Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization in U.S. elects new leadership (11/20/05)

Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization in U.S. elects new leadership

by Halyna Kuzyszyn-Holubec

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - The 27th biannual U.S. national conference of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization was held the weekend of October 22-23 at the Soyuzivka estate in Kerhonkson. Despite the rainy, fall weather, over 100 members from various branches of the Plast organization in the U.S. came together to report on activities of the previous two years and also to map out goals and activities for the next two years.

The biennial conference, known as "Krayovyi Plastovyj Zyizd" (KPZ) is also a forum for discussion and adoption of resolutions regarding youth programs and for chartering changes within the organization. Representatives of all young adult and senior sororities and fraternities within the U.S. Plast organization, as well as members of the National Executive Board of Plast and Holovna Plastova Bulava participated in KPZ sessions.

Also present was Hania Shyptur, leader of the Plast National Command in Canada, who presented her command's plan for the 2007 International Plast Jamboree commemorating the 95th anniversary of the founding of Plast.

The outgoing leader of the U.S. Plast National Command, Ihor Mykyta, addressed conference participants by reiterating the importance of teamwork in a thriving organization and continuing to improve Plast's educational programs for youths. Furthermore, Mr. Mykyta underscored the imperative role of parents within Plast and their responsibility in taking active roles in Plast activities.

Slava Rubel, leader of the World Plast Bulava and Chief Scout (Nachalnyi Plastun) Lubomyr Romankiw, also addressed participants and encouraged further efforts to cultivate new programs of interest and growth for Plast.

On Saturday, various committees were formed to discuss issues concerning Plast camps, finances, statute changes and youth programs. These committees later presented the results of their discussions. Committee members are nominated and voted in by participants and later present lists of resolutions for implementation by the next U.S. Plast Command. Many committees deliberated late into the night and enjoyed productive discussions, focusing on the future of camps, financial issues and, most importantly, comprehensive plans to improve present youth programs.

Saturday evening's banquet was emceed by Xenia Piaseckyj, member of the Lisovi Mavky senior sorority. After the blessing of the meal by the pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kerhonkson, the Rev. Volodymyr Piso, conference members were treated to a special slide presentation of photos from various Plast camps, branches and Plast groups such as those in Yonkers, N.Y., and Seattle, as well as numerous Plast activities. All enjoyed the presentations, prepared by Pavlo Mulyk and Rostyk Slabicky.

During the banquet, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America President Michael Sawkiw addressed conference members and spoke of the invaluable work done by his organization over the last 65 years and especially in most recent years with the advent of a free Ukraine.

Perhaps the most charming part of the evening was a musical performance by children from the Kerhonkson Plast group who performed on sopilky under the direction of Andrij Milavsky. This was the premier performance of the various songs they learned during their weekly meetings, which elicited raves and hearty clapping from the audience.

After Sunday morning liturgy, conference participants continued their discussions and heard the presentation of resolutions by committees. The Ukrainian Language Committee, which began its work in May of 2004, presented resolutions underscoring the importance of the Ukrainian language in the Plast organization. The Resolutions Committee presented a resolution specifying that Plast will become a member of an umbrella Ukrainian organization when in the future such an organization unites all civic and youth organizations. This resolution, along with numerous others by various committees, passed by majority votes.

The Resolutions Committee also sent greetings on behalf of the conference members to the heads of all Ukrainian Churches, President Viktor Yuschenko and all Ukrainians in Ukraine and in the Diaspora, and leaders of religious, community, cultural, educational, professional and political organizations. All Plast members who took part as international election observers in Ukraine last year were also congratulated.

Conference delegates also elected a new U.S. Plast National Command under the leadership of Marta Kuzmowycz. In her acceptance speech, she pointed to four generations of Plast members in the new National Command as an indication of confidence in the future of the organization. These four generations, including the new head of "starshe plastunstvo" (young adult scouts) who hails from Ukraine, will work together to develop new programs to involve Plast scouts of all ages, Ms. Kuzmowycz noted.

For more on the U.S. Plast National Command and the 27th biennial U.S. Plast Conference readers may log on to: www.plastusa.org.

Halyna Kuzyszyn-Holubec is the newly elected press secretary for the U.S Plast National Command.

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