35th UNA CONVENTION

Concluding address at conclave by President-Elect Stefan Kaczaraj

Below is a translation of the Ukrainian-language address delivered by President-Elect Stefan Kaczaraj at the conclusion of the Ukrainian National Association Convention on Tuesday, May 28.

Honored Convention Presidium, Respected Members of the General Assembly, Dear Delegates of the 35th Convention of the UNA, Esteemed Guests:

First of all, please allow me to sincerely thank you for the confidence you have expressed in me by electing me president of the 108-year-old Ukrainian National Association - the oldest and largest Ukrainian institution in the Western diaspora.

The Ukrainian National Association is an example of an effective institution of Ukrainians beyond the borders of Ukraine - one that has earned respect in the United States of America and Canada, and among Ukrainians worldwide.

The 35th Convention of the Ukrainian National Association is the third held since the rebirth of independent Ukraine, which has been granted us by God.

We live in a very complex time, when it is not easy to move forward, to transform calls to action into the actions that are so necessary for the growth of our organization.

From the experience I have gained in the last four years, I have noticed that the job of the president is difficult - the president not only gives direction to this institution but serves as its heart and soul. This is the type of president that I aspire to be. A vision for our future is beginning to form in my imagination. And that vision will be effected in full cooperation and harmony.

I would like to see our membership more united, inspired by the idea of progress and full of the vitality needed for continued growth.

I am pleased that we have completely rented our beautiful headquarters building. But I am concerned about the insignificant growth of our membership in the United States, and especially in Canada. That is why I will devote special attention to this issue. We must not only work harder on this matter, but also focus our community's attention on the importance of membership to our organization.

It is good to note the progress of our press, the weekly newspapers Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, which have set foot on solid ground, thus significantly decreasing our expenses for their support. Soyuzivka remains a large problem. But we will endeavor to solve this problem to the benefit of the Ukrainian community.

I conclude my remarks by underscoring my deep faith in a better future.

I would also like to sincerely thank Mrs. Ulana Diachuk for her cooperation and from all of us here to express our gratitude for her many years of dedicated and creative efforts toward the welfare and growth of the Ukrainian National Association.

(Translated by The Ukrainian Weekly)

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 2, 2002, No. 22, Vol. LXX

| Home Page |