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XXXIІI Конвенція СУА 115 The UNWLA Advocacy Special Committee (National Advocacy Committee) was established immediately after an informational Zoom webinar on the topic of advocacy led by Vera Andryczyk. The webinar was scheduled for February 24, 2022, and when that date was first selected, none of us knew what that day would come to mean to Ukraine, Ukrainians and to the entire world. On that day, many of us awoke to images of russian missiles slamming into Ukraine; Vera Andryczyk’s presentation about advocacy showed us a way to transform our collective shock into purposeful action. As the Zoom webinar ended, UNWLA President Natalia Pawlenko asked participants if anyone was interested in coordinating further advocacy for UNWLA members. I volunteered. Soon, thereafter, we launched a seven- day advocacy challenge and quickly realized there was a huge interest in further advocacy efforts. Our ad hoc team of advocates grew into a regular conference call that united us in our determination to support Ukraine. The National Advocacy Committee was officially established at the UNWLA National Board meeting in May 2022; we have been working very hard ever since. To advocate means “to speak in support of’’ or “to give voice to.” While the National Advocacy Committee is a new committee of the UNWLA, our members have been advocating for Ukraine since the early days of our founding. Whether we wrote letters to Eleanor Roosevelt about the Holodomor, collected and curated exhibits about Ukrainian culture and heritage to show at various World Fairs, or forged Sister City relationships between American and Ukrainian cities, Soyuzianky have been giving voice to Ukraine and her people for ten decades; next year will be a full 100 years of advocacy on behalf of Ukraine. With the escalation of russia’s full-scale genocidal war against Ukraine, there was a great and immediate need for consistent and coordinated advocacy throughout the United States. Our membership, with Branches in many states, each Branch with deep ties to the local American community, was perfectly positioned to advocate for Ukraine. The Committee’s efforts fall into three distinct categories: Political Advocacy, Local Advocacy, and Cultural Advocacy. In Political Advocacy, we have empowered our members to engage with elected officials to educate them about key Ukraine-related legislation; we provide tools for effective communication with representatives. Our Local Advocacy initiatives have equipped members to promote Ukraine in their cities and states, fostering community ties and raising awareness. Through Cultural Advocacy, we have shared resources enabling our members to bring Ukrainian culture to their communities, ensuring our rich heritage remains visible and celebrated. Throughout our efforts, one truth has become clear: our voices are powerful. Regardless of age, career, or birthplace, each member adds to our harmony of support for Ukraine. Our biggest impact comes from consistently giving voice to Ukraine, her people, and culture. My deep thanks to all the Soyuzianky who joined our campaigns, called their elected officials, organized events, and raised their voices in support of Ukraine. Serving as the chair of the UNWLA Advocacy Special Committee has been one of the great honors of my life; I am incredibly grateful to UNWLA President Natalia Pawlenko, the National Executive, and National Board for entrusting me with this responsibility. СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ! ДО ПЕРЕМОГИ! MARIANNA TRETIAK, CHAIR UNWLA ADVOCACY SPECIAL COMMITTEE
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