The twenty-sixth UNWLA Convention, the first in the new millennium, was held from May 24 through May 27, 2002, at the Hyatt Hotel in sunny Sarasota, Florida. Delegates from all parts of the United States began to arrive on Friday, May 24. There were also many guests, including special guests from Canada and Ukraine, some representing other women's organizations, some invited by the UNWLA for special recognition of their outstanding work.

During registration, each delegate received a handsome canvas tote bag, tastefully embossed with the UNWLA logo and convention data and embellished with a stylized scene representing Sarasota's sun, surf, flora, and fauna. In their "goody bags," delegates found a copy of the convention book, a directory of Ukrainian organizations in Florida, information about the convention agenda, a pocket calendar, a "Vatra" tape cassette, and a guidebook to Sarasota.

A meeting of the UNWLA National Board was held on Friday afternoon. During this meeting, President Iryna Kurowyckyj led other board members in a discussion on the challenges and achievements of the last three years. As a gesture of their affection and appreciation, members of the National Board presented the president with an elegant brooch and a stunning cluster of orchids. President Kurowyckyj reiterated her vision for the UNWLA and thanked those present at the meeting for their cooperation and assistance during the three years leading up to the convention.

The National Board Meeting was followed by a pre-convention seminar chaired by Motria Voyevidka-Slonievsky, UNWLA's Vice president for Public Relations. Presenting their respective views on "Various Aspects of U.S.-Ukrainian Relations" were two distinguished speakers, both intimately involved in efforts to promote and enhance understanding and cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. First to speak was David Kramer, Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Under-secretary of State. Mr. Kramer is a prolific writer whose articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. A member of a prestigious Washington "think tank," he is frequently invited to provide political analyses on current events and issues on radio and television programs. In his presentation at the UNWLA pre-convention seminar, Mr. Kramer addressed the legal complexities that sometimes help and sometimes hinder the victims of predators involved in the trafficking of women. He also discussed the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ukraine, citing the grave implications of resources too limited to proactively control and ameliorate the problem. Mr. Kramer also spoke about changes in world politics that might soon lead to Ukraine's entry into NATO.

The second speaker at the session was Dr. Yaroslav Voitko, currently Chief of the Trade and Economic Mission of the Embassy of Ukraine. Dr. Voitko, earned his Ph.D. from Taras Shevchenko Kyiv State Univerrsity, where he specialized in International Economic Relations. Having worked as an educator and educational administrator since 1982, Dr. Voitko entered the political and diplomatic field through the research institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has been an active participant in U.S.-Ukrainian diplomatic relations since 1992, the year Ukraine rejoined the community of nations as a sovereign state. In his presentation, Dr. Voitko focused on some of the challenges facing Ukraine in the new millennium. He also presented an overview of the steps that Ukraine would need to take to ensure economic stability.

During the wine and cheese reception that followed the presentations, many UNWLA members took advantage of the lovely Florida weather to wander out to the hotel's beautiful terrace. There, surrounded by stately palms and flowering hibiscus bushes, they were able to meet with old friends and catch up on personal news. Name tags proved invaluable as guests and delegates delightedly connected faces to names and made the most of face to face meetings with those previously known only via telephone or email.

On Saturday morning, UNWLA members and their guests gathered for breakfast. Eschewing the suits and dresses that are the usual convention attire, most arrived for coffee and danish in beautifully embroidered blouses or dresses, colorful ensembles representing all regions of Ukraine. Again, many chose to take their refreshments outdoors where their cheerful voices mingled with the chirping of the birds who seemed not at all disturbed by the company.

Saturday's convention sessions began with a formal opening ceremony and a procession comprising members of the UNWLA Executive Board, National Board, and Regional Councils, who entered the meeting hall bearing UNWLA banners. A candle lighting ceremony marking the opening of the convention followed, with the first candle being lit by President Iryna Kurowyckyj and the second by Honorary President Anna Krawczuk. Candles representing each UNWLA Region were lit by Regional Council presidents and Chair of the Auditing Committee Joanna Ratych. WFUWO President Oksana Sokolyk was invited to light one of the remaining candles, while Svitlana Kocherha, representing Soyuz Ukrainok of Ukraine, lit the other.

Following the candle-lighting ceremony, Vice president Maria Tomorug led those assembled in prayer. Delegates and guests then sang The Star Spangled Banner, Shche Ne Vmerla Ukraina and the Soyuz Ukrainok hymn. Tetiana Silecky, president of the Convention Committee, requested that a moment of silence be observed to honor the victims of September 11. As a large American flag was carried into the hall, those present spontaneously began to sing God Bless America. It was a touching moment that moved many of those assembled to tears.

UNWLA President Iryna Kurowyckyj reviewed the convention agenda and moved that it be formally approved. And the motion was seconded. Daria Jarosewich (Branch 29, Chicago) moved that the question and answer session, scheduled for Monday, be moved to Sunday because many delegates who were leaving early would not have the opportunity to participate. There was some discussion on this point, but the majority of the delegates voted to accept the agenda that had originally been proposed. Vice president Maria Tomorug was then invited to the podium where she read a seventeen point checklist spelling out the rights and responsibilities of delegates during deliberations and during voting.
The following individuals were invited by President Iryna Kurowyckyj to take their places at the presidium table at the front of the convention hall: Honorary President Anna Krawczuk, WFUWO President Oksana Sokolyk, Svitlana Kocherha, Professor Valentyna Borysenko, and Honorary UNWLA Members Mary Beck, Irene Koshubynska, and Lidia Krushelnycky. An acting presidium was also appointed for the convention and included Marta Danyluk (chair); Neonila Lechmann and Iwanna Martynetz (alternate chairs); and Professor Vira Bodnaruk, Ulana Sos, and Iwanna Holowata (convention secretaries).

As presidium chair, Mrs. Danyluk took the podium and made it clear that she intended to keep the proceedings orderly and moving in a timely manner. She initiated the formal business of the morning session by calling for the report of the Resolutions Committee. Mrs. Danyluk then called for the report of President Iryna Kurowyckyj who requested that everyone observe a moment of silence in honor of Honorary President Iwanna Rozhankowska and other UNWLA members who had recently passed away. She then spoke about her many functions as president of the UNWLA, highlighting UNWLA achievements during her three year tenure as president and thanking all of those who had assisted her in carrying out her responsibilities, and particularly those who had worked so hard to make the convention a reality.

Among the personal highlights of her tenure as president, Ms. Kurowyckyj cited the numerous happy events that marked the 75^th anniversary celebration year, the success of the Milk and Roll program, the creation of new UNWLA branches, and the influx of young women into the organization. She mentioned other successful UNWLA ventures that had taken place or had been completed during her term as president, among them literary projects, archival projects, and scholarship projects. The president also spoke of the challenges facing the UNWLA, particularly financial challenges that have sometimes made the UNWLA's important work difficult, and the problems that arose during the months that UNWLA headquarters was moving from its old office to its new home.

The Financial Report was presented by Treausurer Nadia Cwiach, who had assumed her responsibilities in this role in mid-term, after the resignation of the treasurer elected at the previous convention. Ms. Cwiach distributed balance sheets and other peripheral documents to delegates to illustrate where organizational finances were strongest and where they were problematic. She noted that one area of concern was the Press Fund, especially as donations to this fund were significantly lower than in previous years.

As the reports of members of the National Board had been sent to all delegates for review prior to the convention, delegates were invited to ask questions on any matters that needed further clarification. Official forms for questions about individual reports were distributed, and delegates were requested to observe strict procedural protocol and not stray from the specific issues under consideration. Several delegates requested more current and detailed balance sheets and financial documentation about Our Life, donations sent to flood victims in Zakarpattya, and costs associated with the 75^th anniversary celebrations. Mrs. Cwiach commented that the perceived irregularities were partially the result of work that had been undertaken under extraordinarily difficult conditions -- the unexpected resignation of the elected treasurer and the confusion engendered by the need to move all UNWLA documents from the old office to the new. Other questions with respect to the financial report were answered by committee chairs directly responsible for the areas under scrutiny.

During this session, there was also a question about what active steps were being taken to increase membership. Vice president for Membership Sophia Hewryk responded to this question by providing examples of her efforts to reach out to potential members and her efforts to galvanize branch presidents and all UNWLA members to participate in the recruitment process. She specified that this is "work for all of us, not just one person."

At this juncture, President Iryna asked that everyone take a moment to view a magnificent quilt that had been created by members of Branch 118 from Houston, Texas. In many ways the quilt is a symbol of the UNWLA's diversity -- a composite of individually embroidered pieces that have been stitched together to produce a whole. The end result reflects the individual tastes of those who created it, but also reflects what is possible when a united group of women work together. Each branch member had embroidered a section of the quilt with traditional designs representing various regions of Ukraine. The quilt, which had been a featured display in the Governor's Mansion in the State of Texas, had been brought to the convention by Branch 118 President Martha Noukas. Branch members had also compiled an album, which included information about each member as well as information about the design each member had contributed to the quilt.

The morning session ended ahead of schedule and Vice president Sohpia Hewryk moved that the free hour before the scheduled luncheon be used by delegates to discuss issues of concern not related to the reports already discussed. The delegates agreed to this suggestion, and several spirited discussions ensued. Maria Odezhynska, member of Branch 38 in Denver and Liaison for Members-at-Large, proposed that 5% of all income generated for unspecified projects be designated for UNWLA administrative costs. Natalia Danylenko, Vice president of WFUWO for the United States, congratulated everyone who played a role in sending National Board reports to delegates prior to the convention. Ulana Kekish (Branch 123, New York) suggested that UNWLA's mothers take a more proactive role in recruiting their daughters into the organization.

Julia Kokorudz, president of Branch 29 of Chicago, suggested that the UNWLA consider starting a foster parent program in Ukraine. Citing the countless number of children "growing up on the streets," she pointed out that the UNWLA might be instrumental in pairing abandoned or orphaned children with responsible, kind-hearted adults that could not easily undertake the challenge of foster parenting without financial assistance.

While most delegates were enthusiastic about the Ukrainian Museum and very supportive of its mission, Anna Jejna (Branch 47, Northern New York) asked that the Museum curtail excessive and expensive mailings of invitations, promotions, and other notification of events.

Iryna Rakush (Branch 17, Miami) expressed some concern about transferring archival information to the Immigration History Research Center in Minnesota rather than keeping them locally and exhibiting them within the communities where they were important mementos of local Ukrainian-American history.

Many of these discussions continued over lunch, which was a tasty and healthy salad topped with grilled chicken. The convention committee is to be commended for encouraging everyone to meet someone new by having all delegates and guests pick their table numbers from a box. This ensured an interesting mix of regions and ages at every table. Those attending were treated to an interesting program that began with a piano performance by Orest Lazor and continued with a fashion show. Yesterday and Today, featured antique Ukrainian cut work and embroidery in contemporary fashion, designed and created by Irena Radzykewycz. After opening remarks by Branch 56 President Orysia Swystun, the models and their stunning outfits were introduced by Larissa Shpon. Each guest was presented with an elegant program featuring the artistic efforts of artist/photographer Lydia M. Swystun and artistic designer Lidia Bilous.

The afternoon session, conducted by Iwanna Martynetz, began with a report from Vice president Sophia Hewryk on branch reports submitted to UNWLA headquarters and on donations collected by branches for the Ukrainian Museum, for Social Welfare programs, and for the Scholarship Fund.

The next item on the agenda was a report from author Svitlana Kocherha who has recently completed Lysty Tak Dovhu Ydut ', a book created from 16 boxes of recently discovered letters penned by Lesya Ukrainka to friends and family. Hidden for fifty years, the letters were found by library workers in Prague who notified Dr. Joanna Ratych of their existence. Dr. Ratych was determined that this treasure must be compiled into a book. She donated $10,000 to the project, and the UNWLA established a committee to find a suitable scholar who would undertake writing the book and complete it as quickly as possible. The materials were entrusted to the capable hands of Svitlana Kocherha, who worked t

The next item on the agenda was a report from author Svitlana Kocherha who has recently completed Lysty Tak Dovhu Ydut', a book created from 16 boxes of recently discovered letters penned by Lesya Ukrainka to friends and family. Hidden for fifty years, the letters were found by library workers in Prague who notified Dr. Joanna Ratych of their existence. Dr. Ratych was determined that this treasure must be compiled into a book. She donated $10,000 to the project, and the UNWLA established a committee to find a suitable scholar who would undertake writing the book and complete it as quickly as possible. The materials were entrusted to the capable hands of Svitlana Kocherha, who worked tirelessly to accomplish this monumental task. The book has been published -- copies were available for purchase at the convention. Ms. Korchaha spoke about her work at Yalta's Lesya Ukrainka Museum -- work that was filled by enchanting thoughts of the poetess who spent 1000 days and nights in this Crimean city. "When the request came to work on the letters and create a book," she said, "I thought I was dreaming. But in every letter, I felt a heartbeat … the pulse of the author. It unfolded before me and it will remain with me forever." During the weekend, Ms. Kocherha graciously autographed copies of the book for guests and delegates.

Next on the program was conferring of the title Honorary Member on several UNWLA members in recognition of long and exemplary service to the organization: Lesya Goy, Lidia Hladkyj, Teodozia Kushnir, Lidia Magun, Nadia Sawczuk, and Iwanna Szkarupa. The title Honorary Member was also bestowed upon WFUWO President Oksana Sokolyk, "for her visible and multi-faceted work on behalf of Ukrainian women everywhere."

Elections for the next three-year term followed, and the slate prepared by the nominating committee was unanimously approved. Iryna Kurowyckyj was elected for a second term as president. She will be assisted in her work by Vice presidents Maria Tomorug, Sophia Hewryk, Oxana Farion, and Motria Voyevidka-Slonievsky. The new administration of the UNWLA also includes the following: Recording Secretary Marta Danyluk, Correspondence Secretaries Iwanna Hankevych (Ukrainian) and Christina Yarema (English), Financial Secretary Nadia Cwiach, Treasurer Melanie Hrybovych, Press Chair Kateryna Nemyra, Members at Large Martha Bohachevsky Chomiak and Iryna Steckiw, Scholarship Fund Chair Maria Polanska, Social Welfare Chair Barbara Bachynsky, Education Chair Kateryna Iwasyshyn, Archives Chair Olha Trytyak, Culture/Museum Chair Maria Pazuniak, and Ecology Chair Marta Yarosewych. The new Auditing Committee includes Joanna Ratych, Nadia Shmigel, Renata Zajac, Lida Zakrevska, and Chrystyna Melnyk. (Continued.)