I would like to share some point make at a past conference. These points discussed are all important items for us to think about that pertain to our Polish Freternal Society.
First National Conference of the Polish American Community held in Chicago
on October 15 -16, 2009
Northeastern Illinois University, Fine Arts Center, 5500 N. Saint Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
(PAC host the first National Conference of the Polish American Community in the 21st Century)
General Session 3 - Leadership in the Polish American Community
Dr. Casimir Kowalski , “passing the torch." - Too many leaders hold on to their positions too long and prevent new leaders from having an opportunity. New leaders need to be developed. Any action is better than none... leaders are made not born.
Laura Felusiak, PAC Secy. TX - ...bridge the gap between young and old. Education is a lifelong journey. ...“share the vision, trust, and keep it.”
Mr. Zielinski - 501(c)8 Fraternal Benefit Associations must be not-for-profit, have subordinate lodges in the country, offer a benefit (e.g., life or health insurance), and have a common bond among members that separates them from others.
The original mission of the fraternals to provide mutual assistance has over time been supplanted (replaced) by government, employer, and union programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment, life and health insurance, and pensions.
... Fraternals now have turned to volunteerism, community services, and scholarships. Will fraternals remain relevant; will the resources be there to (keep them alive)?... If ethnics buy insurance, IRAs, annuities. Fraternals offer excellent, competitive insurance, annuity, IRA and other products at lower cost and higher return than commercial firms. Because they are non-profits, they return their earnings to their members, communities, and Polish American organizations such as the PAC. They also are highly regulated and safe.
Issue Session A2 - Role and Importance of Ethnic Organizations
Dr. Susanne Lotarski, PAC VP for PR, - Polonia and Poland are very different today from what they were when the PNA or PAC were founded. For most of its history in America, Polonia’s top goal was regaining freedom and independence for Poland. Twenty years ago this goal was achieved.
...we need to go back to our roots in this country. Our organizations always had dual missions. One was Poland’s freedom and independence. The other was the well-being and advancement of Polish Americans in the United States... this latter mission, advancement of Polish Americans and rejuvenation of Polish American organizations, that is the crisis of our times. So much of our Polish heritage (culture) in this country has disappeared or is in danger of disappearing. Too few Polish Americans under age 50 know about or care to get involved in the Polish community... These are the challenges we face. Polonia needs new energy, new directions, modern communications, and strengthened unity of purpose. In working toward this, Polonia needs a new partnership with Poland.
