UCCA prepares Congress of Ukrainians in America (08/29/04)

UCCA prepares Congress of Ukrainians in America

by Tamara Gallo-Olexy
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America

NEW YORK - Since its founding in 1940 the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) has represented the interests of the Ukrainian American community before the U.S. government and worked to improve the fate of Ukraine. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and Ukraine's restored independence, the UCCA has redirected its efforts toward supporting Ukraine's democratic transition and encouraging free-market reform, while sustaining a vibrant Ukrainian community in the United States. The focus of the UCCA's work is determined at the quadrennial Congress of Ukrainians in America. This year, "the City of Brotherly Love," Philadelphia, will host the 19th Congress of Ukrainians in America from September 24 to September 26 at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia.

This convention of UCCA members brings together representatives of the UCCA branches and member-organizations. Representatives of Ukrainian civic organizations and the hierarchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church will also be among the convention participants.

In addition to addressing internal matters and electing UCCA governing bodies, convention delegates and guests will have an opportunity to discuss various issues of importance during six planned workshops. The format of the workshops is designed to allow for an open and frank discussion on various topics, including: "Maintaining/Preserving our Identity," "Unifying the Ukrainian American Community," "Using the Mass Media to Get Your Message Out," "Advocacy - Your Voice in American Politics," "Support for Ukraine: Furthering Democracy and Ukrainianization," and "Outreach Programs for New Immigrants and Youth."

The main focus of this year's congress is the unification of the Ukrainian American community. During the last several years the UCCA has worked actively toward this goal, initiating several meetings with leaders of various Ukrainian American civic organizations. During such meetings, strategies for community unification, as well as issues that interest various groups within the community were discussed. Organizations that are not members of the UCCA are welcome to participate in the congress as observers. The UCCA strives to represent the interests of all Ukrainian Americans, since a united Ukrainian American voice in Washington, as well as in Kyiv, would have greater influence.

The Convention Organizing Committee has planned two special events: a casual evening reception on Friday and a formal congressional banquet on Saturday evening. Many high-level officials from the United States and Ukraine have been invited to participate in the banquet, which begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening. During the banquet, members of the Ukrainian community who demonstrated great commitment and active work in the community will be presented with the Shevchenko Freedom Award. This award will also be presented to non-Ukrainians who have championed the cause of the Ukrainian American community.

The ticket price for the convention banquet is $100 per person. To reserve tickets, please contact Ihor Kusznir, UCCA Philadelphia Branch president and chairman of the 19th Congress Organizing Committee, by telephone at (215) 498-1697 or via mail at 500 E. Gravers Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8411.

Also, on Friday evening there will be a concert of local talent, and on Saturday evening, at 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., there will be a dance (admission is $25).

The UCCA urges all community members to take part in the XIX Congress of Ukrainians in America in order to make their contributions to the UCCA action plan for the next four years. In order to register for the congress, or for more information, readers may contact the UCCA National Office at (212) 228-6840 or e-mail ucca@ucca.org. A discounted hotel price for delegates ($99 per night) is valid for reservations made before August 31. Hotel information is as follows: Crowne Plaza Philadelphia CenterCity Hotel, 1800 Market St., Philadelphia PA 19103; telephone, (215) 561-7500; fax, (215) 561- 2556, (215) 561-7500; e-mail, salesphiladelphiacrowne@ichotelsgroup.com; website, http://cpphiladelphia-centercity.felcor.com/.

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