Hungarian American Coalition - 2001 Projects and Accomplishments

THE COALITION'S PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2001

The Hungarian American Coalition is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization founded in 1991. Its mission is to identify and promote the interests of the Hungarian-American community. Its goals are:

to foster appreciation of Hungary's history and culture;

to encourage educational and cultural interaction between the people of the U.S. and Hungary;

to protect and preserve the human and minority rights and cultural heritage of Hungarians throughout the world;

and to support democratic institutions and economic development in Hungary.

Education and Culture

Co-sponsored with the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation an International Seminar in Washington, D.C., entitled "Restoration of Vojvodina's Autonomy: A Model of Multi-Ethnic Stability in Former Yugoslavia.", Two panels of academic and policy experts convened on June 28 to examine factors required for regional stability in all parts of former Yugoslavia.

Continued to promote satellite broadcasting of DUNA TV to North America.

Awarded scholarships totaling $3000 to three Hungarian students pursuing studies in US colleges and universities. The Dr. Elemér Kiss Scholarship Fund, endowed by contributions in honor of a long-time Coalition member, distributed the scholarships.

Supported projects that benefit cultural and educational institutions of Hungarian minorities in the neighboring countries:

Purchased painting from a Hungarian Embassy contemporary exhibit by a modern Hungarian artist and donated it to the permanent collection of the Hungarian Embassy in Washington.

-Raised funds to contribute to the Tenth Annual Teenage Song Festival and Talent Contest, to be held in Temerin, Vojvodina, in November.

-Gave operational support to Madach Posonium Publisher of Pozsony (Bratislava), for publication of its weekly newspaper, Szabad Újság, four magazines, as well as for the maintenance of seven Hungarian bookstores in Slovakia.

-Underwrote and organized the four-city US visit of Sandor Milovan, Vice President of the Hungarian Cultural Organization of Subcarpathia.

Humanitarian Assistance

On June 16^th Coalition officers attended the inauguration of the new Town Hall of Vamosujfalu. The new building complex was funded partly by an $80,000 anonymous donation administered by the Hungarian American Coalition. The original public administration building of Vamosujfalu was totally destroyed in 2000 by massive flooding which devastated the area.

In response to new flooding in March 2001, the Coalition requested contributions for disaster relief in Subcarpathia. With the help of a consortium of Hungarian organizations in Subcarpathia, the Coalition identified several projects involving school reconstruction. The Subcarpathia Fund, which totals $15,000, will provide a lasting investment in the region's recovery.

After the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US, the Coalition established a "September 11 Fund," and thereby offered an opportunity for contributions made in Hungary to reach the families of innocent victims.

Information

Maintained an Information Office in Washington, D.C. since 1991.

Got acquainted with the newly appointed officials in the White House and the State Department, and provided information about the mission and activities of the Coalition.

Continued active participation and leadership position in the Central and Eastern European Coalition, addressing issues of common interest in the region, including further expansion of NATO.

Met with the newly appointed US Ambassador to Hungary, Nancy G. Brinker, the new DCM, Janet Garvey, and new USAID Regional Director, Hilda Arellano. Also made contact with Michael Guest, new US Ambassador to Romania.

Maintained regular contact with leaders of Hungarian minorities in Vojvodina, Slovakia, Romania and Subcarpathia, with special attention to being well informed on events affecting the Hungarian communities of the region.

Requested a meeting with Romanian Prime Minister, Adrian Nastase, to express concerns of Hungarian Americans about the escalating criticism of some Romanian officials toward the Hungarian minority community.

Coalition members participated in the Standing Conference of Hungarians convened in Budapest in October, to discuss the preparations of putting into practice the Hungarian Status Law.

Published five issues of News from Slovakia, a bimonthly newsletter that provides information to Washington decision-makers and members of the press on events that affect the daily life of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia.

By year-end, the Coalition will publish four issues of the Hungarian American Coalition Newsletter, and a dozen press releases.

Plans are being made for the annual Coalition activities to be held in December in Washington, D.C., including the Board and Annual Meetings, and the traditional Mikulás Dinner, hosted by the Hungarian Embassy.

Maintained an e-mail network connecting Coalition members, and a home page on the World Wide Web (http://www.hungary.com/hac).

If you are not a member of the Hungarian American Coalition, and are interested in joining us, please call (202) 296-9505.

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THE COALITION'S PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2001

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