From June 17 through 23, I joined 18 other Americans of
Polish descent at the Fifth Youth Leadership Conference of the American
Council for Polish Culture (ACPC) in Washington, DC. It was a wonderful
opportunity, not only for me personally, but for all those who attended
as well. The group was made up of university students and recent graduates
from ten states and fourteen universities. About two thirds of this
year's group, (like myself), were born in Poland and the rest were of
second, third, and fourth generations.
When I found out that I was selected to take part in this conference,
I was both excited and apprehensive. Spending a week in our nation's
capital sounded very appealing, but I was not exactly sure how this
conference would work out and what was expected of me. Little did I
know that this would be one of the best experiences in my life thus
far!
I was the first one to arrive at George Washington University's Crawford
Hall dormitory. Soon my roommate from Chicago arrived as well as others.
Once we had settled in, our director, Dr. Maria Chrypiñska, oriented
us as to the week's events. Following the meeting, we all realized that
the next seven days would be an educational experience and no vacation.
The next seven days consisted of meetings with people that I would have
never expected to have the opportunity to meet. The group had personal
time scheduled with each of our speakers, and access to people and places
that most 'tourists' simply would not be able to arrange. We met with
a variety of leaders in the realms of national and international government,
politics and Polonia. Some were of Polish descent while others had positions
that somehow connected them to Poland or Polish-American relations.
The best part was that we as students were allowed to ask questions
and dialogue one-on-one with these leaders, (on issues that were personal,
pertaining to Poland, or Polish Americans here in the States); receiving
from these prominent and respected individuals, very personal and open
answers and career advice!
Some of the places that we visited and had private meetings included:
our nation's Capital, the Pentagon and Press Briefing Room, the Polish
Embassy, the American Center of Polish Culture (founded by the American
Council for Polish Culture), the newly opened Pope John Paul II Cultural
Museum, The National Shrine Basilica, Arlington National Cemetery, the
White House-Old Executive Office, Kennedy Center, and a customized "PolishWashington,
D.C. Tour" led by internationally known Polish American sculptor,
Gordon Kray - whose own works are prominently displayed throughout Washington,
D.C.. Our intensive but exhilirating week was highlighted by the ACPC
YLC delegates' starring role at the Lincoln Memorial, in the beautiful
"Wianki' (St. John's Eve) candlelit ceremony - sponsored annually
by the ACPC's Washington D.C. affiliate - the Polish American Arts Association.
During our YLC week, we met with Cameron Muntner, a former UCLA professor
and member of the White House National Security Council. He focused
on how important Poland and Polish Americans are in the eyes of the
White House and European policy issues. Poland is a poster child for
other emerging democracies to follow in terms of its successful transition
to a democratic society, and its entrance into NATO. Other people that
we met with included: Jim Miklaszewski - NBC News Pentagon correspondent;
Sandra Sobieraj - White House Associated Press Correspondent; Dr. Mark
Brzeziñski- former White House Director for Russian, Ukrainian
and Eurasian Affairs; Ian Brzeziñski- Senate Foreign Relations
Committee; Dr. Stanley Blejwas- Central CT State Chair of Polish Studies
and Holocaust Museum Board member; Mishael Porembski- producer/director
of a documentary of her father's wartime experiences "Burning Questions".
The American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC) was organized in 1948;
to promote Polish culture in the United States. It has affiliate members
nation-wide, including California. In its fifty plus years, it has
organized many national and international projects and activities that
have promoted Polish-Americans and Polish culture. Among its most
far-reaching and acclaimed activities is the Youth Leadership Conference
(YLC). The ACPC-YLC is an annual event, that takes place in Washington,
D.C, for young Polish Americans, ages 17 - 25, who are interested in
civic and political leadership, and 'making a positive difference' as
Polish-Americans in national and international realms. It is most
generously sponsored by the American Council for Polish Culture, and
dynamically organized and led on a volunteer basis, by YLC creator/director,
Dr. Maria Chrypinska. Currently, through the generosity of the Lynch
Foundation Challenge Grant - for every dollar that is contributed to
support the YLC, the Lynch Fund will donate an additional dollar and
a half. If ever there was a time to "INVEST in the FUTURE"
of Polish American Youth, and securing our place in national
leadership levels - the Time is NOW!
The ACPC-YLC motto is "the FUTURE is NOW!" By writing this article,
I hope that Polish youth of Southern California, (and far-sighted Polonians
- who want to help 'make a difference" for our Youth), take advantage
of this opportunity to support and experience, like I did, a chance
of a lifetime! If anyone has any questions about the conference, please
call (626) 577-9797, OR contact ACPC-YLC Director, Dr. Maria Chrypinska
at (734) 782 - 4917; e-mail Larkrest@wmis.net;
and to make a Tax Deductible Contribution to support the ACPC-YLC. Please
also visit the website of the American Council for Polish Culture www.polishcultureacpc.org.
