Ukrainian National Women's League of America Branch 145 -Binghamton NY

10/26/2026

Ukrainian Word of the Day: Соняшник [sonyashnyk] (Sunflower) 🇺🇦🌻

National flower
The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine.

Cultural significance
Sunflowers are a symbol of Ukraine's culture, heritage, and economy. They are woven into wreaths, incorporated into folk art, embroidered on clothing, and painted on walls and furniture.

Symbol of peace
Sunflowers have long represented peace in Ukraine. However, since the war with Russia began, they have also become a symbol of Ukraine's strength and resistance.

Economic importance
Ukraine is the world's LARGEST producer and exporter of sunflower oil and sunflower seeds.

History
Sunflowers were first imported to Ukraine from North America in the 1800s. They were first commercialized for oil production in Ukraine in the 19th century.

Chernobyl disaster
After the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, Ukrainians planted sunflowers in the area to represent renewal and hope. The sunflowers also helped remove toxins from the soil.

10/25/2026

Branch 145 answered the Bishop's call to gather and pray the rosary for Ukraine.

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

This Wednesday, October 21, at 8:30 PM EST, join UNWLA’s Urgent Telethon! Let's come together, call Congress, and demand action.

📣 REGISTER HERE TO JOIN THE TELETHON
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/40xsXIotSi-4o_zW9uaxRQ

UNWLA National Advocacy Chair Christina Tershakovec will guide us through the process step by step. Together, we'll make sure Congress hears that Ukraine has strong and broad support among Americans.

Ukraine needs us. Ukraine needs our voices! 🇺🇦

10/19/2026

⚠️ The President has put the Sanctioning Russia Act on hold. The new sanctions and tariffs Congress passed with support from both parties were paused just before they took effect, with no end date.

This is a serious setback. These sanctions were meant to cut off the money that pays for Russia's war against Ukraine.

📌 Write to the President and ask him to put the law back into effect. It takes less than a minute:
🔗 https://www.amukr.org/tell-the-president-implement-the-sanctioning-russia-act?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=president-implement

10/16/2026

❗️ Facebook Friends: WHERE DOES YOUR CONGRESSPERSON STAND ON RUSSIAN DIESEL?

President Trump’s October 9 decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel fuel raises serious concerns about providing additional revenue to Russia while it continues its brutal war against Ukraine.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly condemned the decision. Every member of Congress should be asked to make their position clear.

➡️ Here’s what you can do:

1. Find your U.S. Representative:
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

2. Check whether your representative has issued a statement about the Russian diesel decision.
3. If they have publicly opposed it, THANK THEM for speaking out and urge them to continue pressing for action.
4. If they have remained silent, ask them to speak out. If they support the decision, ask them to explain how it aligns with efforts to end Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

A suggested message:

Dear Representative,

I am deeply concerned about President Trump’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel fuel while Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian civilians.

As your constituent, I would like to know your position on this decision.

Will you publicly oppose measures that could provide additional revenue to Russia’s war effort and support the continuation of meaningful economic pressure on the Kremlin?

Ukraine’s survival, European security, and America’s credibility are at stake.

Sincerely,
[Your name and town]

🙏 Please take a few minutes to contact your representative. Your voice matters.

Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? This service will assist you by matching your ZIP code to your congressional district, with links to your member's website and contact page. Please review the frequently asked questions if you have problems using this service. Enter your...

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

The statement was supported by all EU member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, as well as the UK, Japan, Canada, Georgia, Moldova, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea.

08/25/2026

We are deeply proud to share that Natalie Pawlenko , President of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, has been awarded the Order of Princess Olga, Third Class, by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 🇺🇦

This distinguished state honor recognizes Natalie’s service to Ukraine – but, as she so powerfully expressed, this recognition also belongs to generations of UNWLA women who, for more than 100 years, have never forgotten Ukraine.

For a century, our members have carried Ukraine in their hearts, preserved its language and culture, defended its truth, supported its people, and stood beside it through moments of hope and profound hardship. Generations and circumstances have changed, but that commitment has endured.

We are profoundly grateful to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, and Chargé d’Affaires Denys Sienik for this extraordinary recognition.

We congratulate Natalie on this tremendous honor and celebrate it as a powerful recognition of a century of service by UNWLA women – those who came before us, those who serve today, and those who will carry this mission forward.

For more than 100 years – with Ukraine in our hearts. 🇺🇦