NEWS AND EVENTS

May 28, 2010
3rd forum of Russian Compatriots

The 3rd forum of Russian compatriots of the US, coordinated by the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots and the Congress of Russian Americans (CRA) Organizing Committees was held on Friday, May 28, at the Russian Center of San Francisco.

Over 200 representatives from numerous Russian American organizations, including businessmen, teachers, cultural, historical, and religious activists, community leaders and youth representatives came from various states [Break off and insert a link to the full story page] (including Washington DC, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii), as well as from Puerto Rico, China, Australia and Russia. In addition to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the US, Sergey I. Kislyak, all four RF Consul Generals in the US (San Francisco, Seattle, Houston and New York), members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on work with compatriots and numerous representatives of the media (TV, radio, newspapers) were represented.

The 3rd forum, the first held on the West Coast, was deemed a great success by the participants. It brought together the different waves of Russian immigrants to the United States and their descendants, beginning with emigrants who left pre-revolutionary Russia, the Civil War refugees, the World War II refugees and the emigrants of the past 30 years.

The forum provided an opportunity to meet community and business leaders from various cities and states of America, who came to discuss common interests and concerns, capitalize on the experience of other Russian Americans, exchange information and network, with a focus on our youth and educational programs.

Throughout the day, the Congress of Russian Americans continued their hospitality by providing ample food and an atmosphere conducive to networking and socializing. At the end of the evening, during the gala dinner, a lovely concert by local performers presented a variety of entertainment, including music, song, dance and theater - all indicative of the community’s achievements in preserving the Russian language and cultural heritage.