Final convention decisions (05/31/98)

Final convention decisions

The final resolutions and recommendations of the 34th Convention, as prepared for publication by the Press and Resolutions Committee, are:

RESOLUTIONS

The convention resolves,

To shorten the Soyuzivka season from the full year to June 1 - September 15, for the 1999 season (Proposed by the Finance Committee);
That the Svoboda daily newspaper become a weekly, as of July 1, 1998 (Proposed by the Finance Committee);
That the General Assembly of the UNA elected at this convention is hereby directed to prepare a referendum to amend the Charter and By-Laws of the UNA to provide for a governance structure consisting of an 11-member Board of Directors to be elected by the 35th Convention to conduct the business of the UNA between conventions. The Board of Directors shall meet no less than quarterly, and shall have the authority to hire the Executive Committee in such manner as it shall determine. This referendum shall be completed no later than December 31, 1999 (Proposed by the By-Laws Committee);
Realizing and recognizing the serious and perilous financial condition of the UNA, within 90 days of the 34th Convention, the newly elected Executive is directed to hire a competent financial consultant to review and evaluate the entire UNA organization, its financial position, and to discover ways and means to restore the UNA to a solid financial status (Moved by William Pastuszek, auditor);
Given that the 33rd Convention of the Ukrainian National Association resolved that a bust be erected and dedicated at the UNA estate to the memory of the late Patriarch Mstyslav, the General Assembly is directed to erect and dedicate this bust of Patriarch Mstyslav as soon as possible (Moved by Dr. Wasyl Szeremeta, Branch 247/1);
The UNA supports a quadrennial district caucus for the chairpersons within each district. This caucus should commence two years after each convention. The purpose of this caucus is to provide a forum for the district chairpersons so that ideas on activities and organizing can be shared (Moved by Nicholas Diakiwsky, advisor);
Whereas increased financial income is crucial for the well-being of the UNA, be it resolved that the UNA General Assembly thoroughly investigate the area of charitable giving, planned giving and fund-raising to support UNA fraternal activities, in particular, Soyuzivka, with a view to vigorously employing these means to increase the UNA's annual income (Moved by Albert Kachkowski, Branch 444);
Whereas it appears that delegates to the convention, in some instances, are being chosen by means other than a duly called meeting of the members of the branch, be it resolved that this convention reminds secretaries they are obligated to follow the UNA By-Laws and therefore must call a meeting of their branch members, with properly given notice to all members, in order to elect their delegates to the convention (Moved by Albert Kachkowski, Branch 444);
In accordance with convention tradition, delegates graciously authorize the deduction of $25 from their per diem, to be donated to the UNA Foundation, and earmarked for the Soyuzivka estate (Moved by William Pastuszek, auditor).

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Petitions Committee recommends:

That the sum of $3,000 (U.S.), earmarked by the Executive Committee of the UNA for charitable donations, be issued to the following organizations and institutions:

To the Plast Ukrainian Youth Organization, for youth camps: $500
To the SUM Ukrainian Youth Association, for youth camps: $500
To the Gold Cross organization, for youth camps: $200
To the archive of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Montreal Branch: $100
To the construction fund of the St. Sophia Association, in Zazdrist, Ukraine: $300
To The Ukrainian Museum in New York: $200
To the Ukrainian Museum in Cleveland: $100
For the film "Ukraine in Flames" by the Yaroslav Kulynych Film Studio: $200
To the Orphans of Ukraine Fund at the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee: $300
To the Social Services of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America: $300
To the archive of Prof. Volodymyr Mokry's publishing house in Krakow: $200
To the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada: $100.

Petitions Committee: Irene Serba (Branch 173), chairperson; Adolf Hladylovych (Branch 434); Wasyl Liscynesky (Branch 240); Myron Luszczak (Branch 379); Wolodymyr Jaciw (Branch 32/389).

The Secretaries Committee recommends:

When the financial situation of the UNA improves, we recommend that the reward for sale of certificates of class P-65 and P-20 for the first year be raised from the current 50 percent to 60 percent; for class E-18, E-20 and E-65 from the current 30 percent to 40 percent. We also recommend to raise the monthly collected dues from the current 12 percent to 15 percent on certificates across the board.

We further recommend monthly assessment sheets be sent to secretaries by the 15th of each month; that a dividend be issued this year, even for a lesser amount; and that mailings to secretaries in Canada be enclosed in white paper envelopes [in keeping with Canadian standards regulating first-class mail delivery].

Secretaries Committee: Tymko Butrey (Branch 164), chairman Joseph Hawryluk (Branch 360); Vera Gojewycz (Branch 423); Myron Groch (Branch 461); Maria Zaviysky (Branch 155); Julie Guglik (Branch 259).