NEW YORK – The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) will hold its XXII Congress of Ukrainians in America on Friday-Sunday, September 23-25. The quadrennial convention, which will take place at the Ukrainian National Home, in Hartford, Conn., will determine the new ruling body of the UCCA and its plan of action for the next four years.
During the convention’s first plenary session, delegates will hear reports from the outgoing executive board and committee chairs, and discuss the work that has been accomplished over the past four years.
Of special significance will be the workshops, which will allow for open discussion on key political, strategic and social concerns that affect the future of the Ukrainian America community and its relations with Ukraine.
The Saturday afternoon workshops, under the titles, “#Support Ukraine” and “Hromada 2040,” will explore the future health and growth of the community and the community’s continued support and assistance to Ukraine going forward.
On Saturday evening, the Ukrainian National Home of Hartford and the Greater Hartford Council of Ukrainian American Organizations, in observance of the XXII Congress of Ukrainians in America, will host a gala banquet to mark Ukraine’s 25th anniversary of independence. The banquet for UCCA delegates, guests and the community at large will feature local Ukrainian talent and special guests.
During the banquet, the UCCA will present the Shevchenko Freedom Award to several individuals who have greatly contributed to promulgating Ukraine’s rich history and culture and/or have played a significant role in Ukraine’s state-building process. For over 75 years, this award, the highest accolade given by the Ukrainian American community, has been bestowed upon heads of state, statesmen, community leaders, activists and individuals who embody the prophetic aspirations of Taras Shevchenko, the 19th century national bard of Ukraine, who dedicated his life and work to the pursuit of democracy and freedom for Ukraine.
On the final day of the Congress, delegates will elect the new governing body of the UCCA and adopt congressional resolutions that will provide direction for the organization’s work over the next four years.
A special convention book will be published, part of which will be dedicated to greetings and advertisements from members and organizations within the Ukrainian community.