Ukrainians come HOME

[BlueandGold]

Diaspora Ukrainians come home

Hate flashes across the faces of many of the older people who hear 26-year-old Stepan Bandera's name. That was also the name of his grandfather, the leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, who dedicated his life to the fight for Ukraine's independence and died at the hands of a KGB assassin in Munich. For years the Soviet propaganda machine painted tht man as the vilest enemy of the Ukrainian people, and that has had its lasting effects.

Nevertheless, the young Bandera came to Ukraine several years ago and works here for a Canadian company. "My grandfather fought for Ukraine's freedom so that those who came after him could live in this country and feel themselves at home here," Bandera says. "It would be absurd that now that the ideals that my grandfather fought for have been achieved, his own grandson did not return to newly independent Ukraine."

A few years ago the Ukrainian diaspora commemorated the hundredth anniversary of the first organized Ukrainian emigration to Canada. Beginning in the late 19th century through the late 1940s, people left their homeland in the millions.

One American woman of Ukrainian origin who works in Kyiv said that among the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States there was a saying about "waiting with a suitcase under the bed." Many brought up their children to feel the same way.

The name of 78-year-old Slava Stetsko figures on the roll call of the Ukrainian Parliament. Until recently she lived in Germany as a de facto stateless person. Her late husband, Jaroslav Stetsko, was one of the elder Stepan Bandera's closest colleagues. Even after the death of her husband, Slava Stetsko pursued his goals. Several years ago she returned permanently to Ukraine and, after getting Ukrainian citizenship, she was elected to parliament. As the eldest member of the current parliament, she read the text of the inaugural oath of loyalty to Ukraine - during which the entire Communist Party faction walked out.

Mykola Pavlyuk, 75, the last head of the Ukrainian government-in-exile in Canada, received his Ukrainian citizenship without giving up his Canadian citizenship by special order of former President Leonid Kravchuk. He also is involved in politics in Ukraine, although his run for a parliament seat failed. However, Mrs. Stetsko and Mr. Pavlyuk are exceptions to the rule. The bitter irony is, most elderly people from the Ukrainian diaspora do not fit in here anymore. As for the younger generation, there are some unique examples. I know two individuals who have even exchanged their American passports for the benefit of a Ukrainian one: New York-born, 44-year-old Roman Zwarycz and 37-year-old Ivan Lozowy. They had to change their citizenship as both wanted to have political careers in Ukraine, and without Ukrainian citizenship that is impossible.

Zwarycz, a former university lecturer, has already begun his Ukrainian political career - he is now a deputy in parliament representing the right-wing Rukh party. The lawyer Lozowy ran for election to Kyiv City Council, but lost. However, he is full of enthusiasm and works as the director of an educational foundation and also with Rukh.

When the young generation of diaspora Ukrainians move to Ukraine, the first question for them is, what to do in Ukraine? And the second, how to safeguard their Western standard of living? Only the exceptions participate in politics or start private businesses, and some of those have already experienced bitter disillusionment and left. Most work for Western foundations, governments or firms.

Some joke that Coca-Cola and Ukrainian Mobile Communication decided to create a common family enterprise. The assistant manager of Coca-Cola's public relations division, Orysya Potupa, is married to UMC's manager of public relations, Anglo-Ukrainian Andrew Hundar. "I moved to Ukraine because I wanted to save my national identity and wanted to work for the country that my parents were forced to leave," he says. "In my opinion, Andrew doesn't have to adapt to me, but to the environment," Potupa adds. "He is very open and sincere. But among many of our fellow compatriots in Ukraine, not a few will be found that would like to take advantage of that. I teach Andrew, not to trust at first sight."

Lozowy is married to a local Ukrainian woman, and says Ukrainian women are more feminine and approachable than Americans, who he says are too feminist. "My wife married me not for the possibility to move to the West and accepted my decision to change citizenship with understanding," he says.

When a Ukrainian woman marries a foreigner, she is admired because she will have a secure life. But when a Ukrainian man marries a foreigner, he is looked down on for seeking financial support. Canadian-Ukrainian Christine Matsiv believes such views lead to complexes among many Ukrainian men. "Many Canadian- and American-Ukrainian women could marry here, but not a few Ukrainians suffer from the complex that foreigners earn more," she says. "They also can not come to terms, that we are independent personalities and don't want to knuckle down to their diktats."

(Yuri Lukanov is a Ukrainian journalist and author the book "The Third President. A Political Portrait of Leonid Kuchma) Yury Lukanov.Kyiv Post

http://www.angelfire.com/celeb/stetsko/interview4.html






[Edited by BlueandGold on 4th June 2005 at 02:41]

[Petro_moskal]

B&G, for such a Ukrainian nationalist, can you speak Ukrainian?

[dobko]

What does it matter? It doesn't seem to bother you when others speak out in agreement with your views. You know the ones that only make one post and others like Mikeaverko. So why do you not like people like BG that show a passion for their heritage? I can understand how Osi gets under your skin (he gets under other's as well) but BG?

[Petro_moskal]

dobko
Actually I found Misha fairly irritating. For such a Russian patriot he should have at least travelled there once. Double standards aren't my thing.
B&G gets under my skin because of his consistent spam and lies (look at the "WW2 vets" thread) and refusal to participate in any kind of debate. He can never seeem to bring up any proof for his trademark one-line (and often accusatory) quips, either.
"Passion for heritage" isn't the same thing as ultranationalism. You don't annoy me at all even though I disagree with you on most issues.

[BlueandGold]

UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE: THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY

VOX POPULI: Ukraine and the diaspora - six years after

by Roman Woronowycz

Here it is six years after independence, and what is the state of the relationship between Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora in North America? We decided it was time to get away from the politicians and the leaders and the academics and go to the people for the answer. So we traveled to the Ukrainian National Association estate, Soyuzivka, in Kerhonkson, N.Y., and the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM-A) estate in Ellenville, N.Y., to get some responses. We also contacted people in other parts of the United States and Canada by phone to get a better geographic distribution. The survey is by no means scientific. It's merely the buzz we heard at the ground level.

Following are some of the answers to the question we put forward: How do you think relations should continue to develop between the Ukrainian diaspora and Ukraine six years after independence? What is the diaspora's responsibility?

Oleksander Olynec, Philadelphia, 67: The responsibility of the diaspora is to support the Ukrainian government no matter what it is or who it is. The main thing is that they maintain independence. Criticism should be limited.

It is up to the Ukrainian people to make the decisions. Let the diaspora talk all it wants, but it should not meddle in the government's affairs. The problem with the diaspora is that if something is not done their way, they will not support it.

Taras Galonzka, South Brunswick, N.J., 42: We should keep on encouraging the U.S. Congress and the government to keep helping them financially. We need to encourage U.S. businesses to invest there, to give people there jobs.

Dr. Ulana Suprun, New York, 34: First of all, I think that Ukraine and the diaspora are one and the same. We are all Ukrainians. There is no difference. We are all in this together. So, I think that the sixth anniversary of independence is ours and theirs.

The Ukrainians not living in Ukraine have the same responsibilities as those who are there: to propagate and create a state that is truly acting in the interest of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian nation.

Our responsibilities are to influence the governments of the countries in which we live to support the positive steps the Ukrainian government is taking in the interest of the Ukrainian people. If they are taking steps against the interests of the Ukrainian people, it is our responsibility to point that out as well.

Boris Oleksiuk, Hilton Head, S.C., 42: From my perspective as a second-generation Ukrainian American, the most important thing for [the diaspora] to do is to continue to understand that Ukrainians in Ukraine should determine politics there. I believe my father's generation has realized that it made a mess of politics, that is between the Banderites and the Melnykites, the UFA [Ukrainian Fraternal Association] and the UNA, etc. It is up to those who live there to make it or break it.

I believe that after six years we are just getting used to the fact that independence happened. This quick and bloodless change was a shock. It is up to us to help them without demanding anything from them.

Media contacts, exposure, getting the news out to the West about what goes on there - that is important for us to do. It is important to push the message, to get to the media. Financial help is important, too. But we must remember that we are Americans first, and then part of the Ukrainian diaspora.

Gene Schwartz, South Plainfield, N.J., 43: We should get them money, support them financially. Independence is not an easy thing. It's going to take them a while to get over the hump. For so many years they went through hell.

But it's not just money, Ukraine needs connections overseas, not just monetary help. They need to establish a free market, and get access to international markets. We need to help them get influence in Washington.

Sonia Durbas, Parsippany, N.J., no age given: It's hard to figure out: who handles the money, who routes the money that we send there. We never really know where the money goes. The people in power should know what is happening to the financial assistance that goes to Ukraine. There should be more monitoring of the situation.

Alex Durbas, Parsippany, N.J., 56: Supporting them financially is one thing. The other is that, if we bring them over for training, we must make sure they get their training and then return. Too many stay here.

But then there are the bad things. We must try to make sure they don't take the bad back with them to Ukraine. Like this rap music. And narcotics, which are becoming more predominant in Ukraine.

Bohdan Futala, Santa Monica, Calif., 46: There is a kind of chilling that has occurred between the diaspora and Ukraine, in the sense that the diaspora has had its romantic bubble burst regarding how it perceived Ukraine.

First of all, the diaspora was historically disproportionately from western Ukraine and did not represent the political view and ethnic make-up of Ukraine. And in terms of language, it did not understand that Ukraine is a mostly Russian-speaking country. The diaspora came to realize that there are differences.

There were also those in the diaspora who thought that once Ukraine was free they would return there, but now their country has become the United States. People might not say this, but they have acclimatized themselves; they are functional and comfortable here. These are the older people.

People from our generation, well, their ties are not that strong. The community, the way I see it, is in a complete stay of decay. The older people still feel a responsibility, but the younger ones see no obligation or responsibility to Ukraine or their community here.

Christina Jancew, Clifton, N.J., 26: After six years, somebody should have started up an organization that audits what is going on in Ukraine, to see if all this money that is being dumped into Ukraine is going to where it is supposed to. There are no "zvits" (reports) to tell us that this money went here and that money went there, and to actually check it out. Once people see that the money is going where it should be and for a good cause, people will again give.

Before we support them politically, we must get them to get their act together. But we must also get our act together in the diaspora. We cannot even get SUM-A, Plast and ODUM to work together here.

Andriy Rudnitsky, Toronto, 36: As far as responsibility goes, there is none. If you want to help out, fine; if not, that's fine too. National diaspora organizations have no real responsibility, but I'm not discouraging them.

Ukraine as an independent country is on its own. They have the people and the resources. It is a rich country, but they have to get themselves organized. They have the potential, they are just being dominated by other countries.

I've always said that independence would take 20 years. They have 14 years to go. I'm positive on Ukraine, but it's going to be an excruciating process.

Donna Fedenko-Fedorowycz, Culver City, Calif., 34: I feel that Ukrainians in the diaspora have a responsibility to be informed and stay current on events as they continue to unfold in Ukraine. It's our responsibility to not be passive when we become aware of situations that unfairly misrepresent Ukraine and Ukrainians. It's critical to support programs sponsored in the United States and in Ukraine focusing on education and basic health care with donations of both time and money. Perhaps, above all it is essential to maintain the traditions and culture that may have been taken for granted while we were so immersed in them, especially realizing their importance when, in the not so distant future, those who remember it best will be gone.

Lidia Jurkiw-Gulawsky, Sterling Heights, Mich., 38: That's a very difficult question to answer. The diaspora is still trying to figure out their place, it seems. The thought now is that they must refigure how they are to give financial aid.

But we should continue to help. We need to help Ukraine establish the basics. We need to continue to send qualified people to Ukraine to help it learn how to expand its democracy and how to compete in the global market, to give them knowledge and the experience we have gained.

Do I think we still have a responsibility? I think that our responsibility towards Ukraine is even greater. It's not just in terms of dollars, it includes providing personnel and knowledge.

Dr. Yuriy Bohatiuk, Philadelphia, 38: One should realize that Ukraine is going through growing pains. We must assist them in their time of need. Remnants of communism remain in the government and the economic system. In this interim period Ukraine continues to need our support. After all the years we fought for Ukraine's independence, to turn our backs on it now would be a gigantic mistake.

http://uc.iatp.org.ua/main00122[1].htm

[BlueandGold]

Bishop Paul Peter Jesep: Has the Diaspora Failed? Can More be Done?

There is a spirited debate going on, at least in the United States, as to whether Diaspora Ukrainian trade, academic and professional organizations have maximized opportunities to share information with the greater public about the political, economic and historic relationship between Kyiv and Moscow. It's undeniable that the average radio listener, television viewer, or newspaper reader who may be getting their first real glimpse into the Ukrainian soul is receiving it through a filtered Russian perspective.

Ukraine is often portrayed as an appendage of greater Russia. Sometimes it almost appears that this ancient land is little better than a break away region. Many Western scholars are offering a Russified view of the events now unfolding in Eastern Europe. This stems in part from the modest media and communications infrastructure at many Ukrainian organizations to reach a non-Ukrainian audience.

Telling other Ukrainians about their history doesn't achieve much. There has been much positive news about Ukraine. Rallies by ordinary Diaspora Ukrainians has helped to generate much media coverage in the West. But that image is not always accompanied by a coherent, consistent and ongoing message. Pictures are great, but what's the point if there's no lasting message? This is where Diaspora organizations are critical.

One of the most important strategies I've used in print and radio interviews for why Americans should care about Ukraine stems from its own security. Ukraine is the second largest and potentially one of the richest nations in Europe. It is not in America's national security to see Russia exploit such a resource. Once that case is made, fellow citizens who would not normally care about a situation far removed from their families begin to listen. The Ukrainian cause must be made into their cause.

Think about the expression, "politics make strange bedfellows." Alliances are frequently formed by disparate groups because they agree on a common goal, but for different reasons. Diaspora Ukrainians want a free Ukraine for one reason and non-Ukrainians for another. Don't think that Poland or Lithuania was first in line to protest Russian interference because they were concerned about Ukrainian liberty. They did it out of pure self-interest. Once Ukraine was back under Moscow's thumb they could be next.

In the case of America, for example, journalists and commentators have a greater interest if they think that the United States could be threatened in the long-term. The message must be tailored to each specific audience. No one will care about Ukraine unless they may be threatened in the future. Because Diaspora Ukrainians think its important doesn't mean our neighbors or local elected officials will subscribe to the same views.

As an editorial writer who has spent a portion of my professional career in strategic media planning, it seems that the most logical plan of attack is to create stronger communication departments at Diaspora organizations that:

1. Can create a "name brand" for Ukraine in a manner that is of interest to non-Ukrainians. What should non-Ukrainians identify about the country? Why should they care?

2. Create media lists with tailored editorials and press releases about events in Ukraine. Is there a local spin? Is there a spin as it relates to a particular state, province or country?

3. Communication departments must have the media savvy to offer rapid response. If an "expert" on American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) or in the New York Times offers a Russified perspective on events, then there should be a press release issued to national media.

4. Set up teams of professionals to meet with editorial boards at major newspapers to help guide their editorial pages toward offering a Ukrainian perspective without the filter of 300 years of Russian exploitation.

5. Press kits must be sent regularly to reporters, managing editors, religion editors and international editors highlighting Ukrainian experts available for interviews. This applies to radio and television producers as well. If a Diaspora Ukrainian organization has not already sent out press kits that include something as basic as rolodex cards with an expert's name that a journalist may call when he or she needs a sound bite, then a change of leadership is merited. This is Communications 101.

6. Just because you send press kits or press releases doesn't mean you'll be called. There needs to be telephone follow-up. Remember, the issue or story may be important to you, but there are other news-worthy events in the world. Most things have to be sold and marketed. Don't be romantic about the merits of your story.

7. In light of how much information Diaspora Ukrainians have access to, stemming from friends, family or professional colleagues in the ancestral Motherland, there is no reason why regular interaction with journalists can't occur. Journalists love a good tip. Keep them satisfied.

8. Building a communications infrastructure is an ongoing process. Once you establish a relationship, for example, with a key reporter at a major newspaper, you nurture it. The interaction should not end once things settle down in Ukraine. It will take decades to educate the media and general public about the distinctions between Ukraine and Russia.

9. Russia is not going away. It will always try to assert some level of control over Ukraine. With that in mind Diaspora Ukrainian organizations must establish the means to get out a sustained, coherent message. Otherwise all is for naught. Do not forget that most revolutions begin by the dissemination of information. Dictators hold onto power by controlling the media. The person or organization that controls the message and is able to be heard wins. It's that simple.

10. Disapora Ukrainian organizations also need to hold workshops for their own constituencies that educate them on how to approach lawmakers or write letters to the editor, among many other things.

11. Once you've decided on a message, you need both the experienced professionals and the resources to support them. Hire the best and keep them happy.

In summary, Diaspora Ukrainian organizations must remember that it's all about message, continuity and pragmatic strategic planning. It doesn't matter how noble one's cause or the brilliance of an idea. If you can't communicate their importance to a wide audience, then it's just as well they didn't exist. Diaspora organizations need to be less romantic and a lot more Machiavellian.

______________________________________

Bishop Paul Peter Jesep is the vicar general and chancellor of the Archeparchy for the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church of North and South America Sobornopravna. His Grace, a lawyer and political scientist by training, is a former legislative analyst to U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). He has served as a communications director for several state and region wide organizations in the Northeast. He also studied at Bangor Theological Seminary (bts.org), the third-oldest such school in the United States. His Grace may be reached at VladykaPaulPeter@aol.com. The views expressed here are strictly personal.

http://uc.iatp.org.ua/main00122[1].htm









[Edited by BlueandGold on 5th June 2005 at 22:07]

[BlueandGold]

Ukraine 2300AD*

The Republic of Ukraine (Ukr: Ukraina) is a wealthy and powerful state. Before the Twilight War, generations of Ukrainians wanted to escape first Russian Tsarist then Soviet domination, to make their homeland a respected, prosperous, and safe European nation-state. Since the utter nadir of the Twilight War, Ukraine has done just that, becoming a leading European power and≈by virtue of its interplanetary holdings≈a First Tier interstellar power. Although the Kafer War has devastated Ukraine▓s sole colony (New Kyiv on Aurore), Ukraine is showing every sign of emerging all the stronger for its trials.

1. Overview

Home to 72.6 million people, Terran Ukraine has been one of the richest agricultural areas in the world for the past four centuries and more. This agricultural wealth played a critical role in helping Ukraine rise to the first tier of European states. Industrialized and urbanized, Ukraine belongs to the select club of Terran countries able to sustain an interstellar colonization effort, by virtue of its large developed economy and its domestic reserves of tantalum. Ukraine▓s agricultural wealth and (until 2297) successful development of New Kyiv into a viable frontier economy have made it a major emerging player in Terran and interstellar politics. Ukraine▓s military commitments to the French Arm against the Kafers≈particularly the Ukrainian squadron at Eta Bootis, commanded by the strategic genius Borodin≈have played a vital role in defending all humanity from the !Vah. Although Ukraine will be forced by necessity to concentrate on the expansion of its fleet and the reconstruction of its devastated Aurorean colony, its exposure on the Kafer frontier has made it a front line nation for the first time in two and a half centuries...

http://users2.ev1.net/~redroach/ad2300/ukraine.htm


[Edited by BlueandGold on 7th June 2005 at 17:01]