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THE CHALLENGING YEARS 1925 — 1984 There is a saying that “a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Such a step had been taken in 1925 by women from five independent organizations who had great vision and formed a nationwide network of women of Ukrainian heritage with set objec tives. This network of women became known as the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Inc. and flourished under the leadership of its first President, Julia Shustakewych. Solidarity and community responsibility in their adopted land were built into the fiber and consciousness of our pioneer members. In the challenging years ahead, the energy and creativity of these UNWLA members is well known and was never more apparent than in such outstanding exhibits of folk art in the Ukrainian Pavilion at the World’s Fair in Chicago during 1933-34, and in the annual Women’s International Exposition in New York City. Thus, these women contributed their rich Ukrainian culture heritage to the cultural treasures of America. Social and economic challenges also gave impetus to further developing the spirit of humanitarianism and patriotism of the women in the League. They gave aid to the victims of the Great Famine in Ukraine in 1932-33; and following World War II gave aid to displaced persons in the United States, and participated in the volunteer work of the American Red Cross, the United Ukrainian-American Relief Committee and the Ukrainian Catholic Relief Committee. The members adapted themselves to conditions of wartime, survived the Great Depression, and met all emergencies that arose. Over the years, the UNWLA has fought for just causes and has vigorously protested the inhumane treatment of Ukrainian dissidents under the Soviet regime. In addition, it continues to stress the ongoing struggle against Ukraine’s domination and intensified Russification policies. The multi-faceted activities of the League include the granting of scholarships, sponsor ing pre-kindergarten schools and various children programs, literary and educational con tests and art exhibits. In addition, the organization has published cassettes for children, edu cational handbooks, and a bilingual monthly magazine “Our Life” featuring articles on a wide variety of subjects for all its readers. Of paramount importance has been the publication of the works of Sophia Russova titled “ Ukraine In Literary Works;” the selected works of Lesya Ukrainka, as translated into English by Dr. Percival Cundy, titled “Spirit of Flame;” and “Woman of Ukraine,” which relates the Ukrainian woman’s part on the scene of history, in literature, arts, and the struggle for freedom. In commemorating the centennary of feminine activism in western Ukraine, the UNWLA has brought to fruition the reprinting of “The First Garland” (Pershyi Vinok) which was first edited and published in 1887 by Natalia Kobrynska and Olena Pchilka. Among the League’s notable achievements in the Ukrainian community was the estab lishment of The Ukrainian Museum in New York. This institution functions as a center of information and research for all who are interested in the cultural and artistic achievements of the Ukrainian people. Its unique and rare collection of folk art, including embroideries, ceramics, historic costumes and ornate wood-carvings, has won wide acclaim in the media and draws a capacity crowd to their exhibits. Since its inception, the UNWLA has been and still remains as the central force speaking for the Ukrainian woman in America. As a member of the National Council of Women of the United States since 1952, and an associate member of the General Federation of Women’s 60 www.unwla.org
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