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12 OUR LIFE • September-October 2024 Acceptance Speech Delivered by Natalie Pawlenko, Newly Re-Elected President of the UNWLA Dear esteemed members of the UNWLA, honored guests, and friends, As I stand before you today, I am filled with immense grat - itude and a deep sense of responsibility. Being re-elected to serve a second term as your president is both a privilege and a profound honor. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me, and I am inspired by the unwavering dedication each of you has shown to our shared mission over these past three years. These years have been among the most challenging in our or - ganization’s history. The world was forever changed in February 2022 when russia launched its brutal invasion of Ukraine. We have witnessed unimaginable suffering and devastation. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, we have also witnessed the unyield- ing spirit of the Ukrainian people, the resilience of our commu- nities, and the incredible power of unity and compassion. The video we just watched captures the heart of our work — work that could not have been accomplished without each of you. From delivering humanitarian aid to those in dire need, to advocating on the international stage for the rights and free - doms of Ukraine, to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage, our organization has been a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless. We have stood strong, not just as witnesses to history, but as active participants in shaping a future where Ukraine can thrive in peace and sovereignty. Our initiatives, large and small, have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. As we look ahead, we must remain steadfast in our commit - ment. The road to victory and peace for Ukraine is still long and fraught with challenges. But I have no doubt that, togeth- er, we will continue to rise to the occasion. Our work is not done — if anything, it has just begun. Today, more than ever in the history of our organization and the Ukrainian diasporas around the world, the need to be strong advocates for Ukraine is of utmost importance. The existential threat to Ukraine is real. One of the most crucial things each of us can do is to become informed and active advocates for Ukraine. Cultural and educational advocacy is essential, but our advocacy must also reach elect - ed officials, decision-makers, funders, think tanks, and those who influence the course of history. This is where we must all step up. We have the tools: a robust advocacy committee, comprehensive materials on our website, and regular training ses- sions. If you need anything more, just ask. Additionally, we helped co-found the American Coalition for Ukraine, which now has over 100 member organ- izations — many of them non-Ukraini - an — united in advocating for Ukraine. The UNWLA was once the largest Ukrainian American grassroots organ- ization in the U.S., and possibly even outside of Ukraine, with 5,000 members in 1990. My goal is for us to reclaim our position as the preeminent Ukrainian American grassroots organization with a strong, unified advocacy voice. In the next three years, we will expand our efforts to provide even more sup- port to those who need it most. We will strengthen our partnerships, both within the Ukrainian diaspora and with our al- lies around the world. And we will con- tinue to advocate tirelessly for justice, for freedom, and for the right of every Ukrainian to live in dignity and peace. I am committed, with every fiber of my being, to leading this organization with integrity, with compassion, and with an unwavering focus on our mis- sion. But leadership is not a solo en- deavor. It is a collective journey, one that we embark on together, hand in hand, heart to heart. Thank you for your trust, your sup - port, and your unwavering dedication to our cause. Together, we will continue to stand with Ukraine. Together, we will continue to write a future of hope, resil - ience, and victory. Slava Ukraini!
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