Skip to content
Call Us Today! 212-533-4646 | MON-FRI 12PM - 4PM (EST)
DONATE
SUBSCRIBE
Search for:
About Us
UNWLA 100
Publications
FAQ
Annual Report 2023
Annual Report 2022
Annual Report 2021
Initiatives
Advocate
Educate
Cultivate
Care
News
Newsletters
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Join UNWLA
Become a Member
Volunteer With Us
Donate to UNWLA
Members Portal
Calendar
Shop to Support Ukraine
Search for:
Print
Print Page
Download
Download Page
Download Right Page
Open
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-15
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
24-25
26-27
28-29
30-31
32-33
34-35
36-37
38-39
40
“НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ЛИСТОПАД 2009 25 heritage by taking the national flags of the United States and Ukraine, as well as the Plast insignia (the leliyka), on one of her space flights. Lydia Kazewych, President of the Detroit Regional Council, was then invited to light the first of three ceremonial candles . Mrs. Kazewych’s greeting included highlights of the history of the Detroit Regional Council, which was founded in 1935 and was the first official Regional Council of the UNWLA. Branch 96 co - presidents, Irene Petrina and Christina Lypeckyj, were introduce d and lit the second ceremonial candle. Together with Anna M a cielinski, they conducted the induction ceremony. As each Branch 132 member was introduced, she was asked to step forward and select a garland from the ceremonial wreath (vinok). The wreath and g a r lands, used during prior branch inductions, are a symbol of unity and strength. As the new members gathered around the wreath, entwined in its colorful garlands, the “Rights and Obligations of UNWLA Branches” (Prava i Oboviazky Viddiliv SUA) were read. T he president of Branch 132, Natalia Lypec k yj - Tarnavsky, then proceeded to light the third c e remonial candle, signifying the new members’ a c ceptance of the UNWLA Bylaws. Mrs. Tarnavsky addressed the audience, thanking everyone and graciously recognizing the support of her fellow Soyuzianky. She also a c knowledged the contributions of Marie Zarycky - Cherviovskiy of Branch 96 and VP Anna Maci e linski for supporting the branch during its formative stages. (It is important to also note the pioneering role of Helene Petrusha - Zarewych in bringing the group together initially.) On behalf of UNWLA President Marianna Zajac and the Executive Committee, Anna Maci e linski presented Branch 132 with a Membership Charter (Chlensku Hramotu) noting that the official founding date (data zasnuvania) was June 28, 2009. Each new member was then pinned by her personal “sponsor” (mother, mother - in - law, relative from Branch 96) with the UNWLA emblem. Amidst hugs and tears of joy, everyone joined in singing “Mn o haya Lita.” The Regional Co uncil’s branch presidents individually expressed their congratulations, while Vera Krywyj of Branch 45 read a poem she had composed for this special occasion. Afterwards, everyone was invited to enjoy the delicious buffet hosted by members of Branches 96 a nd 132. ________________________________________ __ __________________________________________ Additional Observations and Comments This was truly a cross - generational event and the family support was very much evident. Many spouses attended the induction ceremony, several wearing embroidered shirts. Some brought their toddlers and young children to share the occasion with wives and mothers. Perhaps, somewhere in the bylaws there is a hidden reference that husbands are automatically inducted as volunteers w hen their wives join? Three members, who married into Ukrainian families, chose to join the UNWLA to learn about Ukra i nian history, culture, and traditions. How awesome is that! New branches don’t just happen. Potential recruits need encouragement, follow - up, follow - through, and continuous support until they feel ready to commit. But it’s definitely worth the effort and investment! One of the things underscored by this event was that our organization would benefit from a mentoring program that matches seaso ned members with women who show an interest in joining, rejuvenating, or starting a new branch. A bilingual handbook and written position descriptions would be a helpful reference for new branches. The UNWLA Executive Committee will soon commence working o n this project. Input from current or past branch presidents would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your anticipated input and cooperation on this matter. . Anna Macielinski UNWLA Vice President for Membership & Organizational Affairs ___ ___________________________________ ___ ___________________________________________
Page load link
Go to Top
1 
2-3 
4-5 
6-7 
8-9 
10-11 
12-13 
14-15 
16-17 
18-19 
20-21 
22-23 
24-25 
26-27 
28-29 
30-31 
32-33 
34-35 
36-37 
38-39 
40 
