Chornobyl's 10th: a call to action (01/21/96)

Chornobyl's 10th: a call to action

The year 1996 marks the 10th anniversary of Chornobyl, the worst nuclear disaster in history. This solemn occasion provides a unique opportunity to educate the American public about the current situation in Ukraine and to challenge global leaders to address the ongoing medical and environmental crisis caused by this unprecedented tragedy. Chornobyl was an accident of immense proportions whose impact is still being felt in thousands of communities across Eastern Europe

In contrast to other man-made or natural disasters, many of the worst effects caused by nuclear fallout emerge only 10 to 20 years following exposure to radiation In the next 10 years countless men, women and children will face the specter of Jatent cancers and other life-threatening disease, and their survival will depend to a great extent on the humanitarian response of Western nations. The world community needs to be reminded that Chornobyl is just beginning to take its toil on the people of Ukraine.

Under the patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine, a coalition of national organizations has been formed to commemorate Chornobyl's 10th anniversary. A year-long campaign, titled "Chornobyl Challenge 96," is being organized to draw maximum attention to Chornobyl's continuing threat to human health and to the environment. To meet our goal of broadening public awareness of Chornobyl's consequences, planning for various activities - press conferences, fund-raising events, scholarly symposia, religious services, rallies and concerts - has begun.

All events will be professionally produced and publicized. Educational materials about Chornobyl and Ukraine will be published and distributed, and media interviews will be arranged. As with any campaign that seeks to reach out to a larger audience and to maximize the visibility of an urgent human need, Chornobyl Challenge '96 will require the generous support and involvement of citizens from across the country.

It is essential that the Ukrainian American community realize the importance of this anniversary, and we urge everyone concerned with the future of Ukraine to contribute generously to its success. With your involvement and financial assistance, we hope to raise over $300,000 to make Chornobyl Challenge '96 one of the most memorable and effective campaigns in our community's history.

Out of the tragedy of Chornobyl, the people of Ukraine forged a powerful catalyst for their independence struggle. The struggle for Ukraine's future is still unfolding, and it is a future in which the entire world has a vital stake. Chornobyl must be remembered - not to preserve the past but to remove the menace the past has left behind, and to create an environment, a vision and a common purpose that can sustain the generations yet to come.

The Chornobyl Challenge '96 Coalition looks forward to the community's response.

Tax-deductible contributions may be made out to Chornobyl Challenge '96 and mailed directly to the coalition account at the Newark Selfreliance Ukrainian Credit Union at 734 Sandford Ave., Newark, NJ 07106-3627. All donors of $100 or more will receive public recognition and a special commemorative gift.

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Sponsoring institutions: All-Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Fellowship; Children of Chornobyl Foundation; Chornobyl Committee of Washington; Coordinating Committee for Aid to Ukraine; The Embassy of Ukraine; The Harriman; Institute al Columbia University: Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations; Ukrainian American Coordinating Council; Ukrainian Catholic Church-Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Eparchies of Chicago, Parma and Stamford; Ukrainian Congress Committee of America; Ukrainian Fraternal Association; Ukrainian National Association; Ukrainian National Women's League of America; Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States; The Washington Group; World Federation of Ukrainian Medical Associations; World Information Transfer.

The preceding is a growing list of sponsors. Members of the coalition invite other organizations to join. New contributions and proposals are welcome. To learn more about the events being planned for the Chornobyl 10th anniversary, or to help organize events in your community or region, please contact the Chornobyl Challenge Coalition at (201) 258-9464.

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