UNYF Makes Good Impression at UCC Congress

By Kristin Glover

Over 70 years ago, a group of ambitious Canadian–born Ukrainian students and public school teachers founded the Ukrainian National Youth Federation of Canada, UNYF. The re-birth of the UNYF has been occurring for the last three years. Within these past years, three distinct UNYF branches as well as independent members from across Canada have gathered under the organization. The UNYF, commonly known as MUNO, has increased its membership to over 100 members within Ontario alone, predominantly from UNYF Toronto and Toronto-West Branches. There is also a UNYF Winnipeg Branch of with an executive and over 30 candidate members. Independent members reside in Regina, Sudbury, Hamilton, Montreal and the UNYF is poised to keep growing.

Recently, the UNYF had the opportunity to partake in the Triennial XXII Ukrainian Canadian Congress, October 19-21, in Winnipeg. Six delegates, ranging in age from fourteen to twenty-two, gathered at the Congress to take part in round table discussions, youth resolution committee work and in the election process of the UCC National President of UCC, an experience for all youth in attendance. Andrew Popiel, Winnipeg, and Kristin Glover, Toronto-West, had the opportunity to represent the UNYF on the youth panel and speak at the round table session on Ukrainian Canadian Youth Engagement, joined by delegates representing a variety of youth and student organizations - “SUM”, Plast, “SUSK”, and “SUMK”. Discussed were our organizations’ platforms, its relationship and what we would like to see as the future interactions with the UCC. By our presence at this conference, the UNYF took the first steps to integrate itself into the UCC organizational structure. Prior to the Congress, many of our delegates knew little about the inner workings of the UCC.

It became evident to us how our knowledge grew through participation in congress sessions, particularly, in the youth session when youth delegates became more involved. Although, members of the UNYF do not have a lot of organizational experience, our philosophy is “learn by doing.” Someone can get lectured on how to be part of and run a youth organization, but we believe that more will be learned through direct participation. At this point, because the UNYF is in the process of gaining strength, the main focus is on the concentrated effort to improve and stabilize our own organization. While participation in local and provincial UCC events is something that is feasible in the short term, active work within the UCC structure will only be possible once we strengthen our membership base.

The youth had a strong voice in this Congress, having seven resolutions passed, the highest number developing out of any of the round table sessions. The UNYF took an active role as one of our delegates Katherine Adamov, Winnipeg, sat on the youth sub-committee that inspired an original fourteen resolutions. These resolutions directly dealt with the needs that were put forth within the round-table session on youth, as well as those developed with the active participation of delegates that were present. Three young gentlemen, Andrew Balkota, William Pidzamecky, and Yuriy Zholob from the Toronto-West, who posed questions to the presidential candidates, took the audience by storm. They were the youngest delegates present and showed great enthusiasm and interest in many of the topics discussed. Each UNYF delegate attended a different round table discussion of interest and had an abundance of information to report back to their local branch.

A strong relationship between youth organizations and the UCC is required in order to ensure that the leaders of tomorrow have the necessary tools and knowledge to lead the UCC for generations to come. It is important for the UCC to make a conscious effort to include and inform their youth on decisions and subject matter relevant to the preservation and growth of Ukrainian Canadian culture.

 NP: The revival of the Ukrainian National Youth Federation is the result of the committed group effort of UNYF Alumnae, the UNF of Canada Board of Directors and in no small part due to the dedication of Taras Pidzamecky, former UNYF of Canada President.

– Photos by Taras Pidzamecky