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and organizations; the lack of Ukrainian schools; the geographic dispersion of Ukrainians in certain coun tries; the lack of cooperation between the old and the new immigration waves; political factions; assimilation; and emigration to other countries. Although in many countries the number of persons who identify themselves as Ukrainian has indeed de clined through the years as a result of the processes of assimilation and integration into the host society, one cannot draw the simple conclusion that Ukrainians are approaching extinction as a separate ethnic group. There are unmistakeable signs of vitality within the Ukrainian diaspora. Perusing Ukraine and Ukrainians Throughout the World, one is left with the impression that Ukrain ians are not only found in all parts of the world, but that they are and want to be a distinct ethnic group that pre serves its own culture and its own traditions. For exam ple, Ukrainians throughout the world celebrated the Millennium of Ukrainian Christianity in 1988 not only in cou ntries with large Ukrainian communities such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and in Europe and Australia, but in places where there were only a small number of Ukrainians — in the Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Cairo, Egypt and in the Catholic Mission of the Maryknoll Fathers in Tokyo, Japan. In the Philippines, a small group of Ukrainian professionals kept their Ukra inian culture alive by hosting traditional Christmas Eve suppers for their co-workers and friends, performing Ukrainian dances, playing the bandura and giving classes in the art of decorating pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs). Ukrainian dances were also performed in Nairobi, Kenya. This is excellent proof that Ukrainians in the diaspora are a viable ethnic group. To be sure, Ukrainians are assimilating, to a certain degree; with time, this is a normal phenomenon for any minority group that is outside its homeland, but they are not approaching extinction. Ukrainian churches and or ganizations are important sources of cohesion among the Ukrainian people. Indeed, the Ukrainian church has been instrumental in the preservation of national awa reness and the cohesion of the Ukrainian community throughout history. Ukrainian culture and traditions also play an important role in the preservation of ethnic iden tity, as do Ukrainian schools and organizations catering to the needs of second, third and succeeding genera tions of Ukrainians. Ukrainian women’s organizations have played a vital role in both the establishment and the preservation of Ukrainian communities throughout the diaspora. They are active in such countries as Can ada, the United States, Austria, Belgium, France, Ger many, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Argen tina, Brazil, Venezuela and Australia. Ukrainian women’s organizations, many of whom belong to the World Fed eration of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, have been instrumental in conducting cultural and educational activities in Ukrainian communities and in disseminat ing information pertaining to Ukraine among non-Ukrai nians. Many run preschools, kindergartens, and Ukrain ian Studies classes; sponsor scholarships; and under take publishing activities. Many are also active on the international stage, being affiliated with such organiza tions as the World Council of Women and the World Movement of Mothers, and participate in international conferences on topics such as human rights, education, and women’s issues. Ukrainian sisterhoods and sorori ties cater to the spiritual, cultural and social needs of Ukrainian women and girls. Another unique factor in the preservation of ethnic identity among the Ukrainian population is the common concern Ukrainians share for their homeland. The proc lamation of Ukraine’s independence in 1991 has served to strengthen a sense of identity and ethnic pride, helped to forge a new relationship with the homeland and reawakened an interest in the ancestral culture. Indeed, Ukrainian independence has brought about a renewed interest in political and economic issues of Ukraine among Ukrainians of all ages throughout the diaspora. Today, the younger generation follows events in Ukraine with as much enthusiasm and concern as the older generation. This is further proof that Ukrainians in the diaspora will continue to exist as an ethnic group. The influx of Ukrainians from the homeland and ties between the diaspora and Ukraine serve to revitalize Ukrainian communities scattered throughout the world. The diaspora, in turn, plays an important role in the rebirth of Ukraine by providing financial, technical, and economic aid to ensure a successful transition to an economically sound democratic society. Ukraine needs the diaspora and the diaspora needs Ukraine — cultu rally and economically. Mutual cooperation between the diaspora and its homeland will ensure that Ukraine becomes a powerful force among the community of nations. The only work of its kind in the Ukrainian diaspora, Ukraine and Ukrainians Throughout the World is an indispensable reference tool for libraries, schools, govern ment organizations, ethnic institutions, as well as jour nalists, diplomats, students, and scholars of ethnic rela tions, international migration and Slavic Studies. It is also an excellent resource for families and individuals with a special interest in Ukrainian culture. Dr. Ann Lencyk Pawliczko is Population Affairs Officer in the Population Division of the United Nations in New York. 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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