Thanksgiving Day traditions observed in Donetsk

Members of the American Club @ the Center for Political Studies in Donetsk gathered today to celebrate Thanksgiving over pizza and traditional American pumpkin pie. 

The spirit of Thanksgiving was brought by Mike Martucci, pumpkin pie was home made by +Alyona Slobodianuk. There were also games, forfeights and much fun!

U.S. Ambassador Pyatt answers questions asked by Ukrainian kids

Video question: Lviv students to Geoff Pyatt

Over 20 students from Lviv National University appealed to the US Ambassador in Ukraine asking to help US-Ukraine trade relations through localizing American goods and services using Ukrainian language.

The request was supported by the campaign promoting the use of Ukrainian language by foreign companies operating in Ukraine (fb.com/groups/i.tak.poymut).

North by Northwest - movie club in Donetsk

Please join the American Movie Club on Wednesday, 23 October, for a movie North by Northwest. 

Synopsis: A hapless New York advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and is pursued across the country while he looks for a way to survive.

Event page: http://vk.com/event59978077

Time: 15:45 p.m.

CV Writing Workshop took place in Donetsk

Members of the American Club at the Center for Political Studies brought their CVs to a mini-workshop, aimed at boosting them. 

Interesting insights were shared by Mike Martucci, an American professor of English at the Donetsk National University and David Cepeda, a volunteer with the European Voluntary Service from Spain.

European Schools for a Living Planet - ESFALP 6 (Sep 27 - Oct 2, 2013)

R U Ready 2 Study Abroad? - discussion at the American Club in Donetsk

The regular meeting of the Center for Political Studies' American Club was held in Donetsk, to discuss the prospects of Ukrainian students who wish to pursue studies abroad.

Conversation on the subject, which began the day before at the Polish Club, received a logical continuation today, with a much larger number of participants.

Whistleblowers, Security and Liberty - discussion in Donetsk

Members of American Club at the Center for Political Studies in Donetsk, Ukraine met with Eric A. Johnson, Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Kyiv.

The topic of discussion was "Whistleblowers, Security and Liberty" - as suggested by the Club's participants on the previous meeting. Government Shutdown was also brought up.

Peace Corps volunteer prepares for leaving Ukraine

What it feels to prepare for leaving Ukraine, having served two years as US Peace Corps volunteer? Find out in the new post on the blog "Oh pancake!"

Last week, I traveled back to Chernigov for Group 42′s Close of Service conference.  There, I met with the remaining PCVs who began Peace Corps with me two years ago. In September 2011, ninety-seven Americans arrived in Ukraine; in September 2013, the number has dropped to the low eighties (either eighty-one or -two). I saw there people I had not seen since swearing-in and I saw volunteers whose names I never knew and whose faces I only faintly recognized. But I also met up with some people who had once been an integral part of my service–training really–and whose friendship had somehow succumbed to distance and time spent apart.

Video-question: Mikhailo Pervushin to Geoff Pyatt

Mikhailo Pervushin asking the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoff Pyatt about the prospects for enhancing cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine. 

Mikhailo Pervushin is 20 years old, studies International Relations at the Donetsk National University, member of the American Club.

Ukrainians shouldn't bear arms - discussion of the US Constitution

Joined today by Mike Martucci, an experienced English teacher, program administrator, and sports coach from California, participants of the American Club in Donetsk discussed the U.S. Constitution. 

Having learned about the separation of powers, checks and balances provided by the Constitution, as well as the first 10 ammendments known as the Bill of Rights, Ukrainian youth discussed topical issues related to the U.S. Constitution, including the right to bear arms (2nd Ammendment). Most voiced their opposition to the idea of a similar right for Ukrainian citizens.

Volunteerism and Community Service in Ukraine Photo Contest

The US Embassy in Kyiv invites volunteers to enter the competition now to win one of three new cameras!

Do you enjoy volunteering your time to serve others? How are you and your friends helping to build a better future for your community? Show us what community service looks like in Ukraine! Submit a photo to the Volunteerism and Community Service in Ukraine Photo Contest for the chance to win one of three awesome new cameras!

Video-question: Katya, Mykyta and Danil to Geoff Pyatt

Katya, Mykyta and Danil asking the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoff Pyatt on differences between the US and Ukraine. 

Katia Kadubovska is 9 years old, Mykyta Yarmysh is 11, and Danil Savkevych is 8, all three are residents of Avdiivka, Donetsk oblast.

What it means to be American? - video

Jose Antonio Vargas carried his secret around for a long time, even winning the Pulitzer Prize for journalism, before finally fessing up.

In this video, he calls for putting questions, and re-defining what doest it mean to be an American.

Europe starts with us! - Youtube campaign among Ukrainian youth

Ukraine - despite all that - continues to move towards European integration. European choice is not a matter of several officials and diplomats - it is a daily choice and actions by each Ukrainian.

As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Ukrainian Network of Euroclubs invites members of European clubs, local youth join the campaign and create short videos under the slogan "Europe begins with us - I am changing Ukraine, are you?"

Video-question: Mykola Yeriomin to Geoff Pyatt

Mykolay Yeriomin, asking the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoff Pyatt on the Embassy's support to cultural relations between the US and Ukraine. 

Mykolay Yeriomin, 21, is a student of the Donetsk National University and member of the American Club at the Center for Political Studies.

The US Embassy in Kyiv greeted Ukraine with a song

The musical greetings, prepared by the new US Ambassador to Ukraine and the Embassy's staff, went viral with over 14000 views during the first day. 

Accompanied by the Embassy's own band Duck and Cover, diplomats dressed in vyshyvanka's sing "Chervona Ruta".

Video-question: Alyona Slobodanyuk to Geoff Pyatt

Alyona Slobodanyuk, asking the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoff Pyatt on the awareness of American youth about Ukraine.  

Alyona is 18, she is a student of the Donetsk National University and member of the American Club at the Center for Political Studies.

Video-question: Timur Skrypnikov to Geoff Pyatt

Timur Skrypnikov, asking the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoff Pyatt on the economic relations between Ukraine and Russia.  

Timur is 19, he is a student of the Donetsk National University and member of the American Club at the Center for Political Studies.

What would you ask the US Ambassador to Ukraine? - Youtube Campaign

Dear friends! The new Ambassador of the United States to Ukraine - first among other diplomats - appealed to the citizens of his host country with a proposal to send him questions - in the video format.

American clubs in Ukraine invite youngsters to respond to this call - and join the campaign aimed at creating short videos with questions from Ukrainian youth to the new US Ambassador!

Celebrate Taras Shevchenko’s 200th birthday - take part in essay competition!

The essay contest is part of a year-long, world-wide celebration of Taras Shevchenko’s 200th birthday. It is intended to inspire young people to think about the legacy of this towering figure in Ukraine’s history. 

Theme of the Contest “Taras Shevchenko: Why Does He Matter Today?”

Forest Fairytale: US Military Transforms a Preschool in Ukrainian Village

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv and Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) celebrated the completion of a Humanitarian Assistance renovation project at a local school in the village of Starychi in the region of Lviv.

Beyond the new building and school supplies, the most rewarding result was the spirit of optimism that residents exuded in the aftermath of the project.

Ukrainian American Clubs in the US

Here are some American Clubs by Ukrainians in the United States:

Ukrainian American Club of Southport Connecticut @ www.theukrclub.com

Please share your experience of Independence Day

The United States Embassy in Ukraine invites alumni of US programs to participate in the 4th of July essay competition.

Please be invited to submit your entries!

Dear Alumni,

We’d like to announce the Essay Competition: “4th of July Celebration in the U.S.: My Story”. Please share with us, your fellow alumni and all Ukrainians your experience of celebrating the U.S. Independence Day.

Being on the U.S. Government-sponsored exchange program you noticed that 4th of July is the America’s biggest federal holiday. 

Letter by Harward professor answered 52 years later

A letter written in 1961, was answered in 2013. 

What determines political existence? - discussion in Donetsk

Participants of the American Club at Center for Political Studies in Donetsk discussed the differences and similarities between political cultures in Europe, the United States and Ukraine. 

The meeting was attended by club's regulars plus European Voluntary Service volunteers from Latvia and Poland, as well as CPS interns. One of the first issues on the agenda was what was first - a political culture, or the human predicament in a specific country.

Operation Respect comes to Ukrainian schools

On December 15, 2011 Peter Yarrow of the influential American folk group Peter, Paul and Mary arrived in Ukraine to introduce his Anti-bullying program Operation Respect.

The project offers a Teacher Guide with classroom or group activities for students to learn about expressing feelings, building a caring classroom climate, resolving conflict creatively, and understanding diversity.

American Club in Donetsk will discuss the culture of volunteering

Donetsk National University's Dipclub invites American Club members to discuss why there is such a widespread culture of volunteering in the United States and Europe, what it means to be a volunteer, and what one gains from being a volunteer.

Meeting will take place on Thursday, May 30, at 5:00 PM, in the Center for Political Studies.

First Ukrainian to land in America - Ivan Bohdan in 1608!

Ivan Bohdan from Kolomyia is apparently the first Ukrainian to step on the lands of American continent - in 1608! 

More @ http://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Богдан_Іван

MLK Award for Ukrainian Youth - project proposal

If you are a Ukrainian alumnus or alumna of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, or current participant, please be invited to join the project "Martin Luther King Award for Ukrainian Youth"! 

Source: http://lfp-donetsk.blogspot.com/2013/05/join-team-of-exciting-project.html

Bill of Rights Essay Competition Award Ceremony took place in Kyiv

Winners of the II Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine” were recognized in the US Embassy in Ukraine. 

Certificates to the winners: Volodymyr Pavlov, Serhii Ishynov, Yaroslav Kozak - were presented by Andrew Paul, Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy. The competition was held by the Center for Political Studies, jointly with the portal “American Clubs – Ukraine”, and the Kyiv Alumni Resource Center (ARC).

General partner of the competition: American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii (Honolulu, USA). Partners of the competition: Institute of Professional Lobbying and Advocacy (IPLA) and Donetsk Regional Association of International Researchers (DAIR).

American Days will take place in Donetsk in early April

On 1-5 April the US Embassy in Ukraine invites to the cultural festival "American Days in Donetsk". 

American film, dance, education, sports, photos will be presented, as well as the Embassy's programs in Ukraine.

Oscars 2013 and US Film Industry - American Club in Donetsk

Members of the American Club @ Center for Political Studies in Donetsk discussed yesterday the recent Oscars Ceremony and the impact of US film industry on global culture. 

We spoke about the 85th Academy Awards, about nominations and awards, and about the scandals around the ceremony.

Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program - apply today!

The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) provides outstanding secondary school teachers of English, social studies, math and science with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills and increase their knowledge about the United States.

Teachers come to the United States from all world regions for a six-week academic program at a U.S. university graduate school of education, including intensive training in teaching methodologies, lesson planning, teaching strategies for their home environment, teacher leadership, and the use of instructional technologies.

An Unlikely Friendship - Shevchenko and Aldridge

Larry Socha, Consular Officer @ the US Embassy in Ukraine, saw a portrait of a famous American actor Ira Albridge by Taras Shevchenko and was impressed. 

The story of Ira Aldridge and Taras Shevchenko is one of friendship, but also one of freedom. Both men sought freedom in the power of their words. Both drew inspiration from real human struggle, slavery and serfdom. They were men ahead of their time whose examples inspire us in our own.

Sambir meets Winnipeg through art

Roman Yereniuk from Canada-Ukraine Foundation met with Sambir school students. 

Youth presented their paintings, which will be taken to Canada.

Washington's Birthday & Presidents' Day - in American Club @ CPS

Every year, on the third Monday of February, Presidents' Day is celebrated in the US to honor George Washington and other US Presidents (in particular, Abraham Lincoln, who was also born in February). 

On February 21, 2013 American Club @ Center for Political Studies met to discuss historical and current political role of US Presidents.

Creative Writing Competition by Peace Corps in Ukraine - enter today!

2013 will be the third year Ukraine is participating in this competition, and, because Ukraine is such a large country and there are so many Peace Corps Volunteers here, the competition is organized on a three-tier level: school, oblast, and national. 

The winning national compositions will be passed on and judged at the international level.

More about the competition @ creativewritinginukraine.wordpress.com

Washington's Birthday & Presidents' Day - American Club in Donetsk

Center for Political Studies' American Club invites its members to discuss leardership, historical figures, play trivia quizzes and games about the US presidents - on Thursday, February 21, 2013.

On February 22, 1732 George Washington was born - was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, serving as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, first President of the US (April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797).

Peace Corps volunteers - great to be in Ukraine as a couple!

Washington — Peace Corps volunteers Steve McCafferty and Mary Beth Phair of Belchertown, Massachusetts, are teaching local community members English-language skills while serving together in Ukraine. 

McCafferty and Phair teach English to Ukrainians of all ages through formal classes, English club meetings and conversational activities.

Events to commemorate Marin Luther King were held in Novyi Rozdil School 4

On January 21, 2013 the members of Euroclub “Promin Europy” of Novyi Rozdil School 4 watched some videos about Martin Luther King, listened to his speech "I Have a Dream".  

The holiday of the commemoration of Martin Luther King  is observed in the United States of America on the third Monday of January each year, near the time of King's birthday. He fought for racial equality and civil rights. In 1964, King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize; he was awarded at least fifty honorary degrees from colleges and universities.

Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I have a dream” speech, calling for all people to be treated equally, regardless of the color of their skin. "I Have a Dream" is a 17-minute public speech by Martin Luther King, delivered on August 28, 1963, in which he called for an end to racism in the US.

 

The students discussed the issue about supporting the human rights of all people, wherever they may live.

Bill of Rights - Essay Competition Results!

Competition poster

Center for Political Studies, jointly with the portal “American Clubs – Ukraine”, and the Kyiv Alumni Resource Center (ARC) announces the results of the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

General partner of the competition: American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii (Honolulu, USA). Partners of the competition: Institute of Professional Lobbying and Advocacy (IPLA) and Donetsk Regional Association of International Researchers (DAIR)..

Competition lasted during one month - from December, 15  (Bill of Rights Day in the US) to January, 15 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). 43 Essays were accepted to the competition, and evaluated by a qualified panel of Judges.

Total points of competitors (in Ukrainian):

American Dreamers: Peace Corps volunteers - on reality check in Ukraine

"All Peace Corps volunteers are dreamers. Before coming to Ukraine, each of them had a dream and a goal".

Find out what Roberta Eleazer was dreaming about, when she packed for Ukraine, and what was the reality she met during her stay.

Source: http://www.facebook.com/PCUkraine

American Club in Donetsk held Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

A US Peace Corps volunteer, 10 Ukrainian youth and two European Voluntary Service volunteers from Poland viewed documentaries about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., discussed his legacy and brainstormed on the school community projects competition about to be announced.

Event was aired online, and will serve as model for coming MLK Days elsewhere in Ukraine.

MLK Day @ American Club in Donetsk

American Club @ Center for Political Studies in Donetsk, Ukraine invites to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January, 21 @ 4 p.m.

We will have a screening of a movie on MLK, and roundtable discussion about King's heritage and present-day problems in Ukraine which resonate with his words and actions - all in an informal setting, and with small souvenirs!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 21

On Monday, January 21, American Clubs - Ukraine invite to join the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities - either by organizing public events in the memory of MLK, or simply by serving to your community. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. is best known as the most prominent American leader in the African American civil rights movement in the United States and around the world. The 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate promoted civil rights by following the great Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence.

Bill of Rights: For citizens of the USA it was the so called “support”

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

I’m a thirteen-year-old schoolgirl from Cherkasy. I study in the eighth form at First City Gymnasia. Being under the influence of different events which take place in this country and in many other countries abroad, I’ve decided to write about the human rights protection and participate in this contest. You may doubt whether I do know what democracy is or what the laws are.

Bill of Rights: The Second Ten Amendments of the United States

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

United States Bill of Rights is unique both as a bill of rights and as a document generally. It’s hard to imagine any other document so constantly challenged yet so widely acclaimed. This unique duplicity still intrigues after all these years. Moreover – it’s continues to rise the questions, to make people thinking about their choices, their rights, their lives. Both to raise criticism and to inspire people to continue the struggle.

Bill Of Rights in USA: Ukraine begins from us

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendements to the USA Constitution. It was created on September 25, 1789 . The main idea of this document was to reduce the influence of government to personal liberties. The Bill of Rights was filling up by different politicians during many years and now it is more perfectly completed.

Bill of Rights: People’s lives are ruled and regulated...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

People’s lives are ruled and regulated by different rules of etiquette, behavior, traffic regulations, family relationship and soon. The most important relations in the life of a person are regulated by different rules written by laws. The laws are established and ensured by the state bodies. They are created to reflect the thoughts of the majority on how to act in various situations: what to do and what is not to be done.

Bill of Rights: When I first heard about the Bill of Rights...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

When I first heard about the Bill of Rights I thought that it is one of the few very important documents. It is old and everybody extols it. However, further consideration revealed that this document has the most prominent importance not only to the Unites States of America but for every democratic country.

Bill of Rights: Bill of Rights should become an example for Ukraine...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These limitations serve to protect the natural rights of liberty and property. They guarantee a number of personal freedoms, limit the government's power in judicial and other proceedings, and reserve some powers to the states and the public. While originally the amendments applied only to the federal government, most of their provisions have since been held to apply to the states by way of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Bill of Rights: Nowadays democracy is the most actual theme...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

Nowadays democracy is the most actual theme. For many years people have been aspiring to freedom and independence. But what does it mean? Is it really good as it seems?

Bill of Rights: There is nothing perfect in our lives...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

As we all know, there is nothing perfect in our lives. American people noticed that their constitution is not ideal. So at least 4 years after adoption of the Constitution in the Congress were flocked numerous proposals letters. So, James Madison prepared some additions to the Constitution which we call Bill of Rights. It consists of list of 10 amendments.

Bill of Rights: The struggle is never over...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

The celebration of Bill of Rights Day differs considerably from any other celebration in one important aspect: unlike a battle or war, which can be won once and for ever, a law is not immediately established when it is passed. Adoption is often the easiest part in a law’s existence while its maintenance requires everyday effort, protection against many seen, hidden and potential dangers, and strong temptation to sacrifice it for the sake of momentary political gains.

Bill of Rights: We live in the difficult, but extremely rich time...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

We live in the difficult, but extremely rich with historical events time of passing from slavery, oppression, lack of rights to the proclamation of human rights, respect for the dignity of the person, the realization that man is responsible for himself, for his present and his future. New Ukraine, that has got independence on the turn of the centuries, declared to itself that the man, his life and rights are the highest social values. But how did all it begin? How did human rights, which are valid to this day begin to be set?

Bill of Rights: We are the people...

Our portal “American Clubs – Ukraine” continues publishing the essays, submitted to the Second Annual Student Essay Competition in support of Democracy in Ukraine, on the topic “Bill of Rights in the US: Democracy Lessons for Ukraine”.

We are the people and it is vitally important for us to feel secure. It is necessary to have a place to rest and feel free of any danger or facing any enemies. Everyone wish to feel secure while walking down the street or sitting in the bar or, perhaps, using public transport.

American Clubs - Ukraine: new Google Group

Please join our new Google Group "American Clubs - Ukraine" @ https://groups.google.com/d/forum/american-clubs-ukraine

This is a group for school and university youth clubs, which promote non-formal learning of US history, culture and political system, connections between Ukrainian and American peers, as well as volunteering in local communities.