Hungarian American Coalition News, 1993 (2. évfolyam, 1. szám)
1993 / 1. szám
Hungarian American Coalition Summer 1993 Vol. 2, No. 1 Letter from the President Dear Coalition Members and Friends: What could be more appropriate than writing this letter from Budapest, where each day brings more evidence of the deep involvement of Hungarian-Americans — among them many Coalition members - in the ongoing task of aiding the democratic transformation of Hungary. Each time I pick up a newspaper, attend a reception, or meet Hungarian friends, I become more convinced that today we have an unprecedented opportunity: to cooperate and combine our special knowledge of Hungary with the varied programs and extensive resources of American institutions. When five of our Board Members — Rev. Imre Bertalan, Frank Koszorús, Peter Uj vagi, László Hamos and I — participated last December in die Presidential Eastern European Roundtable meeting, we stressed die desire of the Hungarian-American community to assist in die development of effective communication between the U.S. and Hungary, as well as in unproved efficacy of U.S. programs in Hungary. We, who have special motivation, knowledge and extensive contacts in our fonner homeland, offered our help to assure that U.S. programs bring the greatest possible benefit to both countries. Accordingly, we are interested in exploring “joint ventures" with American institutions: the USIA Visitors Program, Citizens Democracy Corps, International Media Fund, Sister Cities International, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, International Council of World Affairs, The City Club of Cleveland, Freedom Forum, and others. Public and private universities are also active participants in die Hungarian educational system. That is why we chose to publish our Educational Directory, which can be used to leam about existing programs and to determine where and how to start others. Happily, as we approach the second anniversary of die Coalition's founding, there is much to report about our progress. In early May we held our Second Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. and took stock of our growing membership and fundraising efforts. By May 1,1993, we had surpassed die total amount raised in all of 1992. As both our operational expenses and programs are completely financed by membership dues and contributions, this improvement will certainly enable us to undertake additional programs, to be determined at our August board meeting. (Our financial report is available to members upon request.) Our goal continues to be to mobilize and focus the talents and resources of our members. An important part of this effort is the sharing of information among our members, which often leads to mutual benefit: For example, Seatde-based Comprehensive Healtii Education Foundation has just received a generous grant for teacher training in Hungary from the Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel, (photo on page 9) Our network continues to grow - we now have members in 23 states - many of whom actively cooperate in hosting visitors from Hungary and die surrounding countries. Thus, András Edocseny from Budapest, Karoly Király, Anikó Szantho Harrington, Donald Harrington, László Szegedi from Transylvania, and László Jozsa from Vojvodina, among odiers, have all been hosted by Coalition members on their recent trips throughout the U.S. We receive many more requests for help, and suggestions for worthwhile projects, than we can begin to undertake. If we are to give meaningful assistance to Hungary in educational, medical, social and cultural programs, we must augment the resources of the Hungarian American community at large. Each of us—organizations and individuals —can play an important role in developing contacts and identifying potential resources in our own cities. Our newsletter provides concrete examples of how our Coalition has attempted to work this way. Much has been accomplished; much more remains to be done. I would like to thank each of you, who are members of the Coalition, for your continued support. The more actively you participate, the more effective our organizational network becomes. I also extend an invitation to those who are not yet members of our Coalition: Join us! Become part of an organization whose members are committed to building bridges between the U.S. and Hungary, with trust, respect and active partitipation in the rebirth of a democratic, free-market system in Hungary. In Hungarian friendship, ^ ,__ Coalition Project Updates Educational Directory Our Educational Directory is at last FINISHED. Its compilation has been a year-long, concerted effort as we have continued to receive or discover new information. It now includes a wide range of information on training and educational programs for students and professionals both in Hungary and die United States. This valuable resource is free to Coalition members. Copies can be ordered for $5.00 inc. shipping. (Continues on page 2) — In this issue: Coalition Project Updates pages 1-2 Ohio Business Mission in Hungary page 3 News From Our Members pages 4-6 Minority Affairs: • Focus on Former Yugoslavia page 7 • Focus on Rumania pages 8-9 Book News page 11
