SUM convenes plenum to discuss youth organization's goals and future

by Orest Kozicky

ELLENVILLE, N.Y. - Representatives from Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA) chapters throughout the United States convened for a plenum at the SUM Oselia (resort) in Ellenville, N.Y., on Saturday, April 23.

Bohdan Harhaj, the president of UAYA, welcomed the 50 participants and introduced the plenum organizer, Lesia Cebrij-Rago, and the members of the organizing committee, Andrij Bihun, Peter Kosciolek, Zorianna Kovbasniuk and Chrystia Weresczak.

Mmes. Cebrij-Rago and Kovbasniuk moderated the first session on "What are the current goals of the UAYA?" Teodor Bodnar (New York) and Myron Pryjmak (Goshen, N.Y.) opened the discussion by presenting their views on this topic, which started a lively discussion. The plenum determined that the UAYA goal remains the education of enlightened Ukrainians and the preservation of Ukrainian culture and traditions.

Wolodymyr Wyrsta (Philadelphia) moderated the second session, which posed the question "Should the UAYA Become Bilingual?" Oksana Bodnar (New York) and Katia Kucyna (Whippany) offered their opposing views and started an interesting discussion that culminated in the decision to conduct education in Ukrainian with the understanding that the English language can be used in limited degrees to facilitate the education process. Chrystia Weresczak, the western USA coordinator for the UAYA national board, moderated the third session on the topic "What are the characteristics of the UAYA that draw new members?" Marta Matselliuk (Yonkers, N.Y.), Yurij Symchyk (Irvington, N.J.) and Serhij Mychajluk (Chicago) offered their views and opened another lively discussion. It was agreed that in addition to focusing on Ukrainian history and the ongoing commitment to help Ukraine in its evolution, SUM needs to continue to offer an array of other activities that attract youth, including Ukrainian folk dance instruction, vocal groups, sports programs, youth camps and social events (such as dances and festivals) that allow young Ukrainians to meet.

Mr. Harhaj closed the plenum by thanking the members of the organizing committee for their work and all the representatives for their participation. He invited all to attend the July 9 banquet to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the SUM Oselia in Ellenville and the June 26 blessing of the resort's new St. Michael's Chapel, which is dedicated to the victims of Akcja Wisla.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 19, 2005, No. 25, Vol. LXXIII

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