczarski, a professional organizer, and Mr. Skyba, a UNA advisor and secretary of UNA Branch 399. Since January through the end of June Mr. Koczarski enrolled 52 members insured for $334,000. Mr.Skyba enrolled 23 members insured for $230,000. In third place is the secretary of UNA Branch 496 in the state of Washington, Myron Pylypiak. Though he is in third place during this report period, having enrolled 16 members insured for $105,000, he has often been the top organizer in past years.

The UNA set its quota for 1999 at 1,250 new members. As of the end of June the UNA gained 291 members, or 23 percent of the annual quota. Our top three organizers are responsible for 31 percent of the quota attained thus far. The UNA has 259 branches in 27 districts. Thus, it appears that only 22 percent of branches have actively participated in organizing work.

Nine members each were successfully added by the Rev. Dr. Myron Stasiw, UNA director for Canada; and our longtime professional organizer John Danilack. Branch 360 Secretary Joseph Hawryluk enrolled eight members. Six members each were enrolled by three secretaries; three secretaries enrolled five members each; six enrolled four each; nine enrolled three each; and 18 secretaries enrolled one member each into the UNA. Only 58 secretaries joined in our organizing campaign. Among them is Advisor Skyba, who seriously took on organizing work since he was elected to that position at the 1998 convention. He not only represents the UNA in the Chicago District, but also increases our organization's membership.

The Northern New Jersey District Committee is in first place among districts, having gained 73 members out of its designated quota of 130 members. The district has attained 56 percent of its annual quota. In second place is the Buffalo District which, thanks to Mr. Hawryluk who enrolled eight of the 11 new members gained by that district. The Buffalo District has fulfilled 55 percent of its quota for 1999. The "United Branches" are in third place, having achieved 52 percent of their annual quota. Has your branch enrolled a member this year?

A half year has already passed, and all districts must reactivate their organizing work so they are not left behind. Half-year statistics on organizing activity are provided on the right.

(Translated from the original Ukrainian by The Ukrainian Weekly.)

Michael Turko retires as Branch 63 secretary

by Martha Lysko
UNA National Secretary

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - In the history of our organization we have had many good secretaries and outstanding organizers. These people through their hard work and dedication made this organization what it is today. Ukrainian National Association considers Michael Turko one of the leading organizers of this great organization. Without constant influx of new members our organization will not survive into the 21st century.

In his long tenure as secretary of Branch 63 and chief organizer Mr. Turko assured the future survival of his branch and our society. Over the 39 years that he served as secretary he organized close to 1,500 new members. His branch is one of the largest branches in our community and thanks to his hard work and persistence. He considers organizing new members his chief responsibility. The secret to his success is his persistence and close ties with his community. He also was eager to serve his members and would demand immediate action at the Home Office if the needs of his members were not met promptly.

In February, when Mr. Turko announced his retirement as secretary of Branch 63 in Ford City, Pa., and passed the leadership of the branch to his son Michael S. Turko: I reflected on the long career of this dedicated secretary. It is with great regret I had to accept his decision although he assured me he was not riding off into the sunset. He promised to continue doing what he does best and organize new members. Even though he has been ill, he still managed to give us four new applications this year. As he often remarks, he works best in the last quarter of the year.

Those who know Michael Turko also know that besides the UNA he has another great interest. Mr. Turko is an avid gardener. Our employees at the Home Office have often been treated to the fruits of his labors. In the fall his labors turn indoors and UNA once more profits from his hard work. He floods the Home Office with new membership applications.

Mr. Turko was always a man of action. He played basketball in high school. In World War II he served in the Air Force. After the war Mr. Turko worked for Pittsburgh Plate Glass until his retirement. He coached little league and officiated at basketball games. He continues to be a man of action. He avidly pursues his great interests gardening and the UNA. He now enjoys his family, grandchildren and his garden.

Mr. Turko, the Ukrainian National Association thanks you for 39 years of dedicated work. You left a wonderful legacy and set a great example for all secretaries. We wish you well and much enjoyment in your leisure, but most of all we wish that you will continue helping UNA in achieving its organizing goals.

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