VIEW FROM THE TREMBITA LOUNGE: Where do we go from here? (06/05/05)

VIEW FROM THE TREMBITA LOUNGE

by Taras Szmagala Jr.

Where do we go from here?

"So, who did you say owns this place, again?" asked Marko, from his familiar perch at the Trembita Lounge bar. "The Ukrainian National Association," I replied. "It owns Soyuzivka, and publishes Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly." I wasn't surprised at the question - over the years, I've discovered that many of my peers are unfamiliar with the UNA.

Marko gave me a quizzical look. "And what, exactly, does the UNA do, other than operate resorts and newspapers?" "It sells life insurance," was my reply. Marko's expression turned from quizzical to incredulous. "Life insurance? You have to be kidding. What is the Ukrainian community doing in the life insurance business? Seems kinda silly to me."

"Silly? Not at all." I was trying not to be defensive, but I was annoyed. "Let me enlighten you," I said, somewhat officiously. Marko knew he was in for it now. I shifted on the barstool, took a deep breath, and began. "In the 1890s, when new Ukrainian immigrants were working in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, and in the 1920s, when they slaved away in Cleveland steel mills or Detroit factories, no American company would insure them. Their life expectancy was just too short. And when they died - as they so frequently did in their 20s and 30s - the UNA was often the only source of support for their families."

Marko wanted to interject, but my momentum kept me going. "Socially, the UNA was the bedrock of our community. As the largest Ukrainian organization in North America (excepting the Churches), the UNA spoke for all of us. Local branches held social events, from zabavas and banquets to bowling tournaments and festivals. And, politically, we were the voice of the diaspora - our events were attended by senators and presidents. Heck, in 1982 the keynote speaker at our convention was then Vice-President George Bush. Silly? I think not."

"Interesting," pondered Marko. "Very interesting, Taras. Thanks for the history lesson. But think about the verbs you just used, my friend. Every one, without exception, was in the past tense. As in 'the UNA spoke,' or 'the UNA was.' How about some current news, Taras? What is the UNA today?"

"Well," I paused, "the UNA owns Soyuzivka, and publishes Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly. But I guess I already said that," I muttered, as I nervously stirred my drink. Marko was gracious in making his point. "Yes, Taras, you already did. And I have nothing against the UNA. But what is its relevance today? You have to admit, it's something to think about."

To be honest, I really have not wanted to think about it. After all, I am somewhat of a "genetic UNA-er." My great-grandfather was a UNA branch secretary in 1898, and the list of close family members who have served in the association is long. To question the future of this organization to which so many of my family gave so much of their time seems, well, almost disrespectful. But as I pondered Marko's question, I realized he was right.

While it has had a long and impressive history, recent years have been less kind to our association. Membership is down, and, more significantly, its role in our community has considerably diminished. No longer is the UNA a major player in the social or political life of the community. Socially, the organization is almost invisible to my peers; politically, groups such as the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America exert much more influence. The products sold by the UNA, while financially sound, are not in great demand. Yes, it is through the UNA that I have the privilege of writing this article and sitting in the Trembita Lounge, but other than those benefits, it's hard to define a role for today's UNA.

I firmly believe that the decline of our association is not the fault of its leadership, either current or former. Indeed, the UNA has always been blessed with dedicated individuals who have worked for the good of its members. But the needs of our community are much different than the needs the UNA was formed to fill more than 110 years ago. The UNA's role in youth programming and activities, prominent before World War II, is now filled by Plast and SUM. There is no shortage of Ukrainian professional and cultural organizations to satisfy the needs of the community. And, of course, we are now able to buy large life insurance policies at competitive rates from a wide range of companies.

So does the UNA still have a role to play in today's community, or have we outgrown "Batko Soyuz"? Do we continue to put our efforts into selling life insurance? Do we look for a way to wrap up our association, using the proceeds to endow the activities of this newspaper and/or our resort, while ensuring that all policyholders are protected? Or do we come up with a new business plan altogether? The time has come to enter into a thoughtful, community-wide discussion in an effort to answer these questions.

I finished my drink and pushed back from the bar. "You're right, Marko. You have given me - all of us - something to think about. Because if we ignore the questions, we will implicitly be making a decision to do nothing. And that's still a decision."

"Taras, don't worry," Marko counseled. "We do not dishonor the UNA's history by responsibly considering its future. In fact, the best way to respect the achievements of the organization is to treat the future deliberately. Sometimes, it's best to end things on one's own terms."

His words, though true, gave me little comfort. I sadly walked out the door and headed home.

Taras Szmagala Jr. may be reached at Szmagala@yahoo.com.

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