UNWLA holds its 26th Convention in Sarasota, re-elects Kurowyckyj president (06/16/02)

UNWLA holds its 26th Convention in Sarasota, re-elects Kurowyckyj president

by Tamara Stadnychenko

SARASOTA, Fla. - The 26th Convention of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA), the first in the new millennium, was held from Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, at the Hyatt Hotel in sunny Sarasota, Fla.

As delegates arrived and registered, each was presented with a handsome canvas tote bag embossed with the UNWLA logo and a stylized scene representing Sarasota's sun, surf, flora and fauna. In their "goody bags," delegates found a copy of the convention book, a directory of Ukrainian organizations in Florida, information about the convention agenda, a pocket calendar, a "Vatra" tape cassette and a guidebook to Sarasota.

At a pre-convention meeting of the UNWLA national board held on Friday afternoon, President Iryna Kurowyckyj and other board members discussed the challenges and achievements of the three years leading up to the convention. The president thanked board members for their cooperation and assistance; as a gesture of their affection and appreciation, board members presented the president with a stunning cluster of orchids and an elegant brooch.

A pre-convention seminar on "Various Aspects of U.S.-Ukrainian Relations" followed. Chaired by UNWLA Vice-President Motria Voyevidka-Slonievsky, the seminar featured two distinguished speakers, both intimately involved in efforts to promote and enhance understanding and cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. David Kramer, senior policy advisor to the U.S. undersecretary of State, spoke about changes in world politics that might soon lead to Ukraine's entry into NATO. He also addressed the legal complexities that make it difficult for law enforcement officials to deal effectively with criminal elements trafficking in women. Dr. Yaroslav Voitko, chief of the Trade and Economic Mission of the Embassy of Ukraine, spoke about the economic challenges facing Ukraine in the new millennium. He concluded his segment of the presentation by presenting an overview of the steps that Ukraine would need to take to ensure economic stability.

A wine and cheese reception followed the presentations.

At the suggesting of the convention committee, delegates and guests gathered for Saturday morning's breakfast attired in beautifully embroidered blouses, dresses and suits representing all regions of Ukraine.

After breakfast, the convention was formally opened with a ceremonial procession of the UNWLA executive board, national board, and regional councils into the meeting hall. To celebrate the unity and the diversity of the UNWLA, candles on a stately wooden candelabra were lit by President Kurowyckyj, Honorary President Anna Krawczuk and each regional council president. Two special guests - Oksana Sokolyk, president of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations, and Svitlana Kocherha, representing Soyuz Ukrainok of Ukraine - were invited to light the remaining candles.

Vice-President Maria Tomorug then led those assembled in prayer and in singing the American national anthem, the Ukrainian national anthem and the UNWLA hymn. Convention Committee Chair Tetiana Silecky officially greeted guests and delegates, and requested that a moment of silence be observed to honor the victims of September 11. In a touching moment, a large American flag was carried into the hall and everyone began to sing the hauntingly beautiful "God Bless America."

Following the opening ceremonies, President Kurowyckyj reviewed the convention agenda, which was then formally approved by the delegates. Vice-President Tomorug presented a checklist spelling out the rights and responsibilities of delegates during deliberations and during voting. President Kurowyckyj then invited Honorary President Krawczuk, WFUWO President Sokolyk, Ms. Kocherha, Prof. Valentyna Borysenko, and Honorary UNWLA Members Mary Beck, Lidia Krushelnycky, and Irene Kashubynska to join her at the presidium table.

An acting presidium for the convention, chaired by Marta Danyluk, was appointed. The two alternate chairs were Nionilia Lechman and Iwanna Martynetz; Prof. Vira Bodnaruk, Ulana Sos and Iwanna Holowata were appointed as convention secretaries.

Mrs. Danyluk initiated the formal business of the morning session by calling for the report of the Resolutions Committee. A moment of silence in honor of Honorary President Iwanna Rozankowskyi and other UNWLA members who had recently passed away was observed.

Mrs. Danyluk then called for the report of President Kurowyckyj, who reiterated her vision for the future of the UNWLA and highlighted UNWLA achievements during her three year tenure as president, thanking all of those who had assisted her in carrying out her responsibilities. Among the personal highlights of her tenure as president, Ms. Kurowyckyj cited the numerous happy events that marked the UNWLA's 75th anniversary celebration year, the success of the Milk and Roll program for schoolchildren in Ukraine, the creation of new UNWLA branches and the influx of young women into the organization.

A financial report was presented by Treasurer Nadia Cwiach, who noted that a particular area of concern was the Our Life Press Fund. The reports of all members of the national board had been sent to delegates for review prior to the convention, and delegates were invited to ask questions on any matters that needed further clarification. Most questions from the delegates focused on financial matters and membership issues.

Following the discussion, President Kurowyckyj requested that everyone take a moment to view a magnificent quilt that had been created by members of Branch 118 from Houston. In many ways the quilt is a symbol of the UNWLA's diversity - a composite of individually embroidered pieces that have been stitched together to produce a whole. The end result reflects the individual tastes of those who created it, but also reflects what is possible when a united group of women work together. Each branch member had embroidered a section of the quilt with traditional designs representing various regions of Ukraine. The quilt, which had been a featured display in the Governor's Mansion in the State of Texas had been brought to the convention by Branch President Martha Noukas. Branch members had also compiled an album, which included information about each member as well as information about the design each member had contributed to the quilt.

Because the morning session ended ahead of schedule, Vice-President Sophia Hewryk moved that the free hour before the scheduled luncheon be used by delegates to discuss issues of concern not related to the reports already discussed. The delegates agreed to this suggestion, and several spirited discussions ensued. Of particular note was a proposal from Julia Kokorudz, president of UNWLA Branch 29 of Chicago, who suggested that the UNWLA consider starting a foster parent program in Ukraine.

A delicious luncheon was enhanced by the decision of the convention committee to have guests and delegates pick their table numbers from a box, ensuring an interesting mix of ages and regions at every table. Everyone enjoyed the meal and a fashion show featuring antique Ukrainian cutwork and embroidery in contemporary fashion, designed and created by Irena Radzykewycz.

The afternoon work sessions began with a report from Vice-President Hewryk on branch reports submitted to UNWLA headquarters and on donations collected by branches for The Ukrainian Museum, for social welfare programs, and for the Scholarship Fund.

Next on the agenda was a report on a special UNWLA literary project, a book based on 16 boxes of letters written by Lesia Ukrainka to family and friends. Hidden for 50 years, the letters were recently found in a library in Prague. Dr. Joanna Ratych, who learned of their existence from library workers, reviewed the materials and proposed to the UNWLA executive board that they be compiled in an annotated scholarly work. The idea was approved and Dr. Ratych donated $10,000 toward the project.

A committee was formed to find a suitable scholar who would undertake writing the book and complete it as quickly as possible. In due time, the materials were entrusted to the capable hands of Ms. Kocherha, who worked tirelessly to accomplish this monumental task. The book, "Lysty Tak Dovho Idut," was recently published - copies available for purchase at the convention were sold out almost immediately. Everyone listened in rapt attention as Ms. Kocherha described her joy at being chosen to write a book on a personage with whom she was already intimately acquainted.

As curator of the Lesia Ukrainka Museum in Yalta, Ms. Kocherha commented that her work was filled with enchanting thoughts of the poetess who spent 1,000 days and nights in this Crimean city. "When the request came to work on the letters and create a book," she said, "I thought I was dreaming. But in every letter, I felt a heartbeat - the pulse of the author. It unfolded before me and it will remain with me forever."

Next on the program was the conferring of the title honorary member on the following UNWLA members in recognition of long and exemplary service to the organization: Lesia Goy, Lidia Magun, Nadia Sawczuk, Lidia Hladkyj, Iwanna Szkarupa and Teodosia Kushnir. The title honorary member was also bestowed upon WFUWO President Sokolyk "for her visible and multi-faceted work on behalf of Ukrainian women everywhere."

Elections for the next three-year term followed. Mrs. Kurowyckyj was elected to a second term as president. She will be assisted in her work by four vice-presidents, Ms. Tomorug, Ms. Hewryk, Oxana Farion and Ms. Voyevidka-Slonievsky. The new administration of the UNWLA also includes the following: Recording Secretary Marta Danyluk, Correspondence Secretaries Iwanna Hankevych (Ukrainian) and Christina Yarema (English), Financial Secretary Cwiach, Treasurer Melanie Hrybovych, Press Chair Kateryna Nemyra, Members at Large Martha Bohachevsky Chomiak and Iryna Steckiw, Scholarship Fund Chair Maria Polanska, Social Welfare Chair Barbara Bachynsky, Education Chair Kateryna Iwasyshyn, Archives Chair Olha Trytyak, Culture/Museum Chair Maria Pazuniak and Ecology Chair Marta Jarosewich. The new Auditing Committee includes Joanna Ratych, Nadia Shmigel, Renata Zajac, Lida Zakrevska and Chrystyna Melnyk.

During the banquet that evening, Honorary President Krawczuk officially recognized the new national board andadministered the oath of office; she also led the assemby in toasting the 75th anniversary of the UNWLA and the 26th UNWLA Convention.

Congratulatory letters from dignitaries across the country and around the world were read, including letters from President Leonid Kuchma, President George W. Bush, Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Patriarch Lubomyr Husar and Ukrainian Orthodox Patriarch Filaret. A congratulatory statement from the WFUWO was personally delivered by Mrs. Sokolyk and Ms. Kocherha read a warm message from Ukraine's former Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko.

Next came the presentation of the Petro and Lesia Kovaliw Prize for Literature to author Dr. Valentyna Borysenko for her book "Tradytsii I Zhyttyedialnist' Etnosu." The award recipient, a professor at Kyiv University, commented on the students she works with, "They have a cultural vacuum - it is frightening - my book is something that I hope will fill that vacuum and help them know who they are."

A musical program, featuring mezzo soprano Kalyna Cholhan-Boychuk and the UNWLA Branch 56 Choir of North Port, Fla., followed.

Divine liturgy was celebrated on Sunday in separate facilities for Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox faithful. Guests and delegates then filed into the conference room to continue with scheduled meetings. At the beginning of the session, UNWLA President Kurowyckyj was presented with an engraved crystal gavel - a gift from members of the convention committee.

Once procedural formalities were completed, delegates were requested to discuss several proposed changes to the UNWLA by-laws. Most of the proposed changes were strongly opposed by the majority of delegates and were voted down. A number of "cosmetic" changes, dealing primarily with legal or financial language, were voted upon and passed.

A panel on organizational matters, chaired by Vice-President Hewryk, followed. Roma Hayda spoke about the need to review the organization's vision and goals as a step toward understanding what changes should be implemented to best serve the needs of UNWLA members and the community they serve.

Ms. Zajac reported on Summit 2002, a meeting recently held by Ukrainian American community leaders for the purpose of addressing the pandemic crisis of dwindling membership. Christine Izhak focused on the Philadelphia Regional Council's recent successes in attracting new members to the UNWLA.

The last morning session was a presentation by Dr. Christina Durbak on air pollutants and their harmful effects, particularly on children and the elderly. Dr. Durbak's disconcerting statistics showed that we have become complacent about this issue and that we need to act quickly if air quality in our environment is to improve.

During lunch, UNWLA members who had served the organization for 25 years or more were awarded special certificates of recognition. Branches with outstanding records of service and branches whose contributions to social welfare projects, educational endeavors and the scholarship program were also honored.

The highlight of the luncheon was a speech by UNWLA founding member Mary Beck, who saluted the Ukrainian woman as the undervalued and unappreciated warrior with the wisdom and the strength to be mother, teacher, and organizer, capable of overcoming any obstacles. At the end of her speech, guests and delegates saluted the organization's grand dame with a heartfelt "Mnohaya Lita."

The afternoon session began with a presentation by Dr. Borysenko, who spoke on "Knowledge of Ukrainian Culture - National Self-Preservation." Dr. Borysenko reported that 10 years after gaining independence, Ukraine continues to suffer from an insidious Russification process. She noted, however, that she has recently seen changes that allow for some optimism.

Concurrent seminars and presentations by the chairs of the Social Welfare Committee, the Scholarship Committee, the Culture/Museum Committee and the editors of Our Life followed.

On Sunday evening, delegates and guests were invited to visit the Ukrainian Village in North Port, home of UNWLA Branch 56, whose members were this year's convention committee. There was a brief visit to St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Church for light refreshments; the bus caravan then proceeded to St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church for dinner and an artistic program.

On Monday morning, delegates were given the opportunity to attend seminars presented by Mrs. Trytyak, archives chair , and Ms. Iwasyshyn, education chair. A panel on "Why the UNWLA Must Adhere to IRS Laws" was presented by Ms. Cwiach and Oksana Xenos.

An acceptance speech from newly re-elected President Kurowyckyj followed, with the president vowing to continue serving the UNWLA with passion and integrity. Afterwards, delegates addressed miscellaneous matters and questions and the 26th UNWLA Convention was formally adjourned.

The weekend ended with a farewell luncheon during which the convention committee was saluted for its magnificent work in organizing the convention in such pleasant and hospitable surroundings.

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