Information Activities of the Association of Ukrainians of America (1968–2001)

Abstract

Research Methodology. During the study, the following methods were used: empirical (observation, description) and theoretical (analysis, synthesis, generalization, deduction, explanation), as well as systemic and specific sociological.

Results. The subject of the study was the press and information activities of the Association of Ukrainians of America (AUA) (1968–2001) and its magazine Nash Holos (Our Voice). One of the few socio-political associations in the Diaspora that represented the interests of the liberal-democratic segment of the Ukrainian community of the USA and Canada. With no ideological basis, the AUA always declared its patriotic stance on the liberation of Ukraine and all the processes that took place in its domestic and foreign political life. By informing the community about national events in the life of the Diaspora and Ukraine, thus acting as a communicator, Nash Holos (Our Voice) tried to be guided by freedom of speech, balance of thoughts and points of view, accuracy of information submission. The magazine often raised extremely acute and painful questions about the history of Ukraine, international relations, social and political issues of the Diaspora. Nash Holos (Our Voice) was one of the few publications that, from its inception, was financially based solely on subscriptions and voluntary donations to the press, and the editors worked on a royalty-free basis. The article looks at different periods of Nash Holos (Our Voice) activity up to the termination of the AUA.

From the very beginning of its activity, Nash Holos (Our Voice) was aimed to become a free speech forum and give an opportunity to speek mind freely, to discuss community affairs in public. It was intended as a tool for the part of the United States community that sought to streamline the social life of Ukrainian community. To the extent possible, both the Union of Ukrainians of America (hereinafter – UUA) and Nash Holos (Our Voice) have been able to fulfil this task, even though it’s hardly worth saying that the organization had become the main participant of public and politician life of Ukrainians of USA.

Although the UUA declared that Nash Holos (Our Voice) is intended not only for Ukrainian community in USA, but also for Ukrainians in Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Australia and other places of setttlement, however, it did not become widespread, having just a few subscribers in these countries. The monthly publication presented a lot of some content that other Ukrainian press did not print in diaspora. Most often, these were critical, but constructive, opinions of authors regarding releases in other publications. The editorial board payed particular attention to comments of nationwide events both in Ukraine and America, as well as in the world. As a communicator in Ukrainian diaspora in the Western world, thereby Nash Holos (Our Voice) was helping to create informative and spiritual unity of all Ukrainians outside Ukraine.

It was stressed that from the beginning the publication was financially based solely on the subscription and donations to the press fund, and editors worked free of charge. This is one of the few examples in the history of Ukrainian press outside Ukraine.

Declaring itself as an organ of part of Ukrainian democratic community, the editorial board always declared the journal as a continuation of such publications as Problemy (Problems) (1947–48) and Lysty do Pryiateliv (Letters to Friends) (1953–1967). The fact that Nash Holos (Our Voice) during more that 30 years was fulfilling its task remaining financially independent and ideologically neutral, already speaks for a certain continuation with the abovementioned publications, and that is introducing it into the history of Ukrainian journalism in emigration. 

Novelty. The press and information activities of the Association of Ukrainians of America (AUA) (1968–2001) and its news agency Nash Holos (Our Voice) were investigated.

The practical significance. The research results can be used during the development of events of formation of information culture in a state and individuals level.

Key words: Association of Ukrainians of America, community, congress, diaspora, editorial office, free speech, information magazine, Nash Holos (Our Voice), political life, public activism, social problems.