NEWS AND VIEWS: Ukraine still needs our assistance; we need to continue support (08/29/99)

NEWS AND VIEWS

Ukraine still needs our assistance; we need to continue support

by Walter Tiun

After Ukraine declared independence in August of 1991, many of the Chicago area's Ukrainian activists who worked toward Ukraine's independence felt a sense of closure and, in many instances, relief that the "battle" had finally ended.

I don't think anyone was prepared for the void in activism that followed shortly thereafter. To be sure, local cultural life continued, but after the initial excitement of a free homeland, it seemed that little needed to be said about Ukraine to the American public. And so, the voices that had spotlighted Ukraine diminished.

The next phase was disillusionment with corruption and stories of theft or diversion of hard-earned funds that the diaspora was sending newly independent Ukraine. As a result, there did not appear to be much interest in championing the Ukrainian cause.

Nonetheless, a sense of duty fueled a new determination among some in the United States to assist the fledgling democracy. I'm proud to say that Selfreliance Ukrainian Federal Credit Union, whose main office is in Chicago, was among those groups and individuals that began new programs and became actively engaged in working with Ukraine in the turbulent times following independence.

Without missing a beat, the credit union continued its assistance on a variety of fronts. It was one of the few Ukrainian institutions that wired money to Ukraine and that engaged the U.S. government at its highest levels in democratization projects with Ukraine.

Most notably, Selfreliance UFCU became involved in the international effort initiated by the World Council of Ukrainian Cooperatives whose goal was the re-establishment of credit unions in Ukraine. It should be noted that our credit union's CEO, Bohdan Watral, at the time served as chairman of the Coordinating Committee for the Reintroduction of Credit Unions in Ukraine.

That sense of duty has continued most recently with Selfreliance UFCU's latest major initiative: co-sponsorship of the first Ukrainian Day at the Illinois governor's mansion on July 24. Spearheaded by Illinois State Sen.Walter Dudycz and Mr. Watral, the event once again focused the eyes of the state government on Ukraine.

Ukrainian Day at the Executive Mansion in Springfield, Ill., turned out to be a great success. Together with Selfreliance UFCU, co-sponsors of the event were State Sen. Dudycz and the Illinois Department of Ethnic Affairs. Sen. Dudycz and Mr. Watral served as masters of ceremonies.

Over 400 participants arrived in the early afternoon by charter bus and by car. They were greeted with Ukrainian flags and banners that adorned the mansion grounds for the first time in the state's history. Gov. Ryan and First Lady Lura Lynn personally welcomed all guests and invited them into the mansion, where many took the opportunity to have a picture taken of themselves with the governor.

Ukrainian artisans displayed their creations, musicians in traditional Ukrainian attire performed folk music, and participants sampled Ukrainian food. Complimentary trident-emblazoned t-shirts commemorating the day were made available to all who attended.

The governor issued an official proclamation of Ukrainian Day, in which he noted that "Ukrainian Americans have contributed greatly to the State of Illinois in all areas, including the arts, education, science, business, medicine. law, government and public service."

A ceremony in observance of the special day was conducted at the governor's mansion. Bishop Michael Wiwchar of the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy gave the benediction. State Sen. Dudycz and Mr. Watral spoke of the warm relationship between the state's leaders and the Ukrainian community. The consul general of Ukraine in Chicago, Borys M. Bazylevskyi, greeted Gov. Ryan with the presentation of a "bulava," a traditional symbol of a hetman's authority.

A highlight of the event was Gov. Ryan's presentation of $500,000 from the Illinois First Program to the Ukrainian National Museum (UNM). The grant became a reality through the work of Sen. Dudycz, who initiated the funding request, and Gov. Ryan who enthusiastically supported the idea.

UNM President Dr. George Hrycelak and UNM Executive Director Jaroslaw Hankewych accepted the funds on behalf of the museum. Dr. Hrycelak, Mr. Hankewych, Orest Hrynewych, Messrs. Watral, and Dudycz were named to the committee charged with overseeing the distribution of the $500,000.

"This is the largest one-time allocation by the State of Illinois to its Ukrainian community. We welcome the assistance," commented Mr. Watral. "Selfreliance Ukrainian Federal Credit Union devoted significant energy to making this 'first ever' event a reality, and we are delighted at its success."

The "Ukrainian Day Celebration" at the governor's mansion" concluded with many smiles and an even greater awareness by Gov. Ryan of the Ukrainian community in Illinois and its dedication to helping Ukraine.

After nearly eight years of independence, a fragile economy, and a Russia longing for the old regime, it's clear that Ukraine needs our assistance today more than ever. And in order for our Ukrainian American institutions to provide that assistance, they also need the support and involvement of the Ukrainian community

Walter Tiun is marketing manager for the Chicago-based Selfreliance UFCU. As a credit union development educator), he is also involved in the international project to reintroduce credit unions in Ukraine.

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