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OUR LIFE MONTHLY, published by Ukrainian National Women's League of America Vol XXXV NOVEMBER 1978 NO 10 BY OLHA HNATEYKO UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: TIME FOR A CHANGE One goal of every Ukrainian organization is the same — to preserve Ukrainian identity. And each organization designs a program of activity based on current circumstances such as community needs, social and political trends, and interests and needs of the membership. For example, in the 1950’s the attitude of American society toward ethnic groups was not favorable,contacts with American society were few. Families lived close to Ukrainian churches, Ukrainian Saturday school teachers were plentiful, community activists were many. Ukrai nian language prevailed and assimilation seemed very remote. The programs of community organizations were based on the realities of those times. Every organization’s program must be based on existing reality. The UNWLA has perhaps been one of the most successful organizations in recent years because, according to I. Rozankowsky, ’’UNWLA members were saved from the process of assimilation" and in this way their children — one more generation of Ukrainians —were saved from assimilation. But the situation has changed in the last twenty years. Ukrainians are no longer staying within the community. Many young people are scattered all over the country and the frequency of mixed marriages has reached alarming proportions. Knowledge of Ukrainian language and culture and a desire to cultivate Ukrai- nianism has declined and this is causing anxiety among Ukrainian community leaders. Up to now our organization has not had great obstacles, but the 1970’s will be different. Although there are more professional women, fewer speak Ukrainian and fewer show an interest in Ukrainian community life. It is true that Ukrainian courses have been established in universities. And that our youth actively defends human rights in Ukraine. But these are the minority, the exceptions. We are beginning to feel the need for a ’’new Ukrainian individual” who would be able to speak,read and write Ukrainian, be aware of the contemporary political and social conditions in Ukraine and the U. S., and be interested in developing Ukrainianism further. In Ukraine there have arisen these "new Ukrainian individuals” who, might serve as models in our program to mold similar individuals in this country. Such a program must be result of a wide-ranging discussion and well thought-out processes, not just a response to resolutions at a general meeting. We must consider what results such programs will bring in the future, not just today. There is a sincere desire within us to preserve our Ukrainianism — it needs only to be rekindled. condensed and translated by A. H. S. UKRAINIAN WOMEN AND "THE MOVEMENT“ by Наїупа Kutko The following talk was given by Ms. Kutko at the 18th Convention of UNWLA in New York City in May 1978. Our Life encourages all its Ukrainian women readers to fill out and send in to us the attached questionnaire, de veloped and used by Ms. Kutko In her research for her talk. IN THE INTEREST OF GREATER OBJECTIVITY, PLEASE FILL OUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE (p.12) FIRST, THEN CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE BELOW. ”ls the Women’s Movement a real issue in the Ukrainian community today? This is the topic of my talk. The theme itself should not present any problems, but the fact that we are discussing current matters about which there are no official statistics or sociological works, complicates things a little. To prepare myself for today’s panel and to get a better cross-section of Ukrainian women’s views, I spoke with various women and also prepared and sent out a questionnaire to several branches of UNWLA (N.Y., Newark, New Brunswick, Philadelphia, Chicago) and to personal acquaintances in other parts of the U.S. Although only 60 questionnaires were sent out, 75 were returned to me (some obviously xeroxed!) and be came the basis for the talk I will give today. Such an ex traordinary response shows that there is a great deal of interest in the topic and that women are eager to share their thoughts. An important consideration is that the questionnaire is anonymous, that is, respondents are not asked to give their names. Also, the questions are simple — mostly multiple choice, or requiring only a ”yes” or ”no” answer. Such an approach, I felt, would encourage a direct and honest response. As you listen to my talk today, ask yourself whether
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