Annual Meeting, Election of Officers,

& Guest Presentation

"Rusyns in Ukraine: A Struggle for Minority Rights"

Elaine Rusinko, Ph.D., Mikulaš Popovič, MD, Ph.D., and Victor Haburchak, Ph.D., officers of the C-RS National Capital Chapter, will present the program to members, friends, and guests.  They have visited foreign embassies, U.S. and E.U. officials, and members of Congress to call attention to this human rights issue.

Carpatho-Rusyns are recognized as a distinct nationality in the neighboring countries of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. However, the government of Ukraine refuses to acknowledge the existence of “our people” as a distinct national minority living within its borders.  Instead, it re-codes Rusyns as a “sub-ethnic” group of Ukrainians. The human rights issue is particularly important as Ukraine applies for membership in the European Union and considers joining NATO, and also has implications for Rusyns worldwide.

As a result of the efforts of Rusyns both inside and outside Ukraine, on March 7, 2007 Rusyns were recognized as a nationality in the Transcarpathian Oblast of Ukraine.  The impact of this decision will be discussed, along with the current socio-cultural and economic situation of Rusyns in Ukraine.

Before the presentation, a beautiful photo-essay on Rusyns in Transcarpathia by former chapter president Thomas Brenzovich will be screened.

Saturday, June 2, 2007 – 2:00 P.M.

McLean Governmental Center

Community Room

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, Virginia 22101

Any C-RS Member interested in serving on the Board is asked to contact Board Member Marta Popovičová

on 301-897-5107 or by Email at Popovic@bellatlantic.net by Thursday, May 31, 2007.

Reservations are not required but are requested for event planning purposes.

Please call in or email the number in your party by 12 Noon, Friday, June 1, 2007