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Home : Programs : Advocacy & Information : Steppes

Steppes to Liberty Award - 2009 - Ruslana

It is our honor announce that Ms. Ruslana Lyzhychko (Ruslana), has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the Steppes To Liberty Award. This award recognizes individuals or organizations that have shown deep commitment to the betterment of Ukrainians, Ukrainian arts and culture, and the recognition of Ukrainian identity on the world stage. Nominees for this award are accepted from Ukraine and the worldwide Ukrainian Diaspora.

The STEPPES TO LIBERTY AWARD is sponsored and administered by The Ukrainian Federation of America and The Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. The award will be presented at Center City Philadelphia's Prince Music Theater on June 27th, 2009. The concert will feature violinist Vasyl Popadiuk and his ensemble—Papa Duke.

Invited to the concert and reception by the Federation will be those physicians who provided free medical care for Ukrainian children and those specialists, who accepted Ukrainian medical professionals for internships. Please join us in sponsoring the tickets for these doctors and their spouses as a show of our community’s gratitude for their generosity. Your support and presence will make this cultural event a success.

Nominating Criteria
The STEPPES TO LIBERTY AWARD honors someone who has demonstrated deep commitment to the betterment of Ukrainians, Ukrainian arts and culture, and the recognition of Ukrainian identity on the world stage. Nominees for this award are accepted from Ukraine and the worldwide Ukrainian Diaspora.

Ruslana’s victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul in May 2004 has also become a victory for poor and disenfranchised Ukrainians. Ruslana’s talent and dedicated humanitarian work have given them voice.

Ms. Lyzhychko is heralded as a champion of humanitarian causes. She has committed herself to the fight against human trafficking and violence against women and also to defending issues of child welfare. In recognition of these efforts, UNICEF has named her Good Will Ambassador of Ukraine.

“It is the public’s duty to relieve the suffering which was inflicted on the flooded areas of Ivano-Frankivs’k and Chernivetskiy”. This was her rallying cry when she called upon other influential Ukrainians to take the lead in relief efforts. She led by example in donating her time and resources. But her efforts didn’t stop there. Ruslana also relieved the suffering by personally delivering kind words as well as direly needed goods and medical supplies to the flood’s victims. She dedicated herself to making certain a sense of dignity was returned tothe flood victims.

The three components used to evaluate candidates:

Goals: The award evaluates the excellence of the goals set and achieved by the candidate. The nature of these goals has a direct strategic and/or artistic correlation to the global cultural identity of Ukraine.

Impact: The award recognizes the level of impact individuals or organizations have made in promoting the cultural image of Ukraine. Candidates are not limited to persons of Ukrainian heritage. Nominations may include anyone who has had a profound impact on Ukrainian culture in Ukraine or abroad in the worldwide diaspora.

Challenge: The award candidate has demonstrated a deep commitment in the face of adversity or challenges. They have overcome or are continuing to face challenges and show a strong resolve to follow a morally chosen course.

For Ruslana’s visionary care for the country and people of Ukraine, its language, art and culture… Ruslana is the recipient of the 2009 Steppes To Liberty Award.

(Updated 6/1/09)