Ukrainian Democratic Youth Organization (ODUM)

The Simon Petlura Detroit Chapter of the Ukrainian Democratic Youth Organization (ODUM) was formed in 1953. Throughout its existence there have been many active members including Peter Kytasty, Lida (Korol) Kytasty, Jurij and Taisa Rozhin, Luba (Khudiak) Zura, Halyna and Vasyl Kolosiuk, Nina (Vovenko) Starostenko, Lesia Ciura, Alexander Siomka, Andriy Smyk, Vera Petrusha and others. The cultural work of the chapter flourished – a newsletter was published, choirs were organized, a theater group was formed and presented the play Bondarivna as well as the Fialky young women’s singing ensemble led by P. Kytasty. There was also a volleyball team in the 1970s. Members of the ODUM chapter participated in cultural programs presented by the Detroit Ukrainian community and helped organize Ukrainian cultural evenings at local universities to better inform others about the history and culture of Ukraine. 

In 2010, the leadership of the ODUM Detroit chapter are: Ivan Kytasty (President), Anatoli Murha (1st VP), Halya Petrusha- Zarewych (2nd VP & youth chairperson), Natalie Prytula (Treasurer). In the summer of 2010, ten scouts camped at the ODUM “Ukraina” encampment near London, Ontario in Canada. Participants included: Gabriel Poletz, Maxym and Zynoviy Birko, Tatiana and Emiliya Smyk, Timko and Evdokia Blysniuk, Yarko Petrusha, Zachary and Ava Zarewych.

ODUM celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2010 and in 2011, the 50th anniversary of ODUM camps. From July 1-4, 2011 there will be a Jamboree of all past and present members of ODUM at “Ukraina” near London, Canada. There will be sporting competitions, concerts, a dance and other activities for young and old. The plans for this event are being coordinated by Vera Petrusha (elected President of ODUM Central Committee) and Sonia Smyk (2nd VP and Camp Chairperson). 

Andrew Smyk