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OUR LIFE Monthly, published by Ukrainian National Women’s League of America VOL. XXXIX JANUARY 1982 EDITED BY A. H. Sawyckyj Viewpoint UNWLA AND THE YOUNG UKRAINIAN WOMAN by Christine Dobczanska-Meinyk The main goal of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America is to bring together all women of Ukrainian ancestry. Is the UNWLA successful vis-a-vis young Ukrainian women in the U. S.? Do these young women join our Branches? Unfortunately not. Only a small percentage of young women and young mothers are interested in the work of UNWLA. Most are reluctant to join. They cite a number of reasons for not joining: “not enough time, have other interests, UNWLA isn’t doing anything concrete.” For some reason, UNWLA does not have a “positive image” among young Ukrainian women and in our wider community. How can we rectify this? We, as UNWLA members, must inform and show women (and particularly prospective members) what UNWLA is, how it distinguishes itself from other women’s clubs and associations, and its achievements, which are many. Our help to orphans, assistance to theology students in the Ukrainian church, our Ukrainian Museum which attracts a lot of non-Ukrainians and in this way popularizes knowledge about our art history and culture — we have this and much more to be proud of. We, as UNWLA members, must have a positive attitude toward our organization. When others see our personal satisfaction and our positive achievements, they may be interested in joining. It’s sad to say, but there seems to be an indifference to Ukrainian matters by many Ukrainians — indifference to church, to youth organizations, to Ridna Shkola. The reason often given is “lack of time.” Often, the lack of time is caused by the increasing number of working women, particularly working mothers. When the children in a family become old enough to join Plast, SUM, etc. the parents then may become active in those organiza tions. There is not much time left for UNWLA. If young women could see UNWLA as a means of getting together and cooperating on goals and issues which are important to their lives, we could solve this problem of indifference. Let us see how UNWLA could resolve this. Looking over the Reports from the Branches over the last few years, we see that many young Branches arose out of an interest by mothers in forming nursery schools (svitlychky). This is an excellent goal, but UNWLA’s role should not stop with nursery schools. As young mothers we should make sure UNWLA expands on its educational role — for example, by publishing in Our Life just before the beginning of the school year, a list of Ukrainian educational handbooks and materials. Individual Branches could contribute to this. How? There are many young professionals — teachers and illustrators — who can and do prepare educational materials in the Branches. The Branches should keep UNWLA’s National Office informed so that it can share these materials with others in UNWLA who need them. Another goal which is very important is spreading the truth about Ukraine. We have many members who are Ukrainian teachers in grammar and high schools. How helpful it would be if UNWLA could coordinate the production of a slide presentation about Ukrainian history and art which could be used in the Branches, by these teachers in their classrooms, and by mothers of Ukrainian children who are often asked to share some information about their heritage with their children’s schoolmates. Another area where young Ukrainian women could serve useful functions would be as guest speakers about Ukraine and its culture before various clubs and associa tions in their local communities. Here I have noted just a few of the ways in which UNWLA can attract the young Ukrainian woman to UNWLA: by helping young mothers with the Ukrainian aspect of their children’s education beyond the nursery school, and by giving young modern women the op portunity to spread the truth about Ukraine in the non- Ukrainian world. There is no question that UNWLA is one of the most important community organizations which has played a vital role in preserving the Ukrainian identity in the U. S. Now let’s be sure UNWLA accepts young women, cooperates with them and gives them an oportunity to fulfill their interests and goals within the structure of our organization. Christine Dobczanska-Meinyk became involved in UNWLA as a nursery school teacher eleven years ago. Since January 1981 she is the President of UNWLA Branch 108 in New Haven, Conn. where she has held various posts over the years. This article is adapted from a talk she delivered in Ukrainian at UNWLA’s 19th Convention in Philadelphia in May 1981. ’’НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, СІЧНЕЬ 1982 23
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