Resolution of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Science (SVU) on the Occasion of its Anniversary SVU World Congress in Washington, DC, August 8-13, 2000

THE CZECHOSLOVAK SOCIETY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES ---

HOLDING its Twentieth World Congress in the year 2000 in Washington, DC, the site of the Society's founding in 1958 and of its First World Congress in 1962 ---

REVIEWING critically its work of forty-two years and mapping out its tasks for the future ---

REAFFIRMING its founding principles that have withstood the test of times both hard and hopeful ---

R E S O L V E S :

1. As a live matrix of human values and a ceaseless process of ethical growth, culture in this broadest sense remains the pivot of the life of the Society.

Culture knows no boundaries. Geopolitical patterns of national governance often shift and always separate men and nations. Culture bonds them. In this deeper cultural sense the Society retains its designation "Czechoslovak" and thus also affirms its nonpolitical character.

In the same spirit, the Society does not distinguish between those of us living abroad and in the Czech and Slovak lands. All may have different joys and sorrows, their own despairs and hopes. Yet all share seeds and bonding sprouts of a common culture. The Society will continue its efforts to cultivate them, however hard to soil may seem to be at times.

The Society continues to follow the premise of cultural sharing on a global scale. Its members and friends are in many lands the world over. It is open to all, whether or not they are of Czech or Slovak roots, as long as they embrace the fundamental principles and aims of the Society. And the Society continues in offering the best of Czech and Slovak culture to others, and in seeking the best from theirs.

2. Since its inception, the Society has been true to its nonpolitical character and intends to be so in the future. This in no way mitigates the Society's firm adherence to fundamental values and principles of a democratic political culture.

Projecting its past record into the future, the Society shall protect its nonpolitical stance by (a) not subscribing to any party-political ideology nor affiliating with any political party, movement, group, or their factions, while cooperating with all who share and promote the values held by the Society, and (b) not allowing itself to be guided by or to become the instrument of any government or other power-based organizations, while maintaining friendly and productive relations with those of democratic persuasion and record.

In all of its undertakings, the Society shall continue its efforts toward enhancing the values of human tolerance and of freedom of spirit and thought. Without them, cultural growth falters and enlightened democracy decays.

3. Principles and values come alive and thrive through the daily toil of many who prize and uphold them.

In its general activities; through its regional groups in many countries; and by the work of its individual members anywhere: the Society shall continue serving as a significant conduit for the outflow abroad of cultural values from Czech and Slovak lands and as a channel for constructive reverse flows. To this end, the Society shall --

STRIVE, in cooperation with others, to preserve and strengthen Czech and Slovak cultural identity and heritage in the Americas and other continents ---

MAINTAIN living links between Czech and Slovak communities and their friends abroad and with the cultural life in the homelands ---

SEEK to resurrect and conserve all historical evidences and records of Czech and Slovak contributions to the cultural life of other communities, and to make them visible and accessible to all ---

STIMULATE active participation in the work of the Society by younger generations with Czech and Slovak roots or affinities ---

EMPLOY all available means of communication within the Society's ranks and between the Society and others, including printed and other media, periodic and ad hoc gatherings of Local Chapters as well as of Specialized Sections in various disciplines of learning and arts, Society-wide annual meetings and biannual World Congresses, as well as joint undertakings with other like-minded organizations and groups.

The Society is fully aware that while in the previous forty-two years it had to overcome many obstacles, the future will be no less challenging.

Approved by the SVU General Assembly at its annual meeting in Washington, DC, August 10, 2000.

Miloslav Rechcigl, Jr. SVU President

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