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XXX Convention of the UNWLA Ulana Zinych

Zoriana Haftkowycz

The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America held its XXXth Convention in Tarrytown, NY over Memorial Day weekend. The event, celebrated under the logo "THE FUTURE OF UNWLA IS IN OUR HANDS" was dedicated to the Bicentennial of the birth of Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko, Ukraine's most revered and beloved poet and artist and to the 70th Anniversary of Our Life, the official monthly publication of the UNWLA. Many young members filled the halls, both as delegates, members and visitors, a positive and delightful occurrence ! We greet them with open arms.

On the first day of this event, as is customary, the UNWLA’s National Board convened its final meeting of the three-year term. President Marianna Zajac reviewed some of the highlights of the work accomplished during the past term. Among them the most significant and recent were: the Maidan Humanitarian Effort which brought a total of about $140,000, the successful Women's Studies Lectureship funded by the UNWLA Endowment at the Ukrainian Catholic University in L’viv, the Partnership to Aid Pediatric Burn Victims in Ukraine, and Assistance and Caring for the Elderly, which provides aid to 10 Homes for the elderly in various parts of Ukraine. Of course many more charitable and educational programs are carried out on an ongoing basis.

Following this meeting were four well-received presentations by chairs of the Art/Museum, Education, Archives and the Website Standing Committees. Roksolana Misilo showed a short video depicting the Museum and its exhibits and presented its newest initiative whereby Branches and Regional Councils will be able to host exhibits in their towns exhibiting prints of the original works of Taras Shevchenko presented at the Ukrainian Museum in New York. This will provide an opportunity for many to see these cherished, historic works. Roksolana encouraged all to become members of UM, a UNWLA legacy. Sviatoslava Goy-Strom presented the educational seminar highlighting the needs of our youngest. A very passionate seminar ! Olha Drozdowycz spoke of the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN where a large portion of our archived materials is housed. She reminded the audience how to prepare materials for archiving. Zoriana Haftkowycz highlighted her work, specifically the arduous process of digitizing all copies of Our Life from 1944 to the present and the Convention Books from 1925 to 2011. The 2014 Book will be added shortly. This wealth of information can now be found on the UNWLA website. We invite you to make use of it! These presentations created much interest and were followed by a host of well thought out questions, answers and comments.

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The room was packed for the evening presentation. Speakers were women from Ukraine representing various "sectors" of life in current Ukraine; they were Natalka Karbowska, Director of the Ukrainian Women's Fund and frequent participant at the Maidan, Marta Kolomayets, a member of UNWLA and presently Director of the Fulbright Program in Ukraine and Halyna Teslyuk, a Assistant Professor at the Catholic University in L'viv who coordinates the Lectureship on Women Studies. The speakers updated the audience on the current issues related to their area of expertise. It was emotional to hear from individuals who actually “lived" the Maidan experience.

The Opening Ceremonies on Saturday morning, as usual, were beautiful and emotional. Flag bearers carrying the flags of the United States, Ukraine and the UNWLA, as well as those representing Regional Councils entered the hall followed by members of the Board, delegates and members. All were wearing vivid, colorful Ukrainian embroidered attire. It was indeed a breathtaking sight.

A traditional candle lighting ceremony of the “Tree of Life” followed. Honorary Presidents and the current President of UNWLA lit the first candles, followed by the President of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (WFUWO), Orysia Sushko, Regional

Council representatives and the Liaison of Branches at Large.

The Chair of the Convention Committee, Vera Kushnir, welcomed all guests and graciously asked the President to continue the program. Marianna Zajac officially opened the Convention. Following verification of a quorum, Vice-President Ulana Zinych presented the convention agenda for approval and read rules of procedure to which the Convention would adhere. Vera Andrushkiw was elected Chair of the Convention, and Daria Jarosewich accepted the role as her assistant. Three members, Halyna Henhalo, Olia Bas and Olha Petronchak committed to take minutes.

The UNWLA President’s opening address began with a request for a moment of silence to honor UNWLA members and

honorary members who had passed away since the previous convention in May 2011. After this solemn moment, the President spoke about her years as head of the organization and about both ongoing and new projects undertaken by the UNWLA. Treasurer Nadia Cwiach then clearly explained the profit/loss analysis of the organization. Oxana Farion, chair of the Auditing Committee, then presented the report of said committee citing the hard work and maintained transparency. There was

L to R: Marta Kolomayets, Natalka Karbowska,

Halyna Teslyuk

Marianna Zajac at the opening of the

Convention

L to R: Gloria Horbaty Anna Krawchuk, Orysia

Sushko, Marianna Zajac

L to R: Ulana Zinych and Marianna Zajac

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unanimous approval of reports of the National Board. (All reports were listed in the Convention Book). During Saturday’s luncheon those present had the privilege of hearing Dr. Maria Furtak, a physician and member of Soyuz Ukrainok (Ukraine) and a very dedicated intermediary on the Maidan. Dr. Furtak, being fearless and focused was able to direct the UNWLA's funds where they were most needed. She moved us to tears with her emotional presentation. At this luncheon we also had the pleasure of being entertained by Ludmyla Hrabovska and Alla Kutsevych the singing duo accompanied by the bandura. Their songs were dedicated to the Maidan and as such evoked many tears. The main event at the Plenary Session that followed was the Nominating Report and list of Candidates read by Orysia Zinycz, head of the Nominating Committee. This culminated in the election of National Board Officers and the Auditing Committee for the term 2014-2017. At this time a list of honorary members was also presented and voted upon by the delegates.

Saturday evening’s banquet, the room filled to capacity, did not disappoint. Roksolana Misilo served as mistress of Ceremonies. The newly elected National Board was introduced and rewarded by deserving applause. Resounding applause greeted the newly elected President, Marianna Zajac as she stepped to the podium to deliver her Address. Mrs. Zajac thanked all for the opportunity to serve as President of her beloved organization for the third time; she spoke of the accomplishments of UNWLA and then presented a view into the future of the UNWLA. She resolutely opened her address with the words of Natalia Kobryns'ka, known as Ukraine's First Feminist: "To move forward step by step, to strive for greater development of humankind, to struggle against backward views, to prove a woman's strength and ability given to her by nature; to pave new ways into the future" Although the President stated that this profound quote

reflected the very philosophy of UNWLA, she pledged in the name of the newly elected National Board to transform these words into actions during the next three years.

The highest UNWLA award, Honorary Membership, is reserved for longstanding members of the UNWLA with significant contributions while serving in leadership positions. This year the recipients were: Lidia Bilous, nominated by the Executive Committee, Daria Koniukh and Myrosia Baranyk nominated by the Detroit Regional Council; Anna Maksymovych and Lidia Buk from the Philadelphia R.C., Slava Gudziak from Syracuse

and Orysia Swystun from Branch 56. Occasionally Honorary Membership is bestowed on non-members of UNWLA, and even non-Ukrainians who work diligently in areas which complement the Mission of the UNWLA. Two such individuals were honored: Nadia McConnell, Founder and President of the U.S. Ukrainian Foundation and Dr. Christine Durbak, Founder and Chair of World Information Transfer, Inc. Prior to the

L to R: Bishop Borys Gudziak accepting award for his

mother from Marianna Zajac

L to R: Nadia McConnell accepting award form

Marianna Zajac

L to R: Ludmyla Hrabovska and Alla Kutsevych

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Convention Marianna Zajac had the opportunity to present Ruslana Lyzhychko with this Honorary Membership for “being the spirit” of the Maidan. We congratulate each of these ladies. Mnohaya Lita!

Several Awards were bestowed upon other deserving individuals and organizations: "The Ukrainian National Women's League of America Recognizes with Appreciation Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union. For your ongoing generous support of UNWLA's

mission and goals". This award was accepted by Mr. Bohdan Kurczak, President of the Credit Union. Also honored for their financial support were: The Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union (Accepting Mr. Zenon Halkowycz, Chief Financial Officer) and The SUMA Federal Credit Union (Accepting Mr. Wolodymyr Kozicky, Honorary Chairman of the Board). During this Convention, the UNWLA awarded its very first “UNWLA Humanitarian Award.” The first award was presented to Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov for his "endless energy, spirit and tireless effort in the care and treatment for the Children of Ukraine"; the second was presented to Dr. Daniel Driscoll for his "outstanding dedication and service in the care and treatment for the Children of Ukraine". Dr. Fuzaylov is an anesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and head of Doctors Collaborating to Help Children , a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation "dedicated to improving medical care for children throughout the world through advancements in medical education and training." Dr. Daniel N Driscoll is also part of DCtoHC. He is a plastic surgeon, Instructor in Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Assistant Surgeon in the Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and staff surgeon at Shriner’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

The “Kniahynia Olha” award was presented to the UNWLA President by Orysia Sushko, President of World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (WFUWO). The Executive Board of WFUWO chose to develop this honor, in the name of this " bright government activist, leader and "warrior". Kniahynia Olha’s actions left an indelible imprint in the history of the Xth century. In her address at the Banquet, Mrs. Sushko stated that "certainly the UNWLA will leave its imprint on the history of women of the world.” The UNWLA is proud to be the first organization to receive this award. this award. After the Invocation by Bishop Basil Losten, those present were entertained by Stefan Szkafarowsky renowned Bass Baritone who was aptly accompanied by pianist Christine Karpewych.

Two liturgies were celebrated on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian Catholic Mass was co-celebrated by Bishops Paul Chomnycky of the Stamford Eparchy and Bishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Paris, and the Ukrainian Orthodox by Rev. George Bazylevsky. After the Liturgy Bishop Gudziak gifted an icon created for the Beatification of the Holy Martyrs of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of the XX century to the UNWLA. Thank you!

L to R: Dr. Christine Durbak accepting award

from Marianna Zajac

L to R: Bishops Borys Gudziak and Paul

Chomnycky celebrating Divine Liturgy

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At the Plenary session which followed, Judge Oksana Xenos, UNWLA Parliamentarian, clearly outlined the duties of the UNWLA, as they pertain to not for profit organizations, and then she presented proposed amendments to the Bylaws. Iryna Rudyk, Chair of the Social Welfare Committee introduced Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov, the previous evening's recipient of the UNWLA Humanitarian Award. The audience was captured by his presentation which included pictures of the pediatric burn victims. The UNWLA has been partnering with Dr. Fuzaylov and Doctors

Collaborating to Help Children and Shriners Hospital in helping pediatric burn victims in Ukraine and those brought to Boston to be treated at Shriners. In addition, the UNWLA has supported annual Shriners Outreach Clinics held in L’viv since 2011. Honorary UNWLA President Anna Krawczuk, as guest speaker of the Scholarship Program Chair, spoke of the extensive and valuable work of the Committee.

In honor of the 70th anniversary of Our Life a short play was presented by members of branch 56 of North Port, Florida. It was written by Lida Slysh and Lidia Bilous. As each player portrayed an editor's contribution to the evolvement of Our Life, personal commentary was injected. This presentation was well received and greeted with applause. Sofijka Hewryk Cultural Affairs VP spoke of the Lesia and Petro Kovaliv Fund's awards, merit-based recognition which has been awarded

since 1967 for literary and historical works related to Ukrainian themes. The most recent were historical awards presented to Oksana Kis', Historian, Anthropologist and Senior Researcher with the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, for her work "Women in the Tradition of Ukrainian Culture in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century - Early Twentieth Century" and to Myroslava Diadiuk for her work " Between Gender Identity and National Engagement", Lviv, Astro Labe, published 2011. .Sofijka introduced her Guest Speakers: Director of the UKU Lectureship Dr. Martha Bohachevsky-Chomiak and Program Coordinator, Halyna Teslyuk, both of whom presented interesting program

Irena Rudyk introducing Dr. Fuzalov

Dr. Fuzalow making the presentation

Participants in the short play about Our Life magazine

Honorary UNWLA President Anna Krawczuk updating the

participants about the Scholarship Chair

L to R: Marianna Zajac presenting award to Anna Macielinski

L to R: Halyna Tesliuk and Dr. Marta

Bohachevsky-Chomiak presented details about Lectorium on Women

Studies at UCU

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details of the successful Lectureship. Dr. Teslyuk presented a video of several students of the lectureship (one of them a young man). These students voiced their opinions as to why this lectureship is so important in today's Ukraine. Certificates of appreciation were presented by Anna Macielinski, outgoing VP of Membership to UNWLA members for 50 years or more of service. UNWLA members who have been integral to the UNWLA’s Scholarship Program also received honorary citations for their contributions. These were presented by Maria Polanskyj. Certificates for dedication to the UNWLA Social Welfare Programs had been presented to branches during Saturday’s luncheon by Iryna Rudyk, as had been citations to those branches who had focused on cultural programs by Sofijka Hewryk.

This evening's dinner program was held in honor of the 200th Anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birth. Ludmyla Hrabovska and Alla Kutsevych once again demonstrated the beauty of Ukrainian song. Oleh Chmyr-Opalynsky entertained the audience, initially with several of Taras Shevchenko's lyrics and then he took the liberty of continuing with Ukrainian folk songs. After the solemn celebration of Taras Shevchenko, the mood turned festive, and before long there was clapping and eventually dancing by the audience. The evening was appreciated by all. All too soon it was Monday, the final day of the Convention. There was still important business to be addressed. Roma Shuhan, the outgoing Financial Secretary gave her report. Resolutions which had been diligently compiled were voted upon and accepted.

The VP of Membership presented her final report with an interesting statistical demographic analysis of ethnic Ukrainians in the US. The intent was to demonstrate where potential growth of UNWLA branches might be likely. It became evident that there is certainly potential for growth. Questions and answers followed, showing a healthy interest in the growth of our Organization. Marianna Zajac once again took to the podium. She thanked all for their participation and reminded all that "The Future of UNWLA is in Our Hands" !

Evening celebration

L to R: Mariana Zajac presenting Award of

Appreciation to Vera Kushnir, Chair of the Convention Committee

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Convention Attendees