By Walter Kish

This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Edmonton to take part in the 70th Anniversary celebrations of that city’s branch of the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF). It was a well-run affair, and my wife and I greatly enjoyed the genuine warmth and hospitality of the local members. We were particularly impressed with the fact that the branch has managed to engage within its ranks, and its leadership in particular, the various demographic segments of the Ukrainian community – the older organizational pioneers, the younger generations of Canadian-born Ukrainians, and most importantly, members of the latest wave of Ukrainian immigrants that have arrived here in the past decade or so.

The Anniversary events were both impressive and memorable, yet the most interesting aspect of the weekend’s programme to me, was the frank discussion that took place on Sunday afternoon between branch members and representatives of the UNF National Executive from Toronto and Winnipeg. It was obvious that many of the Edmonton members felt a sense of alienation from both the rest of the organization and the Executive in the East. They perceived a lack of understanding, direction and support on the part of the UNF’s national leadership.

There ensued a lively dialogue between the local members and Roy Kostuk, the National President of the UNF, Diana Bryk-Grabinsky, the UNF’s Western VP, and yours truly as head of the New Pathway and self-appointed ambassador at large for the UNF. The exchange of ideas and opinions, though passionate at times, proved to be constructive, and in the end, most everyone agreed that many of today’s problems were the end result of many decades of historical baggage and organizational structures and policies that were no longer effective or adequate for today’s environment and realities.

It was suggested that prior to the next national convention, it is vital that the organization, with the participation and input of all the existing branches, engage in a constructive analysis of branch needs, and try to define the organizational, financial and administrative structures and policies that are necessary to rejuvenate the UNF and ensure its future. Of particular importance is the need to improve the UNF’s internal communications and financial support processes and policies.

It is clear to me, that in order for this to succeed, the onus must be on the branches to clearly define their needs and their expectations of the organization’s National Executive. The UNF cannot run on the top-down leadership model that prevailed in the past. The branches and their members must clearly and forcefully define the vision, agenda, priorities and policies of the UNF and elect an executive that is dedicated to carrying these out.

It is time to re-affirm that the National Executive’s role is to serve the branches and membership and not the other way around. This, however, also means that members must take the initiative and not just wait for the National Executive to provide the answers and the money to make the UNF successful.

The future of the UNF depends upon the organization’s ability to re-invent itself. Part of this involves redefining its purpose and vision so that the focus shifts away from the traditional emphasis on political goals, and more towards prioritising the preservation of the Ukrainian identity in Canada and the creation and support of strong cultural, social and educational programmes.

The other part of the challenge is to put in place effective administrative and financial processes that serve the communication, development and funding needs of all the branches and members throughout Canada.

Let us keep in mind though, that the initiative, work and effort required to tackle all these challenges must come in large part from the organization’s roots, namely its component branches. UNF branches are as powerful or as powerless as they want to be.