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We are living in very turbulent times, when the family unit needs a lot of support and recognition. It is, therefore, very appropriate that 1994 was proclaimed the Year of the Family by the United Nations General Assembly. The family unit is the most important and unique component of society. It is within the family that children get the emotional support necessary for their later happiness and well-being. The family’s job in our modern society is very tough, and without full involvement of families in government and community organizations, there would be little hope for improving social and economic conditions in today’s world. Isn’t it ironic that we put an emphasis on the family during this particular year, instead of making it an integral, important part of our life regardless of the day or year? Unfortunately, today’s family is plagued by social problems, abuse and neglect; and, therefore the Year of the Family serves as a critical reminder of all these problems. The intent of the General Assembly is to promote a greater awareness of the family unit, which is something all of us, who are in tune with the present state of family in today’s world want. We see, even within our own Ukrainian communities: domestic violence, sexual abuse, drugs, and other problems. These issues can be found not only within certain types of families or single parent families, they plague families from different walks of life and cause tremendous strain to individual family units. They need to be discussed. A family gives an individual a sense of security and belonging. It is a close circle in which tradition, culture, relationships are exchanged. Culture is taught within the family unit and individuals (personalities, views, moral codes) are shaped. A family is perhaps the most permanent kind of human relationship, and for this permanence to last, all individuals within the unit must work together to retain their unity. It is precisely this effort at keeping together that should be commended this year — the determination of people to stay together in a close and loving environment. In other words, quality family time. For the Ukrainian communities in the diaspora, the family was a unit in which a sense of “Ukrainian awareness” was preserved. Each immigration of Ukrain ian families to various parts of the world, brought with it a desire to pass on tradition. All aspects of Ukrainian culture and history were passed through families and spread like wildfire. More importantly, this knowledge and love of our Ukrainian heritage was then passed on to future generations. Each wave brought with them the Ukrainian fervor; they organized, built churches, schools and organiza tions. Because of their blood, sweat and tears, Ukrain ians in the diaspora can be proud of their communities and organizations within them. From generation to generation, within the family unit, and ultimately the community, Ukrainian culture was present in countries settled by emigres from Ukraine. This sense of Ukrainian identity will last only through hard work and perseverance of future family units, who will have to work harder to keep alive the language, community life and sense of identity. This will be a diffi cult task, but not more difficult than that of previous immigration waves, who had to build their Ukrainian communities in completely foreign lands, without any base. Ukraine’s Academy of Sciences has set up a scien tific council, which will deal with family issues and women in the workforce. Issues of marriage, family, and women in society will be focused on by a special department. The problem of a growing number of orphans and expansion of family-related services will also be examined. Programs on many of these topics will be aired on TV and radio, nationally and regionally, so that a greater number of people can be reached. The observance of the Year of the Family can be for all people, a reacquaintance with estranged, neglected members of families, or just those where some have grown apart. Not only a reacquaintance, but a reas sessment of our own family units. Hope and work towards improving communication with loved ones, keeping in mind that the relations you establish today will directly affect future generations. What can our communities do to observe the Year of the Family? First of all, we can look to our own fami lies and make sure our values and priorities (which eve ryone should establish individually) are in order. Then we should ask ourselves — are we doing all we possibly can for our families, children and communities? Will our children respect the efforts of retaining a Ukrainian identity? How can we help them be good human beings and citizens — what else can we teach them? These are questions we must ask ourselves as the years go by. The Year of the Family gives us a perfect opportunity to celebrate the family unit. First, we should observe this on a personal level, then most definitely on community levels wherever there are Ukrainians. Let’s look to the examples our forefathers set for us and work from there. Much of the information in this article, was made available by Iryna Kurowyckyj — UNWLA Vice President, President of the National Council of Women of the United States and member of the United Nations Committee on the Family. НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, БЕРЕЗЕНЬ 1994 21 FAMILY-TIES LOOKING TO THE FUTURE HALYNA KUZYSZYN
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