Washington D.C.'s cherry blossoms were in full bloom as the Fourth National Youth Leadership Seminar, organized by the Ukrainian American Youth Association ("CYM"), took place in the nation's capitol. A group of high school juniors and seniors from across the United States who have proven their leadership potential and dedication within the ranks of CYM were invited to participate in this scholarship-based seminar. The participants were selected based on their nomination and support by their local CYM branch, a competitive screening process, and approval by the organizing committee.
The seminar focused on leadership, project management, marketing and public relations, and motivation in community organizations. Speakers included Genya Kuzmowycz-Blahy, Reverend Bohdan Danylo, Orysia Dmytrenko, Andrij Horbachevskyj, Darka Horbachevskyj, Petro Kosciolek, Bohdan Shevchik and Andriy Bihun.
The first day's sessions took place at the offices of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, who generously gave CYm use of their facilities in downtown Washington for the day. In the evening participants dined together out the town, then embarked on a three hour moonlight-lit trolley tour of Washington's monuments.
On Sunday, the second day of the Seminar began with prayer services and a sermon by Rev. Bohdan Danylo, and a brief trip to the city's Taras Shevchenko monument. Seminar sessions on this day took place at the Embassy of Ukraine, located in Washington's beautiful Georgetown district. Participants were met by Mr. Olexandr Mykhalchuk of the Embassy's Cultural, Information and Press office and given a brief tour of the historical building which today houses the Ukrainian Embassy.
Throughout the two days, participants as well as their mentors learned much from each other, took part in practical exercises and learned about what it means to be a leader in life in general, and in the Ukrainian community in particular. As in the past, CYM extends its sincerest appreciation to the Ukrainian Embassy and to the U.S-Ukraine Foundation for their warmth and hospitality, which was instrumental in making the leadership seminar so successful and memorable. For more information about next year's CYM National Leadership Seminar program, contact your local CYM oseredok!
