THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

CONVENTION NEWS: Banquet to feature two community activists as speakers

CHICAGO - The gala banquet of the 35th Convention of the Ukrainian National Association in Chicago will highlight two well-known Ukrainian American personalities who at one time in their careers were on opposite sides of the political spectrum.

"We are thrilled that Askold S. Lozynskyj and Myron B. Kuropas will be the main speakers at our banquet during this convention," announced UNA First Vice-President Stefko Kuropas, banquet chairman, who together with Second Vice-President Anya Dydyk-Petrenko will emcee the traditional banquet.

"Both are distinguished gentlemen who began their careers in Ukrainian American youth organizations and have had an impact on our community all of their adult lives. They have years of experience and expertise as civic leaders and political activists. We're looking forward to their remarks. Both, incidentally, have been active in the Ukrainian National Association, the mother of all Ukrainian American secular organizations."

Mr. Lozynskyj was born in New York City to post-World War II Ukrainian immigrants who fled Soviet rule of Ukraine.

He began his community leadership career as the national president of the Federation of Ukrainian Student Organizations (SUSTA) and editor-in-chief of its quarterly publication. Later he was elected president of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM). He also served two terms as a UNA supreme advisor.

Most of Mr. Lozynskyj's community activities in recent years have revolved around the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, which he served as vice-president, legal advisor and, ultimately, president. He was a member of the presidium of the Ukrainian World Congress since 1990 and was elected UWC president in 1998.

Mr. Lozynskyj holds B.A. and J.D. degrees from Fordham University. He has had a private law practice since 1976 specializing in commercial law, and property and estates.

Mr. Lozynskyj will speak on the topic "The Phenomenon of the World's Ukrainians."

Dr. Kuropas was born in Chicago to a longtime UNA family headed by Stephen Kuropas, a pre-World War II immigrant who served as a UNA auditor and vice-president, and was along-time columnist for Svoboda.

He began his leadership career as the national vice-president of the Ukrainian Youth League of North America, an organization that served as an unofficial training ground for future UNA officers. Later he became national president of the Young Ukrainian Nationalists (MUN) and editor of two English-language journals, Scope and The Trident Quarterly.

In 1962 he was elected a supreme advisor of the Ukrainian National Association. He was elected UNA supreme vice-president in 1978, a post he held until 1990. An immigration historian, he has two major publications to his credit, "The Ukrainian Americans: Roots and Aspirations, 1884-1954" (1991) and "Ukrainian American Citadel: The First Hundred Years of the Ukrainian National Association" (1996). Currently he authors "Faces and Places," a biweekly column in The Ukrainian Weekly, and serves as an honorary member of the UNA General Assembly.

He holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Chicago and was employed by the Chicago and DeKalb, Ill., school systems as a teacher and principal. He has also held positions as the Chicago regional director of ACTION, a federal agency, also as a special assistant to President Gerald R. Ford and a legislative assistant to Sen. Bob Dole. He was appointed a member of the academic brotherhood of the National University of Ostroh Academy in Ukraine.

Dr. Kuropas is an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where he lives with his wife, Lesia, (a former Miss Soyuzivka). They have two sons, Stefko (the current UNA vice-president) and Michael, and five grandchildren.

Dr. Kuropas will speak on the topic "The UNA: Reviving the Dream."

Las Vegas-type entertainment will be provided by Ihor Baczynskyj and Ron Cahute, well-known Ukrainian Canadian music recording artists whose "Barabolia" and "Tsybulia" records have been best-sellers in North America.

In addition to national UNA officers and other dignitaries from the United States, Canada and Ukraine, distinguished guests on the banquet dais will include Rep. Marcy C. Kaptur, member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus and frequent personal contributor to projects in western Ukraine, Illinois State Sen. Walter Dudycz, and Edward Moskal, president of the Polish American Congress.

Northern N.J. District meets

by Roma Hadzewycz

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - The Northern New Jersey District Committee of the Ukrainian National Association, which encompasses 19 branches, held its annual meeting here at the UNA Corporate Headquarters on Friday, April 6, with 26 persons present.

The meeting was brought to order by UNA Advisor Eugene Oscislawski, the district chairman, who welcomed branch representatives, district officers and members of the UNA General Assembly: President Ulana Diachuk, Treasurer Stefan Kaczaraj and Advisors Andre Worobec and Roma Hadzewycz.

Mr. Oscislawski called for a moment of silence in honor of leading UNA and Northern New Jersey District activists who had passed away during the past year: Walter Sochan, former supreme secretary and honorary member of the General Assembly; John O. Flis, former supreme president and honorary member of the General Assembly; former Svoboda Editor-in-Chief Zenon Snylyk; and Stepan Kosonocky, former secretary of Branch 172.

Julian Kotlar was elected to chair the meeting, while Sofia Derzko was elected to record the minutes.

As the district secretary, Marcanthony Datzkiwsky, was not present, in lieu of the minutes of the last annual meeting, Mr. Worobec read The Weekly's account of the meeting, which was unanimously accepted.

A three-member nominations committee was elected; its members were Dana Jasinski, Walter Honcharyk and Ms. Hadzewycz.

The district chairman delivered a report on the district's overall activity during the last year, highlighting such events as the Father's Day trip to Soyuzivka and thanking fellow members of the district executive board for their cooperation.

Mr. Oscislawski noted that secretaries had been experiencing problems with the new applications for UNA membership which are printed in English only, and he pointed out that the institution of direct billing from the Home Office had resulted in a loss of contact between branch secretaries and their members, and that this has hindered organizing activity.

Mr. Worobec delivered the financial report of the district, after which Oksana Trytjak, speaking on behalf of the Auditing Committee, proposed a vote of confidence for the outgoing district officers. The motion was adopted with applause.

Next came remarks by the UNA executive officers in attendance.

President Diachuk reported that the Northern New Jersey District Committee had enrolled 86 new members in 2001, meeting 52 percent of its annual quota. She noted that Ms. Trytjak had enrolled the most new members; with Messrs. Oscislawski and Kotlar coming in second and third, respectively. The president also noted that three employees of the UNA Home Office have earned licenses to sell insurance: Ms. Trytjak, Christine Brodyn and Stephan Welhasch.

She urged all UNA'ers, and particularly delegates to the 35th Regular Convention of the UNA, to participate in the pre-convention organizing drive for which there are special awards.

Mrs. Diachuk paid special attention to the UNA's annuities which pay 6 percent for the first year, a rate that compares extremely favorably with the 2 to 2.5 percent paid by banks.

The president also spoke about Soyuzivka's upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations, explaining that there will be special events throughout the summer to mark the golden jubilee.

Finally, Mrs. Diachuk explained that the UNA executives who work full-time at the Home Office are proposing several changes to the UNA By-Laws for consideration at the UNA convention. The principal proposal is a reduction in the size of the General Assembly from 25 to 14 members: four executive officers (president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer), three auditors and seven advisors.

She also noted that the issue of the UNA's Canadian membership would be a topic of discussion at the convention, and explained that the membership in Canada is constantly declining while the expense of doing business in Canada is increasing.

In addition, she said, there is the matter of Soyuzivka, which continues to post large deficits every year. The UNA is now seeking partners to save Soyuzivka. One of the avenues being pursued is the involvement of Ukrainian American credit unions.

Treasurer Kaczaraj reported that the UNA's surplus had been going down since 1989 and that in 2001, the UNA posted an increase in surplus of $256,000. Likewise, the Ukrainian National Urban Renewal Corp. (the entity that controls the UNA's headquarters building) had income of $365,000 in 2001, while in the previous year it had a deficit of $71,000.

The UNA's two publications, Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, Mr. Kaczaraj continued, have decreased their deficits to manageable levels, while Soyuzivka is losing more and more each year.

In summation, the UNA treasurer said, "We have to sell more insurance, and we have to solve our Soyuzivka problem." He explained that the easiest solution would be to sell the resort, but that is not a solution, adding that Soyuzivka should be the responsibility of the entire Ukrainian community in the northeastern United States.

Following a break for refreshments, the Nominations Committee recommended the following slate of district officers for 2001: Mr. Oscislawski, chairman; Mr. Kotlar, vice-chairman; Ms. Derzko, secretary; Mr. Worobec, treasurer; Ms. Hadzewycz (The Ukrainian Weekly editor-in-chief), English-language press liaison; Irene Jarosewich (Svoboda editor-in-chief), Ukrainian-language press liaison; Maria Haluszczak and Mr. Honcharyk, organizing directors; Mrs. Oscislawski, events coordinator; Daria Semegen and Serge Polishchuk, members-at-large; Mr. Welhasch, Ms. Jasinski and Ms. Brodyn, auditing committee. Wolodymyr Bilyk and John Chomko remain as honorary district chairmen. The slate was elected unanimously.

During the discussion portion of the meeting Mrs. Oscislawski expressed concern about the idea of decreasing the size of the General Assembly, underlining that this would be counterproductive because those who are elected to that body are dedicated UNA'ers who can and should represent the UNA on the local level, which benefits the entire organization. There is no benefit, she stressed, to decreasing the UNA's representation throughout the territory it serves.

Ms. Hadzewycz pointed to the organizing report presented to all present at the meeting to note that the Northern New Jersey District, though it met only 52 percent of its annual organizing quota was by far the most successful UNA district as it had enrolled the highest number of new members (86) for the highest amount of total insurance coverage ($2,452,000). She further noted that there were several exceptional organizers who, though they may not have enrolled large numbers of members had enrolled members for large amounts of insurance, for example, Ms. Brodyn who sold one policy for $750,000 and Christine Kozak, another licensed insurance professional who works in the Home Office as director of insurance operations (underwriting), who sold seven policies for a total of $215,000.

At the conclusion of the meeting, in response to query from a neophyte delegate, it was proposed to convene a special pre-convention meeting of the district in order to acquaint first-time delegates and others with the issues that will face them at the upcoming UNA convention scheduled for May 24-28 in Chicago.

UNA HQ welcomes major tenant

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - The Ukrainian National Association's Corporate Headquarters welcomed a major new tenant here on Friday, April 12.

That day the Parsippany District Office of the Social Security Administration (SSA) held its official opening ceremonies, complete with a short program in the atrium of the UNA HQ that featured the Parsippany Hills High School Choral Group (one of whose members is a local Ukrainian American, Oksana Buniak) singing the American national anthem and "America, the Beautiful," a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to the Social Security offices on the second floor and a breakfast buffet in the spanking new officers.

On hand for the ceremonies were local officials, including Frank Dreutzler of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, who presented a proclamation declaring April 12 as "Social Security Day" in the county; and Michelle Sylvin of the Township of Parsippany/Troy Hills, who presented a proclamation extending congratulations and a welcome from the township.

Jane Y. L. Lim, district manager of the SSA office in Parsippany, noted that it serves a population of 500,000 in Morris and northern Somerset counties. She pledged effective and efficient service to all customers, and extended thanks for a beautiful facility to the building's owner, the Ukrainian National Association. Remarks were delivered also by Social Security Administration officials for New Jersey and the New York Region.

In attendance at the ceremonies were UNA executive officers, as well as the editor-in-chief of The Ukrainian Weekly and editors of Svoboda.

CONVENTION PREPARATIONS: Proposals for amendments to UNA By-Laws

In accordance with the UNA By-Laws, all branches, district committees and individual members are invited to submit their proposals for the good and welfare of the association to the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee received the following proposed amendments and changes to the UNA By-Laws and submitted them to Taras Szmagala Jr., chairman of the Pre-Convention By-Laws Committee. These amendments will be given to the Convention By-laws Committee for deliberation at the convention; the committee will then propose to the delegates those changes it deems important to the UNA.

* * *

On behalf of the full-time members of the UNA Executive Committee, UNA President Ulana Diachuk submitted the following proposals for By-laws changes at the 35th Convention.

1. Reduction in the number of General Assembly members, and Article II, Conventions to be changed as follows:

7. (d) To nominate and elect by ballot the following Officers, who shall constitute the General Assembly: President, Vice-President, National Secretary, Treasurer, three members of the Auditing Committee, seven members of the Board of Advisors of which at least one shall be a Canadian member. The total number of the General Assembly members to be 14.

The reasons for such a reduction are:

• As our membership was growing more members had been added to the board. The largest number of members, namely 89,119, was recorded in 1974. At the time the Supreme Assembly consisted of seven members of the Executive Committee, five members of the Auditing Committee, and 14 advisors, in total 26 board members. Since 1974 our membership has decreased to 45,000 as of the end of 2001, or over 50 percent. The number of board members remained at 25. In 1974 there were 3,500 members for each board member. In comparison to the present number of members the board should have only 13 members.
  
  
• In 1995 Sons of Norway had submitted to us the results of their questionnaire in regard to the number of officers and directors the fraternal societies had. The responses had shown that a great majority of the responding societies had less than 18 members, both directors and officers. Please note other important comments made by the societies. The letter is attached.
  
  
• The following information was collected from the 2000 Statistics of Fraternal Benefit Societies: a). Western Fraternal Life Association, with 149 lodges, 44,392 members, and $148,039,823 in assets, has a board consisting of four officers and seven directors. b). SPJST with 47,161 life certificates and $132,433,760 in assets has five officers (legal advisor included) and seven directors. Our prior inquiry has shown the following board sizes: 7,10, 12, 14,17,19, 24; two societies had 18 members.
  
  
• Societies with smaller boards are holding board meetings more than once a year. If the UNA had a smaller board, it could possibly meet twice a year or more often.

2. Board of Advisors, Paragraph 31: Presently the by-laws specify that the advisors shall execute all assignments given them by the Executive Committee in addition to taking part in all conventions and sessions of the General Assembly.

We propose the following duties for the advisors: Each advisor is obligated to organize at least five members per year, as our tradition dictates. He/she has to be in touch with the local branches and attend their annual meetings. Each advisor shall belong to one of the Standing Committees of the General Assembly, such as Financial Committee, Organizing Committee or Fraternal Committee.

3. We propose that full-time employees of the UNA cannot become members of the General Assembly due to arising conflict of interest issues.

4. Change in manuals: Funds of the Association Fraternal Fund, under e) "The Executive Committee shall transfer..." This section should be deleted due to the existing state escheat laws which take precedence over our by-laws. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has requested that change.

* * *

During the annual meeting of the UNA Connecticut District Committee on March 9, President Ulana Diachuk suggested that Ihor Hayda submit the following items to be considered by the By-Laws Committee. They are a summary of collected suggestions that were expressed during the annual meetings of Branch 59 and the Connecticut District:

1. The UNA National Convention is to be held at the UNA Estate Soyuzivka.

2. The duration of the UNA National Convention should be reduced from four to three days.

3. The number of vice-presidents should be reduced from two to one.

4. The UNA Auditing Committee should consist of three members.

5. The number of the UNA advisors should be only nine.

6. Honorary members should be reimbursed only half the travel cost for meeting and convention attendance.

7. During the UNA convention speeches from the floor should be limited to five minutes and questions to two minutes.

8. Three months prior to the convention a slate of candidates, their qualifications and platforms should be made public to the membership for a better informed election.

These suggestions are not written in the proper legal language that is required for by-laws. They are just an expression of our members' frustration and desire to improve the UNA's finances and management.

* * *

The following are the changes proposed by Branch 22 of the Ukrainian National Association at its annual meeting on February 10, as submitted by Michael V. Kuropas, secretary of Branch 22. (Changes appear in boldface type.)

Honorary Members

Paragraph 32. A member of the Association who held an office in the General Assembly of the Ukrainian National Association for an aggregate of 20 years or more may, at such member's election, become an Honorary Member of the General Assembly.

Honorary Members can take part in discussions at the meetings of the General Assembly in an advisory capacity. At Conventions, Honorary Members have all rights of a delegate which include the right to vote and receive a per diem allowance. They do not, however, have the right to be elected as delegates to the convention or to be elected to office in the Association. Honorary Membership is valid for life.

Once elected, an Honorary Member is thereafter precluded from running for office within the General Assembly, until such time that they may resign their Honorary Membership.

Qualification of officers

Paragraph 18. Any member in good standing of the Association, over the age of 21, possessing the qualifications of a delegate as herein before prescribed, shall be eligible for any office in the General Assembly of the Association; provided, however, that no person shall be eligible to any office of the Association, nor shall such person hold office, who believes in, advocates, teaches, or practices, or is a member of any organization or group that believes in, advocates or teaches the overthrow by force or violence or subversion of the government of which he is a citizen.

A. Terms of the following positions will be limited to three consecutive terms:

President
First Vice-President
Second Vice-President
Director for Canada
National Secretary
Treasurer

Once these officers have competed their third consecutive term, they need to run for a different office, or take an honorary membership on the General Assembly. This change will go into effect immediately upon passage. There are no provisions for grandfathering current office holders.

Convention: Legislative Powers

Paragraph 7. The Convention shall have the following authority and sole jurisdiction:

* * *

The following was submitted to Taras Szmagala Jr., chair, Standing Committee on UNA By-Laws, and/or the UNA Executive Committee by Roma Hadzewycz, member of UNA Branch 287.

1. As the issue of employees serving on the General Assembly seems to come up far too often, perhaps it is necessary for our by-laws to be clarified.

Therefore, I propose that the by-laws stipulate that employees of the UNA cannot serve on the General Assembly in any capacity other than an advisor as that position is advisory only. Then it will be clear to all that employees cannot be executive officers or auditors - both entities that have some authority over employees.

Alternately - particularly since it is possible that the size of the General Assembly will be decreased - the by-laws could contain an outright prohibition on employees serving on the GA, even as advisors. If the size of the GA decreases, it is more important to have a wider representation of the UNA membership across the U.S. and Canada than it is for employees to have an opportunity to serve an organization in which they believe. Noble intentions of dedicated employees here are far outweighed by the greater good of having the UNA represented on a wider territory (which, incidentally, is why I am adamantly opposed to decreasing the size of the GA).

2. I suggest also that the rights of honorary members of the General Assembly (i.e., a voice, but not a vote, during sessions of the GA) be extended to the two editors-in-chief of the UNA's publications. These are very important positions within the organization, and it would be worthwhile to have the input of the two persons in charge of the newspapers' day-to-day operations.

I offer these suggestions in order to put these issues on the table for discussion by the Convention By-Laws Committee - something I had hoped to do as a General Assembly member tapped to be on the GA's By-Laws Committee that was supposed to have met before the convention.

Credentials Committee meets to verify convention delegates

by Peter Hawrylciw

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - The Credentials Committee for the 35th Regular Convention of the Ukrainian National Association met here at the Home Office on April 16, starting at 10 a.m. The committee elected among them a chairperson and two secretaries.

The members of the committee are as follows: George Yurkiw, Branch 130, New York, chairman; Olga Oseredczuk, Branch 37, New Jersey, Ukrainian-language secretary; Peter Hawrylciw, Branch 253, Massachusetts, English-language secretary; Tymko Butrej, Branch 164, Pennsylvania, and Myron Kuzio, Branch 277, Connecticut, members.

The Credentials Committee verified the status of all delegates in accordance with the UNA By-Laws. All delegates must be social members, or have active policies and be in good standing as of December 31, 2001.

Christine Kozak, Branch 134, UNA Home Office employee, worked closely with the committee in helping them verify delegate records and payment dates.

The committee confirmed that there will be 142 delegates or their alternates eligible to be seated at the convention. The meeting adjourned at 3 p.m.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, April 28, 2002, No. 17, Vol. LXX

| Home Page |