Dear Friends and supporters of Ukraine, 

This is the third time we have summarized our yearly accomplishments in such a report, and the second one done under the pressure and constraints of wartime in Ukraine.

In times like these, the resiliency and efficacy of any organization are put to the test. Much like for our fellow soyuzianky from the generation of World War II survivors, there is no roadmap to navigate the challenges the full-scale war in Ukraine poses for us nowadays: physical, logistical, emotional, and mental. 

What guides us on this road?

Unlike many exclusively Ukraine-focused organizations here in the U.S., the UNWLA consists of branches and individual members spread across the country. Their perspectives, experiences, and local initiatives pump blood to the heart of the UNWLA. Their effort, combined with organization-wide committees outreach and initiatives on the national level, generates a sizable positive impact on Ukraine and Ukrainians across the globe. Most importantly, UNWLA cares for Ukraine and its people – and we hope that every page of this report will contribute to illustrating this fact. 

Every year, we attempt to gather as complete a picture of our organizational impact as possible, reaching across the states to learn more about the activities and initiatives of our branches. The last year of 2023 has been exceptional in this regard. Along with the traditional reporting done by the branches and regional councils of the UNWLA, I personally visited nearly all of UNWLA branches, either online or in person, as a part of my own leadership commitment to improve communication, build trust, increase understanding, enhance engagement, and identify leadership at different levels in the organization.

Just like our membership is dedicated and diverse in age, background, and locale, our programming  continues to connect tradition and innovation. The pages of this report will tell you both the story of  the Scholarship Program, which is in its 58th year of operation, and our newest collaboration with  a Ukrainian non-profit organization that supplies military uniforms to an unprecedented number of  Ukrainian women serving on the frontline.

In both our long-standing programs and new initiatives, we aim for transparency, accountability, and precision as the longest-standing organization of Ukrainian women in the U.S. So it is our mission, the dedication of our membership, our legacy, and new initiatives, and the trust of individuals and organizations like you that guide us on this journey.

Thank you for your support! 

MISSION AND VISION

Throughout the years, the mission of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America has been to promote and develop educational and cultural initiatives and provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians worldwide.

• preserve Ukrainian national identity and cultural heritage by supporting the research and study of Ukrainian history, literature, art, culture, and traditions;
• inform the public about Ukraine and its culture: Ukrainian history, language, literature, and art, as well as Ukrainian social and national ideals and aspirations;
• provide financial assistance to persons of Ukrainian descent within and outside the U.S., specifically for education and research into Ukrainian history and culture;
• initiate and maintain ties with other Ukrainian organizations, as well as with American and international organizations that have educational and charitable objectives, especially women’s organizations;
• support The Ukrainian Museum in New York, founded by the UNWLA
• participate in Ukrainian, American, and international women’s movements.

Membership in the UNWLA is open to any woman eighteen years or older residing in the United States of America who is of Ukrainian descent or who is active in the Ukrainian-American community. Women interested in joining the UNWLA have two types of membership: traditional and membership-at-large.

For each type of membership, the UNWLA offers comprehensive support and guidance. Members meet regularly, advocate, educate, cultivate and care collaboratively, and can serve also as officers, committee chairwomen and members of committees.

Locale is often a deciding factor between traditional and at-large membership. Nevertheless, UNWLA members are united by a common mission, and often collaborate notwithstanding geographical distance.

Throughout 2023, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America showcased our unwavering commitment to advocacy, remembrance, and cultural appreciation. From the celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day to raising awareness about the Holodomor, UNWLA demonstrated its dedication to serving both the Ukrainian community and fostering meaningful relationships with elected officials. 

The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America continues to invest in educational opportunities in Ukraine, offer scholarships to students and further the knowledge about Ukraine and its people worldwide.

Total educational expenditures in 2023: $23,470

Decolonization, promotion of Ukrainian cinema, screenplays and exhibits were the prominent themes in our culture-focused work in 2023.