OUTSTANDING GUEST SPEAKER

At our last meeting in July, 2005, we had the privilege to host on outstanding speaker. This gentleman gave a speech that I will remember for a long time. By now many of you know that I am talking about "Brother" Frank Spula, President of Polish National Alliance (PNA). (If you want to know more about the new President of PNA please visit their website at http://www.pna-znp.org . Yes, there is no mistake I wrote "Brother." Brother Spula pledged that he will become a member of our prominent organization. And he should, we are a part of Polish National Alliance Family. Yes, "Family" is what Mr. Spula used in his speech to describe different organizations that are under PNA’s umbrella. By that way, I really liked that description—Family. His speech was about his vision for Polish National Alliance and Polonia. He touched on many subjects during his speech, I shall write about the ones I thought were important.

Mr. Spula became President of the Polish National Alliance (PNA) at a very hard time for Polonia. We are very divided as a community. We basically don’t have that one voice that everybody would follow even within the PNA’s Family. Because of that, we are not recognized as a important player in politics arena; basically nobody takes us seriously. I don’t have to remind you that we are the second largest community in the Chicago area. Mr. Spula knows that. In fact, his speech was mainly about unity, about working together to fulfill that mission. His mission is to unite Polish factions so that we are recognized. I have to say that I was totally absorbed by his speech. That was the best speech that I heard from a Polish leader in a long time. I know he spoke from the heart, I could see sparkles in his eyes when he was talking, and heart is what separates the good from the the great.

During his speech, Mr. Spula mentioned that he had lots of visitors the first week in the office. But then he said, "You know what this people wanted" and somebody shouted "jobs." What’s new? We always have fun during the meetings. Anyway, the right answer was money. To get you have to give—how true that is. In order to get, you have to be a part of the "Family" was Mr. Spula’s response. Does Chicago Society live by that rule? Out of 270 members we have 89 PNA members. Mr. Spula showed his intention to become our member. Should we return the favor by at least making sure that new members are presented the opportunity to become a part of "Family?" Please let me know your thoughts e-mailing me or writing in the discussion area.

On my behalf and my follow Brothers, I would like to wish Brother Frank Spula lots of patience and persistence, because he will need that to achieve his vision. We also hope to see him more often at our meetings.

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