USUF project director speaks on community partnerships (04/07/02)

USUF project director speaks on community partnerships

by Olenka Dobczanska

WARREN, Mich. - Vera Andrushkiw, project director of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation's Community Partnerships Project (CPP), recently spoke at a reception here at the Ukrainian Cultural Center.

Ms. Andrushkiw's presentation on March 2 included a lecture on the activities of the USUF, in particular, its Community Partnerships Projects, and the publication of Petro Ficaj's book, "Township Government in Michigan." The event, which was sponsored by the Shevchenko Scientific Society, Ukrainian National Association's Detroit District Committee, Ukrainian National Women's League of America Branch 96, and the Ukrainian Cultural Club, was attended by approximately 100 people from the greater Detroit area.

Ms. Andrushkiw acquainted the audience with the foundation's mission and activities. Some USUF programs mentioned by Ms. Andrushkiw included: Business Links, an effort to disseminate information about Ukrainian businesses to American counterparts; the Books for Ukraine Project which has successfully distributed over 500 books of various subjects to educational institutions across Ukraine; the Krasnodon Mine Disaster Fund, which collected and dispersed over $13,000 in donations for the widows and children affected by the tragedy; and USUF's collaboration with the University of South Alabama in the Ukrainian-American Birth Defects Program.

Ms. Andrushkiw explained how the USUF Community Partnerships Project has been an invaluable tool in achieving the USUF's goal to facilitate democratic development, encourage free market reform and enhance human rights in Ukraine. Through the CPP, Ukrainian municipal officials experience peer-to-peer exchanges with their American counterparts, and partnered and non-partnered cities in Ukraine receive training at regional training centers. These CPP activities have stimulated networks of progressive governments and have promoted international awareness in the United States and in Ukraine.

CPP cities frequently go beyond official program activities and use innovative ideas and volunteerism to improve their communities and to achieve more transparent, democratic municipal governments in Ukraine. The enthusiasm of CPP cities is seen in Cherkasy, which L. D. McMullen, an expert on water issues in the United States, visited for two weeks to study the city's water and how authorities might improve its water quality. Des Moines recently sponsored a business fair and fashion show on its partner city, Cherkasy, at a mall in Des Moines, Iowa. Omaha's new NGO, Omahans for Orphans, held a silent auction and dance that raised $12,740 for the orphanages of its partner city, Artemivsk. The success of such innovative ideas among CPP communities maximizes the program's impact in Ukraine and motivates new reform efforts, Ms. Andrushkiw pointed out.

Dr. Alexander Serafyn of the Ukrainian National Association, one of the opening speakers that night, said "The audience was very impressed by the reaction of the people in Ukraine. They are seeing the light and accepting a way of doing things a little differently. There's a definite willingness [on the part of Ukrainians] to learn or to acquire the knowledge. When they apply that knowledge, they do it because it works."

The reception also featured opening remarks by Dr. Paul Dzul, president of the Shevchenko Scientific Society.

Following her remarks on the CPP, Ms. Andrushkiw introduced Mr. Ficaj and his book, which was recently translated and distributed across Ukraine by USUF. Prior to the presentation that night, many in the audience had wondered about the relevance of the book to Ukraine. However, following Mr. Ficaj's words, the audience became aware of the book's prospective influence in promoting democracy at the local level in Ukraine.

Mr. Ficaj first told the audience about the substantial lack of information on the influence and responsibilities of local government in Ukraine and the need for that knowledge to ensure a successful transition to democracy for Ukraine.

"Democracy can be fostered in two ways: first, from the top down, through governmental imposition, or from the bottom up, the local populace," stated Mr. Ficaj. "I decided to publish my work on local self-government in order to show how democracy can start at the local level."

His book, "Township Government in Michigan," provides explanations of township government functions and duties of township officials in the United States. The book is enhanced with introductions by Prof. Tom Sinclair of Binghampton University in New York and local self-government expert in Ukraine, Volodymyr Parkhomenko, excerpts from U.S. President Thomas Jefferson and French philosopher Alexis de Toqueville; and a translation by Dr. Victor Lychyk.

For further information about the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation call (202) 347-4264 or e-mail usuf@usukraine.org.

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