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PEOPLE T H E O R G A N IZ A T IO N I B E L IE V E IN ! “The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America is the finest Ukrainian woman’s organization that I know of, and I’ve known a few. The mere fact that it has existed and survived through all the hard times in the past is to its credit.” Alexandra Riznyk said this firmly and with pride in her voice. She and I sat in her apart ment in the dining room, sipping coffee and chatting about her thirty year involvement with her beloved organization. “I joined the organization in the mid-fifties. I have my mother, who was a longtime member, to thank for that. As a matter of fact her name, Evdokia Lyktey, appeared on the original charter of UNWLA. Twent.with her to an event that the New York Regional Council was hosting and I looked at all those ladies having so much fun and enjoying such comraderie, that I was very impressed.” A. Riznyk explained that this organization suited her to a tee, being non-political and not affiliated with any religious group. “I felt UNWLA was an organi zation purely for women,” she added. In 1957 Alexandra Riznyk formed Branch 53 in Astoria, and remembers it as very nice, as well as how much the new members enjoyed their activities. Although she recalls her initial membership in the UNWLA as fun, her involvement in the organization throughout the years meant serious contribution and commitment on her part. In addition to serving as presi dent or her Branch for many years, A. Riznyk held the responsible and prestigious post of first vice president of the UNWLA for several terms, not to mention her membership on the various committees on the National Board, the Regional Council as well as positions of leadership in her favorite project, the Ukrainian Museum. “The Museum is the pinnacle of achievement for the UNWLA. It is the best and most wonderful accomplish ment, culturally speaking, ” said A. Riznyk. “The Mu seum is a very concrete and real thing, but our people don’t really appreciate it. I thought there would be a great response from our communities once the Museum opened, but there was very little and that is disappoint ing.” A. Riznyk praised the Museum management for doing a wonderful job in spite of the lack of space and interest from the Ukrainian community. She sees the Museum as a lasting tribute to our organization and to the women whose efforts helped to make it a reality. Stately, charming and beautiful, Alexandra Riznyk is an interesting person to talk to. She is a teacher by profession, thereby very articulate. She chooses her words carefully, explaining her ideas thoroughly and her face gently reflects the emotion she feels as she speaks. A. Riznyk has been blind for some time now, but there is no bitterness, no self-pity, nor does she elicit any from the person she addresses. A. Riznyk, smoked a long brown cigarette and spoke about the people in the organization whom she met in the many years of her membership. Most fondly she remembers Olena Lototsky, who she said was a remar kable woman, friendly and unpretentious, who never ignored anyone, but was kind and helpful. "Lidia Bura- chynska”, Alexandra Riznyk said, “is a lady with a capi tal L. Most women I met in the organization, I found to be very interesting, each one an individual from whom I could always learn something, ” she concluded. Mrs. Riznyk also spoke about the programs and practices of the UNWLA. It disturbed her, she said, that the organization disbands a Branch when members are no longer able to attend meetings due to their advanced age. “There should be a roster of retired Branches so that their activities are not forgotten, ” said Mrs. Riznyk. On the topic of membership, she also said that it is very important for Branches to keep in touch with members who are absent from meetings. "Someone from the Branch should call these people, tell them about the meeting, show them that the Branch is interested in their membership,” she explained. Speaking about welfare and its role as a program in the UNWLA, Mrs. Riznyk praised the efforts which the organization expands on behalf of its various aid pro jects abroad. However, she feels that many situations here at home are being neglected, such as programs for senior citizens, which could be developed and main tained by each Region. Mrs. Riznyk maintains that the organization is still not up to par as far as public relations go. “We need to be more aggressive, find opportunities and friends ,who will promote our cause,” she explained. But she had nothing but praise for OUR LIFE magazine, which she says, is a wonderful publication. Mrs. Riznyk applauded the fine work former editor Uliana Lubowych has put into the magazine, keeping its literary standards at a high level. With a lot of time on her hands at the present, Alex andra Riznyk uses it to build a new life. “People don’t change because they are blind,” she states. With forti tude, determination and a meet-life-head-on attitude so characteristic of her, she ventures to learn new ways to function which will make her less dependent on others. Several times a week she attends various programs at the Lighthouse, is learning to read Braille and how to walk with a cane. She also subscries to the Ukrainian Talking Book program, a recorded tape lending service for the blind based in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Riznyk is a member of Branch 64. She main tains a running interest in the activities of the UNWLA and last year attended the XX Convention with the help of her daughter, who also recently became a member. ‘My life has been enriched because of my interest and involvement in our organization,” said Alexandra Riznyk. MARTA BACZYNSKY 32 ’НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ТРАВЕНЬ 1985 Видання C оюзу Українок A мерики - перевидано в електронному форматі в 2012 році . A рхів C У A - Ню Йорк , Н . Й . C Ш A.
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