EDITORIAL: Convention countdown 2002 (01/13/02)

EDITORIAL

Convention countdown 2002

The front page of this issue, readers will notice, carries the official announcement of the 35th Regular Convention of the Ukrainian National Association, which begins on May 24 in Chicago. The announcement is published in accordance with the UNA By-Laws, which state that notice of the convention must be given at least four months before its starting date. The announcement also notes that branches have 60 days from the date of the announcement (in this case, January 11, for that is when the announcement appeared in the Ukrainian-language Svoboda) to elect convention delegates and their alternates.

Readers will also notice that this issue contains three pages of addresses of secretaries of UNA branches that have less than 75 members. The purpose of this listing is to let branches know with whom they are eligible to unite for the purpose of electing a common delegate to the convention. Why is this important? Because the UNA operates in democratic fashion: members elect delegates from their branches, who then attend the convention to represent their interests before the highest decision-making body of the Ukrainian National Association. Branches having between 75 and 149 members are eligible for one delegate; those having 150 to 225 can elect two delegates; while those having 226-301 can elect three; and those with 301 or more members are eligible for four. However, to guarantee that each UNA member truly has a voice, smaller branches may unite for the purpose of electing a common representative to the convention.

At the convention delegates will elect a new UNA General Assembly, vote on changes to the UNA By-Laws, act on reports of General Assembly members and adopt resolutions and recommendations that direct the work of the oldest and largest Ukrainian fraternal organization in the world. (This year the UNA observes the 108th anniversary of its founding.)

As one of the two official publications of the Ukrainian National Association we feel it is our duty to underline the importance of having all UNA members in good standing attend the meetings of their branches at which delegates to the quadrennial UNA convention are elected. Every convention, to be sure, is a potential turning point for the Ukrainian National Association. Some, however, are more important than others, as they come at key points in the history of the organization.

The 2002 convention will consider a range of weighty issues that will affect the future of the UNA. Among the priority items are the future of the UNA's Soyuzivka resort, which has been suffering serious financial losses; downsizing the General Assembly (some have proposed an assembly consisting of four executive officers, three auditors and seven advisors, instead of six officers, five auditors and 14 advisors); and the future of the UNA in Canada, where the UNA's business has been dwindling. A potential item on the agenda is a merger with the Ukrainian Fraternal Association, as renewed overtures recently have been made by the UFA leadership. (We'll keep you posted.)

Thus, as the 2002 convention of the Ukrainian National Association approaches, we encourage all UNA members to become involved. You have a voice, and that voice can be heard. You, and the delegates you elect, will chart the course for the UNA as it continues its beneficial work in the 21st century.

| Home Page |