Victoria NGO held the first "Know Your Rights" public meeting at the Veterans Hall next to Lenin Park on 3 July, to discuss the project, funded through a Peace Corps SPA (Small Project Assistance) grant. About 30 people attended. Vera explained the project, the activities, the resources and information being prepared, and the upcoming seminars. She also spoke about the Peace Corps and the work we do with glowing enthusiasm.I spoke about "The Rule of Law in America," which Vera had asked me to do. I started off with an introduction in Russian and switched to English with translating help from Tonya , the teacher at Koorychevka school and a stalwart Victoria volunteer. I had prepared two handouts, one on the three branches of government, another on the principles of the rule of law, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Consititution, and the American system of laws, how they are made, revised, reviewed, enforced. I emphasized the ideals of "All men and women are created equal" and "Equal Justice Under the Law," emblazoned on the front of the magnificent Supreme Court building in Washington, DC (flikr photo above).
These ideals, I noted, have not always been practiced, but all Americans cherish them, and they have been the foundation of most reform movements in America since the founding of our country. I cited as examples the women's rights and civil rights movements. Lots of nods around the room. "America is a history of conflict and struggle to achieve these ideals for all citizens," I concluded, a tacit signal of hope for Ukraine.
Next project lawyer Maxim Emelyanov spoke about the urgent need for Ukrainians to know their rights and to defend them. He said unfortunately too many people become victims of injustice because they do not know the laws. He thought that Ukraine has a way to go to achieve "equal rights under the law." He stressed the basic premise of the "Know Your Rights" project: "Informed citizens are Empowered citizens."
A most interesting part of the meeting followed, when several people in the audience stood up to comment on the issues. A man named Vladymir (it's hard for me to catch surnames) talked about the situation in Ukraine, which he thinks is the worst it has been since 1991. He spoke passionately about the need for more activism and participation in the political process. "We were born with fear in our souls," he said. "We must overcome this fear and fight to achieve our own democracy in Ukraine." He was eloquent, and moving.
A woman, Sveta, added to Vladymir's appeal, speaking on behalf of women's condition and participation. She said the hope for democracy rested with young people with the courage to change. Vera later told me that Sveta headed a women's rights organization in Noroskovo, a village outside of Starobilsk. Tonya leaned over and whispered in my ear: "These people are not afraid; they are fighters."
Several others spoke about the need for knowing and disseminating the history of Starobilsk, to show local pride, which I was glad to hear since the calendar project is stalled. Someone suggested a brochure on Starobilsk history and architecture. There seemed to be general enthusiasm for this idea. PCV Stacie and I looked at each other and thought we could help. This might be a way to morph the calendar project into something useful. Stacie also mentioned a website.
The lively discussion continued over tea and cookies after the meeting, with more people speaking up, including a young teacher and mother, Tatiana, who expressed interest in joining the English Club. Afterwards, some of us met for lunch at Olga's, a gracious invitation, and the discussion continued.
A most interesting part of the meeting followed, when several people in the audience stood up to comment on the issues. A man named Vladymir (it's hard for me to catch surnames) talked about the situation in Ukraine, which he thinks is the worst it has been since 1991. He spoke passionately about the need for more activism and participation in the political process. "We were born with fear in our souls," he said. "We must overcome this fear and fight to achieve our own democracy in Ukraine." He was eloquent, and moving.
A woman, Sveta, added to Vladymir's appeal, speaking on behalf of women's condition and participation. She said the hope for democracy rested with young people with the courage to change. Vera later told me that Sveta headed a women's rights organization in Noroskovo, a village outside of Starobilsk. Tonya leaned over and whispered in my ear: "These people are not afraid; they are fighters."
Several others spoke about the need for knowing and disseminating the history of Starobilsk, to show local pride, which I was glad to hear since the calendar project is stalled. Someone suggested a brochure on Starobilsk history and architecture. There seemed to be general enthusiasm for this idea. PCV Stacie and I looked at each other and thought we could help. This might be a way to morph the calendar project into something useful. Stacie also mentioned a website.
The lively discussion continued over tea and cookies after the meeting, with more people speaking up, including a young teacher and mother, Tatiana, who expressed interest in joining the English Club. Afterwards, some of us met for lunch at Olga's, a gracious invitation, and the discussion continued.
There is so much despair in Ukraine now, a pervasive sense of powerlessness, that these gatherings seemed like rays of sunshine on a bleak landscape. For me, spending the day with thoughtful Ukrainians and talking about Victoria's "Know Your Rights" project was the best way to commemorate Independence Day. It was civic education at its best. American ideals are still beacons of hope in the world.
What a wonderful SPA project. Your are doing some very good work, Fran, despite the struggles you have had around the language. Amazing what can be accomplished despite what seem at the time like insurmountable barriers.
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