"Lisovi Mavky" sorority of Plast holds annual meeting at Soyuzivka (12/26/04)

"Lisovi Mavky" sorority of Plast holds annual meeting at Soyuzivka

by Halyna Kuzyszyn-Holubec

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - A sea of green "kyptars" descended on the Soyuzivka estate on September 10-12. Over 50 members of the Plast sorority "Lisovi Mavky" (Forest Nymphs) spent their annual meeting, or "rada," weekend at the UNA estate planning activities and agendas, welcoming new members and reacquainting.

The Lisovi Mavky sorority is rapidly growing in numbers. The young adult branch initiated many new recruits, including two from Ukraine, while the senior branch (which renewed its activities and Plast status just a few years ago) worked on plans to promote further activities with young Plast members within their respective cities.

Ukrainian folklore and traditions are the basis of the Lisovi Mavky sorority. The name Lisovi Mavky is based on the neo-romantic work of Lesia Ukrainka titled "Lisova Pisnia" (Forest Song). The lead character in Forest Song - the Mavka - was the protectress of the woods, whose loving soul earned her respect among all forest life.

It is by her example that the sorority members conduct themselves and their activities. With the slogan: "Mayu v sertsi te scho ne vmyraye" (I hold in my heart that which will never die), the Lisovi Mavky sororities use the Mavka as an example, and hold dear her love of nature and exceptional character.

Many of the sorority members are active in the U.S. National Plast Command and are counselors at numerous Plast camps and in their local Plast branches, where they lead groups of young Plast members.

One of the key objectives of the Mavky sorority is working with young people and organizing events that highlight Ukrainian culture and folklore. In recent years, this has included staging Ivan Kupalo festivities at summer camps, publishing an issue of the Plast children's magazine Hotuys (with plans to produce more issues) and organizing events like Andriyivskyi Vechir (St. Andrew's Eve).

Both branches of the Lisovi Mavky Plast sorority enjoy a tight camaraderie, enthusiasm for the Plast organization and its goals, as well as a long tradition of promoting Ukrainian culture. For the history of the Lisovi Mavky sorority, as well as member information please visit http://www.geocities.com/lisovimavky/home.html.

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