Dear Members,

As we look ahead at the New Year -- and at the new decade -- there are many things we would no doubt like to change for the better. Who wouldn't want an improved economy, an end to wars and strife, a more civil public discourse, a more effective government? While we can affect some of these things by being involved as citizens, they remain beyond the scope of what a single person can hope to accomplish. There are, however, plenty of things we can do as individuals to make the world a better place in the coming year -- and in the coming decade.

We can resolve to be kinder to our family members and coworkers. We can commit more time to volunteering and community service. We can extend a helping hand to friends and neighbors in need. And we can become more active members of PWA. In a world where life seems to be moving ever faster, sometimes spinning out of control, touching the lives of the people closest to us is the best way to remain grounded and to affect change.

There will be many ways for PWA members to become involved and touch others in the coming year 2010 is the year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest Polish composers, Fryderyk Chopin. It is the year of the 100th anniversary of the Glos Polek, our own publication. It is the year of another PWA Youth Conference in Philadelphia and the year we offer our young members a chance to visit Poland.

You can take part in the musical tributes to Chopin that will be held all around the country and throughout the world, sharing the beauty of his music with your family and friends. You can contribute to our fundraising drive for the Glos Polek Centennial and become part of the historic centennial issue. You can motivate a young person to explore his or her Polish heritage by taking part in the youth trips planned this summer. And you can encourage others to join our organization in order to make new friends and find ways to make a difference in the lives of others.

It will be a busy year for all of us at PWA and I hope that you will join us in making this a special year for our organization as we pay tribute to our past, celebrate our heritage, and look forward to an exciting future!

I would like to extend my best wishes to all members and friends of PWA and their families for a Happy New Year!

Fraternally,

Virginia Sikora
National President