Hungarian Americans Together HATOG Conference X Americans Together HATOG Conference X Passing on our Hungarian Heritage Final Report ... Noemi Banhidi – Hungarian American Coalition,

Hungarian Americans Together

HATOG Conference X

Passing on our Hungarian Heritage

Final Report

Sponsored and organized by

American Hungarian Heritage House

Hungarian American Coalition

The Hungary Initiatives Foundation

HATOG X Organizing Committee:

Andrea Lauer Rice, Hungarian American Coalition

Stefan and Erika Fedor, American Hungarian Heritage House

Anna Smith Lacey, The Hungary Initiatives Foundation

May 19-21, 2017

Vienna/Arlington, VA

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Introduction The tenth Hungarian Americans Together conference (HATOG) was held in the Washington DC

area in Vienna and Arlington, VA on May 19-21, 2017. The goals of the regional conference

series include: to build networks of regional organizations and Hungarian American leaders, to

share best practices, to gain new information and insights from the community and provide

professional development sessions for Hungarian American leaders in strategic fields. This year’s

added objectives were to:

1) Attract young up-and-coming leaders to focus on ways to engage the youth and help bridge

the generational gap, and to

2) Fill the toolbox of each participant with new skills, contacts and ideas that they can

immediately put into practice once they return to their communities.

HATOG X was organized by the American Hungarian Heritage House (AHHH), the Hungarian

American Coalition (Coalition) and The Hungary Initiatives Foundation (HIF). More than 60

representatives from 16 states and Hungary attended the conference; approximately 70% of the

participants were attending their first HATOG.

HATOG X included presentations from a number of community representatives and leaders, in

addition to professional development sessions on: defining a mission statement, social media

marketing and strategy and fundraising and grant-writing.

Prior to the conference, all participants were provided with a digital SWOT kit to guide their

organizations through an internal analysis to identify areas of strength, weakness, opportunity and

threat. During the conference, participants worked through two worksheets – an interview guide to

lead a strategic discussion with key organizational stakeholders around mission statement and

marketing, and a social media strategy worksheet to help organizations create strong messaging

and prioritize communications.

This was a significant year, as it was the tenth time the Coalition helped bring Hungarian

American organizational leaders together across the US. The HATOG conference series began in

Washington, D.C. in 2008, and has since traveled to Pennsylvania (Ligonier, 2008), New Jersey

(New Brunswick, 2008), Ohio (Cleveland, 2009), Illinois (Chicago, 2010), California (San

Francisco, 2013), Georgia (Atlanta, 2013), Massachusetts (Boston, 2014), and Florida

(Venice/Sarasota, 2015). HATOG XI will likely be held in 2018 in the mid-west or on the west

coast.

The following report on HATOG X is divided into four parts: Agenda, List of Participants,

Minutes of the Conference and Biographical Information of Presenters.

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Agenda

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017, 8:30- 5:30PM Location: Marymount University, Rowley Hall, G127 – Arlington, VA

(link to interactive Marymount Campus Map http://marymount.university-tour.com/)

8:30 – 9:00 AM REGISTRATION, BREAKFAST & COFFEE

9:00 – 10:00 AM BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF ALL PARTICIPANTS

10:00 – 10:30 AM WELCOMING REMARKS

Introduction of Hungarian Americans Together Conference

(HATOG) Series & Hungarian American Coalition

Speaker: Dr. Agnes Virga, Chairman, Max Teleki, President

Emeritus

Introduction of American Hungarian Heritage House

Speaker: Stefan Fedor, President

10:30 – 11:30 AM REPORT/UPDATE ON REGIONAL DIASPORA TOPICS

Speakers: Laszlo Hamos, President, U.S. Diaspora & guest

speakers: Kathleen Horan, ReConnect Hungary, Gabe Rozsa,

Kossuth House

11:30 - 12:15 AM LUNCH at Reinsch Library – Board Room and Reception area

(link to interactive Marymount Campus Map

http://marymount.university-tour.com/)

12:15 – 1:15 PM STATE OF OUR COMMUNITY

Overview of Hungarian American Community, Summary Findings

of Pre-Conference Survey, Other Community Surveys & Trends

Speakers: Dr. Endre Szentkiralyi, HAC Executive Committee, Andrea

Lauer Rice, HAC President

1:15 – 3:15 PM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION

Strategic Planning – Fact-finding Interview w/Community

Representatives

Speaker: Barbara Sahli, Chroma Design and Communications

SPECIAL”YOUTH LEADER” BREAK OUT GROUPS

- Where do you see the community in 20 years?

- Out-of-the-box Ideas on Sharing Heritage

- If you were Supreme Leader of the HA Community…

- Other

Group Leader: Faye Gillespie, Boston

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**NOTE: For this session, participants will break into different

working groups – locations will be announced at the conference**

3:15 – 3:30 BREAK

3:30 – 4:00 PM PRESENTATIONS OF ALL BREAK-OUT GROUPS

Facilitator: Andrea Lauer Rice

4:00 – 5:00 PM (Continued…) UPDATE ON REGIONAL DIASPORA TOPICS

Speakers: Ildiko Nagy, New York Hungarian House, Melissa Katko

Pepin, American Hungarian Foundation, Andrea Lauer Rice,

Memory Project

5:00 – 6:00 PM Presentation on The Hungary Initiatives Foundation, Q&A

Speaker: Anna Smith Lacey, Executive Director

7:00 – 9:00 PM DINNER & WINE-TASTING at Reinsch Library – Board Room and

Reception area (link to interactive Marymount Campus Map

http://marymount.university-tour.com/)

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2015 9:00 AM - 4:00PM Location: Marymount University, Rowley Hall, G127 – Arlington, VA

(link to interactive Marymount Campus Map http://marymount.university-tour.com/)

8:30 AM BREAKFAST & COFFEE

9:00 - 11:00 AM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION

Social Media Outreach & Strategy Workshop

Featuring: Elizabeth (Dyar) Stiff, Co-Founder, Native Collaboration

11:00 – 11:15 AM BREAK

11:15 – 1:15 PM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION

Fundraising & Grant Writing

Featuring: Anna Voloshin, Senior Director of Development, The

McCain Institute for International Leadership

1:15 – 2:00 PM LUNCH at Reinsch Library – Board Room and Reception area

(link to interactive Marymount Campus Map

http://marymount.university-tour.com/)

2:00 – 3:00 PM EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL, OUT-OF-THE-BOX

FUNDRAISING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Presenters: Csilla Grauzer, Minnesota Hungarians, Melissa Katko

Pepin (AHF)

3:00 PM Participants depart

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List of Participants

Emese Asztalos – Putnam Memorial Presbyterian Church - A Hungarian Community, Daytona

Beach, FL

Anne Bader – Hungarian American Coalition, Washington, DC

Alice Balla Tomasino – Hungarian Club of Colorado; HUNGARICUS Hungarian-American

Cultural Society, Denver, CO

Akos Balogh – Boston, MA

Tibor Baki – Hungarian Scouts of Cleveland, OH

Noemi Banhidi – Hungarian American Coalition, Washington, DC

Timea Boross – Midlands Hungarians, Columbia, SC

Viktoria Butala – Makvirag Ovoda, Orlando, FL

Lorand Csibi – Hungarian Media Foundation (Bocskai Radio), Cleveland, OH

Miklos Czaun – US West Coast Club of Hungarian Scientists, Los Angeles, CA

Erika Fedor – American Hungarian Heritage House, Washington, DC

Stefan Fedor – American Hungarian Heritage House, Washington, DC

Eszter Gagnon – Triangle Magyar Klub, Charlotte, NC

Faye Gillespie – Hungarian Society of Massachusetts, Boston, MA

Csaba Gondola – Tom Lantos Fellow, Washington, DC

Csilla Grauzer – Minnesota Hungarians, Minneapolis, MN

Peter Gyombolai – Embassy of Hungary, Washington, DC

Laszlo Hamos – Hungarian Human Rights Foundation, New York, NY

Anna Hargitai – Hungarian Scouts of Washington, Washington, DC

Istvan Hargitai – Hungarian Scouts of Washington, American Hungarian Heritage House;

Washington, DC

Krisztina Hargitai – Hungarian Scouts of Washington, American Hungarian Heritage House;

Washington, DC

Monika Harmund – HungarianHub, Daytona Beach, FL

Kathleen Horan – Reconnect Hungary, New York, NY

Kinga Hydras – Hungarian Academy / DC Magyar Iskola, Washington, DC

Zsuzsanna Igyarto – Metroplex Magyar Cultural Circle, Dallas, TX

Botond Igyarto – Metroplex Magyar Cultural Circle, Dallas, TX

Ildiko Juhasz – Hungarian Society of Massachusetts, Boston, MA

Eva K. Balogh – World Club New England Chapter, Boston, MA

Melissa Katkó Pepin – American Hungarian Foundation, New Brunswick, NJ

Erika Klatyik – Global Friendship Foundation/Magyar Fesztival, Sarasota, FL

Fanni Lakatos – Hungarian Club of Chicago, IL

Edith Lauer – Hungarian American Coalition, Cleveland, OH

John Lauer – Hungarian American Coalition, Cleveland, OH

Andrea Lauer Rice – Hungarian American Coalition, Atlanta, GA

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Christoph Ludwig – Hungarian Cultural Institute Chicago, IL

Judit Ludwig-Janosy – Hungarian Cultural Institute Chicago, IL

Eva Lukonits – Intern, Hungarian American Coalition, Washington, DC

Zita Merenyi-Bolla – Hungary Initiatives Foundation, Washington, DC

Borbala Mezo – Hungarian Scouts of Hollywood, CA

Zsolt Molnar – Bocskai Radio, Cleveland, OH

Luca Morocz – Intern, Hungarian American Coalition, Washington, DC

Adrienne Myslenczki – Hungarian Scouts of Washington, AHHH, Washington, DC

Ildiko Nagy – Hungarian House, New York, NY

Krisztina Osvat – Embassy of Hungary, Washington, DC

Zsofia Parragh – Calasanctius Training Program, Washington, DC

Piros Pazaurek – HungarianHub, Daytona Beach, FL

Eszter Pigniczky – Hungarian Scouts of Cleveland, OH

Mariann Polgar-Turcsanyi – Bela Bartok Hungarian Kindergarten and School (Boskola), Boston,

MA

Viktor Polya – Calasanctius Training Program, Buffalo, NY

Anna Powless – Hungarian American Club of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Gabor Rozsa – Kossuth Foundation of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America,

Washington, DC

Anna Smith Lacey – Hungary Initiatives Foundation, Washington, DC

Elizabeth Szabo Vos – Magyar Marketing, Evansville, IN

Csilla Szekely – United Magyar House, Los Angeles, CA

Janos Szekeres – Hungarian American Coalition, Washington, DC

Zsolt Szekeres – Hungarian American Coalition, Washington, DC

Endre Szentkiralyi – Cleveland United Hungarian Societies, Cleveland, OH

Zsuzsanna Szikora – Talpra Magyar Sport Kupa, Orlando, FL

Noemi Szilagyi – Hungarian Christian Society; Hungarian Scouts, Sarasota, FL

Maximilian Teleki – Hungarian American Coalition, Washington, DC

Judit Trunkos – Midlands Hungarians, Columbia, SC

Agnes Virga –Hungarian Society of Massachusetts, Boston, MA

Eszter Volner – Korosi Csoma Sandor Program intern, Washington, DC

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Minutes of the Conference

Friday, May 19 HATOG’s initial networking event was to participate in the Hungarian Charity Ball held on Friday,

May 19 at Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner, VA. The proceeds of this event, organized by

AHHH and the Hungarian Scouts of Washington, will support the Eszeny Bocskai Istvan Middle

School, a Hungarian school in Ukraine and will help to establish Hungarian scholarship fund for

Hungarian American students.

Saturday, May 20

Introduction

The two-day HATOG conference was held at Marymount University in Arlington, VA. The event

began Saturday, with short presentations on each participating organization’s activities.

Hungarian American Coalition

Maximilian Teleki, President Emeritus and Agnes Virga, Chairman of the Board, Hungarian

American Coalition

Coalition President Emeritus Max Teleki and Coalition Chairman of the Board Agnes Virga

presented an overview of the mission and programs of the Hungarian American Coalition

(Coalition). They highlighted the organization’s flagship program, the ‘Coalition Internship

Program’, which has provided 76 scholarships since 2005. During the introductory presentation,

Dr. Virga also mentioned recent examples of projects in the Coalition’s primary areas of focus

which are: education and culture; information and advocacy and Hungarian American community

affairs.

As for education and culture, the Coalition currently has two scholarship programs: the Bognár

Family Hungarian Scholarship Fund, which provides monthly financial assistance to qualified

Hungarian university students studying in Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Slovakia, Serbia, and the

United States; and the Dr. Elemér and Éva Kiss Scholarship Fund, which gives partial annual

scholarships to Hungarian students to pursue studies at U.S. colleges and universities. In this area

of focus, the Coalition also manages its flagship project, the so-called Coalition Internship

Program, which was established to allow young Hungarian Americans and well-qualified English-

speaking Hungarians from Hungary and neighboring countries to gain first-hand experience at

various Washington-based institutions to motivate them for public service in their respective places

of origin, as well as to provide opportunity to build contacts in the US in their professional areas of

expertise.

Next, Dr. Virga mentioned that as far as information and advocacy is concerned, the Coalition has

organized 24 annual White House briefings so far; its Board members represent the Hungarian

American community and provide leadership at the annual Diaspora Council meetings as well as

hold ongoing behind-the-scenes discussions with key decision-makers in the US and Hungary.

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Finally, Dr. Virga talked about Hungarian American community outreach, highlighting the series

of community-wide “Hungarian Americans Together” (HATOG) conferences organized since

2008; providing ongoing support to “Memory Project: a Hungarian American Visual History

Archive”, an initiative by Coalition Vice President Andrea Lauer Rice and Réka Pigniczky, award-

winning documentary filmmaker and Coalition member; and its member organizations’ recent

commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight in

October 2016.

Further information:

www.hacusa.org

Mr. Teleki and Dr. Virga’s presentation can be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/hac_hatog_2017.pdf

American Hungarian Heritage House (AHHH) – Arlington, VA

Stefan Fedor, President, American Hungarian Heritage House (AHHH)

Stefan Fedor introduced the American Hungarian Heritage House (AHHH) and its activities.

AHHH strives to provide a physical and spiritual home for all American-Hungarian organizations

in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide support and

a place for cultural, educational, and religious assistance to people with American Hungarian

descent.

During his presentation Mr. Fedor expressed his goal of cooperating with other organizations and

providing opportunities to hold events at Marymount.

Contact information:

https://www.americanhungarianheritagehouse.org/

Presentation by László Hámos on regional diaspora meetings

László Hámos, President of the Diaspora Council’s U.S. Section reported on the council’s work in

Budapest and at Regional Diaspora Meetings organized by the Embassy of Hungary.

Mr. Hámos provided an overview on the work of the Diaspora Council. He explained that formally,

the Hungarian Diaspora Council is an advisory group to the government of Hungary, created 7

years ago to embrace community leaders in all five continents, with a sixth section devoted

exclusively to Churches and the Scouts. The Council meets once a year, usually at the end of

November, in Budapest, for a large gathering of about 150 invited community leaders from around

the world and twice that many governmental and non-governmental representatives from Hungary.

Technically, there are 22 official members of the US section, but in practice more than 200

community leaders have joined the Council’s various programs, initiatives and discussions. The US

section, of which László Hámos is the elected president, is an explicitly non-hierarchical, inclusive

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forum, which has evolved by consensus to focus on specific topics and programs of greatest

importance to its members.

Mr. Hámos reported that on March 11-12, 2016 at first-ever joint government-diaspora meetings at

the new Hungarian Embassy in Washington, and the Hungarian House in New York, the self-

selected point people for each working group area gave presentations about the purposes and needs

of their chosen subject matter. The purpose behind this exercise was to introduce a process, which

would continue through updates as needed at subsequent Hungarian-American gatherings,

including at HATOG X, and hopefully the Itt-Ott Hungarian Communion of Friends week-long

summer retreat at Lake Hope, OH, the Hungarian Scouting Association summer camp in Fillmore,

NY, as well as regional diaspora meetings co-sponsored by the Hungarian government being

discussed for Chicago, IL and California.

Finally, Mr. Hámos highlighted that the eight topics or working group areas identified are:

nurturing Hungarian cultural heritage; Hungarian language teaching; Reconnect Hungary Birthright

Program; Kőrösi Csoma Sandor Program; promoting Hungarian business and trade; world-map of

Hungarians; advocacy of important issues; oral history - Memory Project Hungarian America

Visual History Archive.

During Mr. Hamos’ presentation, he invited several participants involved in the various initiatives

to update the conference.

ReConnect Hungary

Kathleen Horan, ReConnect Hungary Alumna

Kathleen Horan, a 3rd generation Hungarian American, represented the ReConnect Hungary

(Birthright) Program.

ReConnect Hungary, the Hungarian Birthright Program encourages young Hungarian Americans to

discover their Hungarian roots. The program provides a unique cultural, educational and social

immersion experience by providing the opportunity to travel to Hungary for a two-week long trip.

The young adult participants rediscover the home, culture, history and traditions of their parents

and grandparents. In 2017, 21 people take part in the sixth year of the program.

The main objective of this initiative is to spark individual interest in cultivating Hungarian heritage

and to get involved in diaspora institutions. The core element of the approach is based on the

applicants’ positive personal experience attached to the home country. The aim is to unite globally

dispersed populations by fostering a sense of shared belonging and discover the homeland of the

ancestors together with peer travelers who share their ethnic or religious ancestry. The Birthright

countries are: Israel, Armenia, Italy, Ireland, Taiwan, China, India, etc.

During her presentation, Ms. Horan emphasized ReConnect’s educational value and its ripple-

effect in the greater Hungarian American community.

Further information:

http://reconnecthungary.org/

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Ms. Horan’s presentation can be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/reconnect_hungary.pdf

Current State of the Kossuth House

Gabe Rozsa, Executive Director, Kossuth Foundation

Gabe Rozsa, Executive Director of the Kossuth Foundation, then followed with a presentation on

the history and current situation of the Kossuth House in Washington, DC.

This report will be available as soon as received.

Further information:

http://kossuthfoundation.org/

NOTE: These presentations had to be cut short to stay on schedule, but were continued in the

afternoon.

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY

History of the Hungarian American community in the U.S.

Endre Szentkiráyi, Hungarian American Coalition Board Member

After lunch, Coalition Board Member Endre Szentkiralyi made a presentation on the history of the

Hungarian American community in the U.S., with a special focus on recently established

Hungarian Scout Troops as an indication of the survival of Hungarian communities in certain

geographical areas. He detailed how it evolved over the years based on each new immigrant wave

from Hungary and the economic opportunities and established ethnic centers which helped shape

the initial make-up of the Hungarian American community. Recent economic immigrants have

changed the face of the community yet again.

For further information, Mr. Szentkirályi’s presentation can be downloaded from the following

link: http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/hatog_2017_endre.pdf

Overview of the Hungarian American Community, Summary Findings of Pre-Conference

Survey, Presnetation of Other Surveys & Findings

Andrea Lauer Rice, President, Hungarian American Coalition 2016-present

Andrea Lauer Rice provided an overview of the Hungarian American community, citing current

trends, new projects and recent demographic information. By analyzing the current data about our

community and segmenting the community, Lauer Rice concludes that of the estimated 1.6 million

Hungarian Americans in the community, the vast majority – 1 million – fall into the 2nd-4th

generation who do not speak the language, are not attending community events and are not

effectively being reached. She has several suggestions as to how to reach these “at-risk” people –

mainly identified as 2/3/4 generation Hungarian Americans, American spouses and kids who do

not speak the language.

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In the second part of her presentation, Mrs. Lauer Rice presented the results of the pre-conference

survey that was sent to all participants prior to the conference. She noted that 70% of the

conference attendees were new to HATOG.

Mrs. Lauer Rice’s presentation with the results of the survey can be downloaded from the

following link: http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/state_of_the_community_2017.pdf

Mrs. Rice also described Dezso Farkas’ sociological research project, entitled “American-

Hungarian or Hungarian-American? – The identity of the modern-day Hungarians in the U.S.” The

analysis is unique because of the way Mr. Farkas segments the population groups and provides

humorous identifying characteristics to each. He has agreed to provide a follow-up conference call

to all conference participants to take them through the analysis ion a more detailed way.

This presentation on the findings of Dezső Farkas can be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/presentation_west_hu.pdf

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION

Break-out sessions

Group I – Strategic Planning – Fact-finding Interview with Community Representatives

Barbara Sahli, Chroma Design and Communications

This group talked about Strategic Planning – and was led in a Fact-finding Interview with

Community Representatives’ by Barbara Sahli of Chroma Design and Communications. This

exercise is usually done with 10 key stakeholders of an organization, but in this case, to provide an

example of how it can be completed, Ms. Sahli conducted a community interview with 30

representatives. Most participants were surprised to hear that they faced similar challenges and in

that many ways, the community challenges were very similar to the ones organizations face –

questions of sustainability, competition with other activities, engaging youth, reaching out to

people in 2 languages, etc.

The report/notes from Barbara Sahli on this conversation are linked here:

http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/hatog_x_session_final_report_20_may_2017.pdf

In addition, the questions that provided the basis for the fact-finding interview session can be found

here: http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/hatog_marketing_questions_5_20_17.pdf

Group II – Special “Youth Leader” Group Faye Gillespie, Boston, MA

The second half of participants were split into two “youth leader” break-out groups, who discussed

the following questions:

Where do you see the community in 20 years?

Out-of-the-box Ideas on Sharing Heritage

If you were Supreme Leader of the Hungarian American community, what would you do?

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How have you successfully engaged the youth in the Hungarian American community?

How would you like to improve? Advice?

These group discussions were led by Faye Gillespie with each group leader presenting their

findings to all conference participants.

Both agreed upon the following statements and challenges:

If local organizations enlist and organize young academics, this leads to strong

communities.

If there is no youth involvement, that will end up with slow withering of the community.

If there is openness, tolerance and appropriate communication, communities can overcome

social and interest clusters (based on religion, academia, sports, etc.).

Involvement of common generations is extremely important.

Succession planning is key: community leaders need to advance the decision-making

process before it is too late, and older members need to realize the value of youth/middle-

agers and hand the button off on time.

At community-based events, food attracts people and if children are on stage, people add to

the crowd.

Festivals provide entertainment and activities for various subgroups.

Generations come and go, but it is the community that really matters.

Transfer of values is extremely important in creating a sense of responsibility in the

younger generation to maintain the community.

These communities will exist in 20 years – the bigger question is, what will happen to them

in 40 years?

Older and younger generations both need members who are tolerant to each other and can

bridge the gap.

Coordination of information among cities and possibly sharing entertainers is very useful

and cost-efficient.

If parents are involved in the community, there is a better chance that kids will be to, so

there is a huge responsibility on parents of preserving local Hungarian communities.

Networking is extremely important.

…Diaspora Council Working Groups (continued…)

Presentation on the American Hungarian Foundation

Melissa Katkó Pepin, Executive Director

Melissa Katkó Pepin, Executive Director of the Hungarian American Foundation (New Brunswick,

NJ) provided an update on the work of the Foundation and talked about her goal of maintaining

founder August J. Molnar’s legacy while also modernizing the foundation for future generations.

Further information:

https://www.ahfoundation.org/

Presentation on the Hungarian House in New York

Ildikó Nagy, Manager

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Ildikó Nagy spoke about the challenges of maintaining the building of the Hungarian House in

New York and expressed a need for a best practices workshop for Hungarian community centers in

other cities.

Further information:

http://www.hungarianhouse.org/en/

Report on the Memory Project

Andrea Lauer Rice, President, Hungarian American Coalition 2016-present

Andrea Lauer Rice provided an update on the Memory Project, launched in 2015 by Andrea and

Réka Pigniczky, Coalition member and award-winning documentary filmmaker. The Memory

Project: Hungarian American Visual History Archive currently has more than 100 video interviews

with Hungarians who immigrated to the United States in WWII (as Displaced Persons) or in 1956.

After showing a brief trailer of the project, Mrs. Lauer Rice discussed next steps to build an

internship program to train young people across the US to conduct these interviews within their

own communities. By teaching their methodology to young people in local communities, they hope

to provide a valuable skillset, an opportunity to bridge the gap between the generations and ensure

that none of these amazing stories are forgotten. She also mentioned they were looking into the

possibility of taking the entire project global, but cautioned that time was of the essence.

Memory Project’s website:

http://memoryproject.online/

Presentation on The Hungary Initiatives Foundation

Anna Smith Lacey, Executive Director

Anna Smith Lacey, Executive Director of the Hungary Initiatives Foundation (HIF), concluded the

day’s presentations. She explained the most important criteria HIF considers when deciding on

project grants, and gave practical advice for organizations on how to apply, stressing the

importance of youth-oriented, sustainable and cooperative projects.

Mrs. Smith Lacey first explained that HIF is a grant-making 501(c)(3) organization based in

Washington DC, which allocates between $500,000-$600,000 every year covering graduate

scholarships, support of conference attendance, larger projects e.g. the Memory Project or the

Coalition’s Internship Program, and small cultural and educational grants.

When giving practical advice for organizations on how to apply, Mrs. Smith Lacey emphasized

that a lot of prospective grantees do not follow the exact description of the grant requirements

listed on the website and therefore do not get funding and she also warned that HIF will not keep

supporting organizations that do not respect their deadlines and do not submit requested materials

on time. She also talked about the areas that really strengthen proposals – engaging the next

generation, planning programs that are reachable for non-Hungarian speakers as well, having plans

and additional funders for sustainability, involving more organizations so it is a real community

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effort and finding ways to reach (and sometimes even partner with) non-Hungarians to expand

program reach.

Further information:

https://www.hungaryfoundation.org/

In the evening, participants attended dinner and a Hungarian wine-tasting at Marymount

University’s Reinsch Library Board Room and Reception area. Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi,

and HIF Board Member Dr. Tamás Fellegi, who were on campus for the day’s commencement

ceremonies, dropped by the dinner to mingle with participants.

Sunday, May17

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION

Social Media Outreach & Strategy Workshop

Featuring: Elizabeth (Dyar) Stiff, Co-Founder, Native Collaboration

On Sunday morning, Elizabeth (Dyar) Stiff, Co-Founder of Native Collaboration, held a social

media outreach and strategy workshop for participants. She provided a brief overview of various

forms of social media platforms and led an exercise on how to develop a strategic communication

plan.

Ms. Stiff’s presentation can be downloaded at the following link:

http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/social_media.pdf

The video recording of Ms Stiff’s presentation can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23OX099s684

Fundraising & Grant Writing

Featuring: Anna Voloshin, Senior Director of Development, The McCain Institute for International

Leadership

Anna Voloshin, Senior Director of Development at The McCain Institute for International

Leadership, held a professional development session on fundraising and grant writing. She led an

interactive discussion on the basic tenets of successful fundraising events and strategies, while

asking for participants to share their own personal examples.

Ms. Voloshin’s presentation can be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.hacusa.org/en/dl/1315/fundraising_and_grant_writing.pdf

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Out-of-the-box, Successful Fundraising Ideas in Our Community

After lunch, Csilla Grauzer, President, Minnesota Hungarians and VP of the Coalition joined

Melissa Katko Pepin, AHF, to share stories about non-traditional funding vehicles that had been

successful in their own communities. They provided practical advice on where to access lists of

potential grants and how to reach outside of the Hungarian community for support.

Grauzer, who has attended several HATOG Conferences in the past, addressed the focus on youth

outreach at this year’s event. “Bringing younger and older Hungarian community members

together to talk, share ideas, skills and knowledge allows both groups to understand more about

each other and the needs of the community. The HATOG atmosphere encourages everyone

involved to learn new skills, think creatively and make new relationships. Joining forces as equal

partners gives young people real ownership and power in planning and decision-making and

encourages them into leadership roles.”

Wrap-Up

Andrea Lauer Rice closed the conference by highlighting ways to keep the lines of communication

open for this group and how to continue working together to solve community challenges. She also

mentioned that the Coalition would likely be looking to organize the next HATOG XI somewhere

in the West.

Among the participants, enthusiasm was high. Piros Pazaurek, HungarianHub in Daytona Beach

attended her first HATOG, said “It was an honor to participate and experience a long weekend in

the incredible atmosphere of Washington D.C. During the HATOG conference with Hungarians

from all across the United States, we had the chance to share best practices and learned a lot about

fundraising events and what other communities are doing. Overall this event was very beneficial to

myself and to the HungarianHub as well.”

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List and introduction of the Presenters (HATOG Participants)

American Hungarian Heritage House – Washington, DC

Stefan and Erika Fedor

The American Hungarian Heritage House (AHHH) strives to provide a physical and spiritual home

for all American-Hungarian organizations in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. The Organization’s

primary purpose is to provide support and a place for cultural, educational, and religious assistance

to people with American Hungarian descent.

AHHH is a not-for profit promoting educational, religious and social gatherings for those who

cherish and preserve their Hungarian heritage and for those who are interested in learning about

them. They provide a friendly and reliable place for meetings of individuals and organizations with

an interest in American Hungarian culture and for those who would like to learn more about them.

Their programs are hosted at the Marymount University (Arlington, VA).

Contact:

[email protected]

www.americanhungarianheritagehouse.org

https://www.facebook.com/washingtonimagyarhaz/

Hungarian American Coalition – Washington D.C.

Edith Lauer, Andrea Lauer Rice, Maximilian Teleki, Zsolt Szekeres, Noemi Banhidi, Luca Morocz,

Eva Lukonits

The Hungarian American Coalition is a nationwide 501©3 non-profit organization founded in 1991

in Washington, DC. Its mission is to mobilize and coordinate the talents and resources of its

individual and organizational members to promote the interests of the Hungarian American

community.

Since its establishment, the Coalition’s many projects have been focused in areas of information,

human rights advocacy, education, leadership training, cultural programs and humanitarian

assistance. Between1994-98, the Coalition played a major role in both the U.S and Hungary in

promoting NATO expansion to include Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. For the past 25

years through the sponsorship of dozens of U.S. visits of Hungarian minority leaders, and

organizing conferences on human and minority rights in Washington, the Coalition has provided

first-hand information to Washington decision-makers on the continuing challenges faced by

historic Hungarian communities in Romania, Slovakia, the former Yugoslavia and Ukraine.

Leadership training and scholarship programs have also been important parts of the Coalition’s

mission, as well as outreach to the greater Hungarian American community through programs such

as the HATOG conferences.

Many of the HATOG participants and organizations are members of the Coalition.

- 17 -

Contact information:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.hacusa.org

https://www.facebook.com/HungarianAmericanCoalition/

The Hungary Initiatives Foundation – Washington, DC

Anna Smith Lacey, Zita Merényi-Bolla

The Hungary Initiatives Foundation (HIF) is an independent, US-based non-partisan and non-profit

organization committed to strengthening the understanding and cooperation between Hungary and

the Unites States of America. The Foundation is the first of its kind in the long history of the

Hungarian diaspora.

HIF was initially funded by the Hungarian government to deepen this valuable historic relationship

and friendship between our countries and is the first of its kind in the long history of the Hungarian

diaspora. HIF is a solely charitable organization. The Foundation will pursue its mission and goals

by supporting Hungarian-American organizations and by supporting programs that strengthen

interaction and cooperation between Hungarian and American citizens and institutions. In

particular, the Foundation is focused on supporting cultural, educational and scholarly activities.

The Foundation does not participate in any ways in political activities, political or election

campaigns.

The Foundation is governed and overseen by an independent Board of Trustees, comprised of

public figures and businessmen who have achieved significant results in their own areas of

expertise and are committed to strengthening the diaspora and improving American-Hungarian

relations.

Contact:

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.hungaryfoundation.org

HHRF/ReConnect Hungary – New York City, NY

Kathleen Horan, Laszlo Hamos

ReConnect Hungary is a unique cultural, educational and social immersion experience in Hungary

for youth aged 18 to 26, who are of Hungarian heritage and born in North America. Launched in

2012 as a collaborative effort between the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation and Gov. George

Pataki with his daughter, Allison, the program provides a taste of Hungarian life: exposure to

history, culture, current trends and innovations while remaining a fun, hands-on and inspiring

experience for participants.

- 18 -

This birthright program is organized by the HHRF, supported by the Hungarian government and

sponsorship from individual and organizational benefactors. Due to these efforts, ReConnect has

been able to send nearly 40 participants on a journey of a lifetime!

ReConnect is a program of expanding scope and potential, with stress on social media. Upon

returning home, alumni volunteer at local Hungarian partner organizations, mentor future

participants, and promote the program.

The goal of ReConnect Hungary is to offer all qualified applicants the experience of rediscovering

their Hungarian selves. The generosity of sponsors will ensure subsequent trips and increased

numbers of participants.

Contact information:

[email protected]

http://www.hhrf.org/hhrf/index_en.php

http://reconnecthungary.org/

Minnesota Hungarians – Minneapolis, MN

Csilla Grauzer

The Minnesota Hungarians were organized by Hungarian immigrants and their supporters in

Minnesota over 100 years ago. They serve to engage in cultural, educational and philanthropic

endeavors as a non-profit and charitable association.

The Minnesota Hungarians have sponsored a wide variety of cultural and educational programs and

have hosted receptions, meetings and workshops for Hungarian diplomats, dignitaries, writers and

artists over the years. Minnesota Hungarians have collaborated with Unity Unitarian Church,

Immigration History Research Center, International Institute of Minnesota and with several other

local ethnic groups and organizations.

The mission of Minnesota Hungarians is to represent and promote the Hungarian culture and

heritage in Minnesota and the U.S.A, furthermore to organize and conduct cultural, educational,

artistic and recreational programs, to engage in fundraising activities in order to support

humanitarian and charitable endeavors, to sponsor and promote trade and cultural exchanges

between Hungary and the United States

According to the 2012 census, there are about 14,000 Minnesota residents of Hungarian heritage.

Minnesota Hungarians has 400 registered families (1,500-1,800 individuals) on the mailing list,

average 90 paid annual memberships, with 120-150 regular attendees at organized events.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.minnesotahungarians.org

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnesota-Hungarians/183735064975423

- 19 -

Global Friendship Foundation /Sarasotai Magyar Fesztival– Sarasota, FL

Erika Klatyik

The Global Friendship Foundation is an organization dedicated to developing cultural and

educational programs. They believe that by connecting different nations they not only advance

communities but also help people reach their full potential. Their annual Hungarian Festival in

Sarasota helps to bring the amazing Hungarian culture close to many people over a weekend. Being

able to stay connected with Hungarian cultural roots is vital for thousands of Hungarians living in

the Sun Coast.

They also believe that the Hungarian Festival, which enhances a multicultural experience for many,

has profound impact on the entire Sun Coast community as well. Multiculturalism is the essence of

the United States of America, as it is what makes this country unique, strong and resourceful. Their

festival fosters tolerance, increases cultural awareness, bridges gaps between nations and

generations. The Hungarian Festival in Sarasota has earned its good reputation for being family

oriented, for serving excellent food and beverages, and for bringing authentic and wonderful

cultural programs to the area each year.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.gffusa.org

Bocskai Rádio– Cleveland, OH

Zsolt Molnar and Lorand Csibi

The Bocskai Radio at John Carroll University has been serving the Cleveland area Hungarian-

speaking community for the past thirty years and presently enjoys the longest weekly airtime of all

the Hungarian language radio broadcasts in the United States. It celebrated its 30th

anniversary at

JCU’s 88.7 FM station earlier this year with American and Hungarian dignitaries and community

leaders in attendance.

Bonsai Radio strives to preserve and foster Hungarian cultural heritage and nurture ethnic

traditions. It is determined to become a cohesive force for uniting the American-Hungarian

community and to generate a spirit of cooperation among different community groups and

organizations that serve the American-Hungarian community. The radio program and its staff

intend to accomplish this through increased community involvement and sponsorship of events of

other non-profit American-Hungarian community organizations and by arranging their own

cultural and ethnic events in the listening area.

The Bocskai Radio transmits all program content in the Hungarian language only, sharing and

revitalizing the wealth of Hungarian music and literature. Its weekly broadcasts will aim to present

true historical accounts of Hungarian people and customs. However, mostly, it will strive to inform

its listeners through objective, non-biased reporting of local news and events.

Contact information:

[email protected]

- 20 -

https://www.facebook.com/BocskaiRadio

Magyar Club of Chicago – Chicago, IL

Fanni Lakatos

Independent entrepreneurs, professionals, corporate and government executives founded the

Hungarian (Magyar) Club of Chicago in 1922.

The purpose of this club is to unite men and women of Hungarian descent, to recognize

distinguished achievements of men and women of Hungarian descent, to promote a knowledge of

Hungarian history and culture among its members, to serve as a forum of discussion of questions of

current importance and public interest and to foster, through its meetings and its social activities,

good fellowship and a continuing appreciation of the heritage of Hungary.

Over the years, the club has contributed both money and time to relief societies, disaster groups,

charitable organizations, and the arts and health agencies.

Contact information:

[email protected]

http://www.hungarianclubofchicago.com/

Hungarian Scouts of Cleveland– Cleveland, OH

Eszter Pigniczky, Tibor Baki

The first Hungarian scout troop in the U.S. was formed in Cleveland, Ohio in the spring of 1951.

By the fall of that year there were two boys' troops, one on the east side of the city in the Buckeye

Road neighborhood and one on the west side in the Ohio City area. They were also registered

troops with the Boy Scouts of America. A girls' troop was formed in 1952 and split into two troops

in 1957 in the same neighborhoods.

The Hungarian scouts learned all the traditional skills of scouting but were also familiarized with

the history, customs and traditions of Hungary. It was/is a prerequisite for all members to speak

Hungarian. Most are also able to read and write in Hungarian. All meetings (on Friday nights),

outings and camps are held with only the Hungarian language being spoken. Scouts 14 years old

and older can join the Hungarian Scout Folk Ensemble. These scouts meet every Tuesday night and

specialize in learning the dances and songs of Hungary among other crafts and skills. To help with

language skills, and to learn the geography, ethnography and history of Hungary, the Hungarian

School has classes on Monday nights. Most scouts attend classes for up to 10 to 12 years.

The Cleveland troops are supported by the American Hungarian Friends of Scouting. They hold

three large fundraising events a year: an awards banquet in February, a debutante benefit ball in

May and a Hungarian Scout Festival on Sunday of Labor Day weekend. They also own the 130

acre Teleki Scout Park named after Pál Teleki, Prime Minister of Hungary 1920-21 and 1939-41

and the first Chief Scout of Hungary. Located in Ashtabula County in Northeast Ohio, the park has

a small lake and is ideal for primitive camping.

- 21 -

The AHFS also maintains the 4,200 sq. ft. Hungarian Scout Center located on the property of St.

Emeric Hungarian Roman Catholic Church near the West Side Market in downtown Cleveland.

The building is used for scout meetings, Hungarian Scout Folk Ensemble practices and classrooms

for the Hungarian School. The scout patrols in Cleveland participate in a camporee patrol

competition every Memorial Day weekend to test their scout skills against other Hungarian scout

troops from cities of the eastern U.S. and Canada. The camporee is held at the 100+ acre Sándor

Sík Scout Park owned by the Hungarian Scout Association near the town of Fillmore in western

New York State. A ten day leadership training camp is held there every August for patrol leaders,

assistant scoutmasters and scoutmasters. This campsite has also become the home of Hungarian

scout jamborees, held every five years. On these occasions, 500 to 1,000 Hungarian boy and girl

scouts from around the world gather in fellowship to share in their heritage. A two week Hungarian

School and Camp also is held their every July.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.clevelandcserkesz.org

Hungarian Club of Orlando; Talpra Magyar Sport Kupa – Orlando, FL

Zsuzsanna Szikora

The Hungarian Club of Orlando was established 28 years ago and the current leadership team took

over about 6 years ago. At that time the old leadership grew tired of the lack of participation and

was thinking about disassembling the club. They took over with a lot of enthusiasm, plans and

hopes, but ultimately faced the same challenges; very low participation besides a few successful

events. They have organized various events from dinners to picnics to sport events to try to find

something that gets the local Hungarian community excited, but so far did not succeed. There are

several thousand Hungarians in the Orlando area and it is sad that they are not able to grow their

participation rates. Currently they are focusing on their Talpra Magyar Sport Kupa which was

established in 2014.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.talpramagyar.us

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orlandoi-Magyar-Klub/205700162957149?fref=ts

Hungarian Christian Society, Petőfi Club - Venice, FL

Noemi Szilagyi

The Hungarian Christian Society, founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization in the state of

Florida, and the owner of a 7,000-sqft building situated on 5 acres finished in 1994 in Venice, FL.

This facility offers space to many groups and activities, which focus on our Hungarian Heritage.

Various types of religious services are held on a regular basis in Hungarian, and there are also

special guest performances by mostly Hungarian artists.

- 22 -

The building will offer a home to both the newly formed Jambor Lajos Cserkesz Csapat and to the

Matyas Kiraly Magyar Iskola as well. They host events that cater to many generations - from kids’

programs, and dance evenings to afternoon socials for their older friends. Their programs and

events aim to promote Hungarian language and culture and to make sure they are passed down to

the next generations. They welcome all religions, nationalities and races, who is interested in the

Hungarian Culture.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.petoficlubfl.com

https://www.facebook.com/HCSPetofi?fref=ts

Jámbor Lajos Cserkészcsapat - Sarasota, FL

Noemi Szilagyi

They started their journey 5 years ago, as Sarasota Venice Cserkeszet es Csaladi Nap. Later as

more kids joined, they separated the Cserkeszet from Csaladi Nap. As with most new adventures,

they had a rough start and struggled to attract kids. They are at the Hungarian Christian Society

/Petofi Club. Hungarian Christian Society /Petofi Club allows them to use all facilities free of

charge. They express their gratitude for this by taking part in certain Holiday traditions and by

teaching their Scouts about Hungarian history, heritage, traditions and good citizenship.

On August 10, 2014, they received their temporary certification and were named as the Jamb or

Lajos Cserkeszcsapat.

Contact information:

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/221914717902949/

Hungarian Society of Massachusetts - Boston, MA

Agnes Virga, Faye Gillespie, Ildiko Juhasz

The Hungarian Society of Massachusetts, Inc. is a non-profit, cultural organization, which

deliberately dissociates itself from partisan politics. Membership is open to individuals of all

ideologies, religions and ethnic backgrounds who abide by the Society’s by-laws, and who desire

to foster the Hungarian language and culture. The Hungarian Society of Massachusetts was

founded in 1964, and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in the fall of 2014.

The Hungarian Society of Massachusetts and the Boston Hungarian School (Boskola) are one of

the newest Board members of the HAC. They are also one of the founding members of the

Hungarian Diaspora Council. Here in Boston they are very proud of their vibrant, active

community of all ages and their large Hungarian school teaches 140 students and their Scout

Troops active with 80 children. One of their main goals is to focus and to reach out to this talented,

bilingual, enthusiastic young group of Hungarian Americans and their families. They have high

hopes they will become the next generation of leaders in the Hungarian Diaspora.

- 23 -

Contact information:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.bostonhungarians.org

Boskola – Boston, MA

Faye Gillespie, Agnes Virga, Mariann Polgar-Turcsanyi

The Béla Bartók Hungarian School of Boston — Boskola for short — is an extracurricular school

with all-volunteer teaching and administrative staff, whose mission is to enrich the Hungarian

language skills and cultural exposure/appreciation of children between the ages of 3 and 18.

Classes and Scouts meet on alternate Saturdays at two neighboring churches rented in Lexington,

Massachusetts.

Boskola was established in the year 1999 and has grown consistently since then. It currently has

over 140 students from 87 families, with the students grouped into classes among twenty teachers

according to their age and language skills.

The mission and scope of the school is continuously evolving. In 2003, the Gábor Bodnár Scout

troop was added to the school's offerings. In 2007, Boskola started a study group to support

Hungarian language learning and practice for adult students as well. The school also provides

opportunity for children under the age of 3 for a range of age-appropriate activities that enhance

their ability to interact in Hungarian in a group setting.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.boskola.org

https://www.facebook.com/Boskola-105080096232499/

Magyar Marketing – Evansville, MN

Elizabeth Szabo Vos

Magyar Marketing encourages its readers to discover, celebrate, and share Hungarian heritage

through MagyarLiving.com as well as through the Magyar Marketing product line. Through their

Magyar Marketing Facebook page they regularly promote Hungarian events throughout the USA in

an effort to increase awareness and participation. They intentionally reach out to English speakers,

particularly at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation level, as they are the most at risk for become

disconnected although they are often quite enthusiastic about learning about their Hungarian

heritage.

Contact information:

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/Magyar.Marketing?fref

- 24 -

Putnam Memorial Presbyterian Church - Daytona Beach, FL

Emese Asztalos

Emese Asztalos, Organizing Pastor of the Putnam Memorial Presbyterian Church, is establishing a

Hungarian Community by reaching out and gathering Hungarians in Central Florida. This mission

was first started more than 10 years ago by the First Presbyterian Church as its outreach ministry,

which became a separate church and is continuing this mission.

In addition to the monthly Hungarian worship services and Bible studies they offer Hungarian

language classes both to adults and children, as well as English as a Second Language to adults.

There are also folk dance and handcraft classes for children. In the summer they also hold an

annual youth camp with a usual attendance of 40 children. The church organizes annual festivals

where Hungarians and Americans can enjoy famous Hungarian cuisine, folk music, handcrafts,

clothing and jewelry.

There is also a Hungarian folk museum in the area, established by the late Michael Horvath and his

wife Margaret, who currently takes care of it, and a library that helps in preserving and teaching the

rich Hungarian heritage, culture, history and language. The group is located in Daytona Beach but

they serve Hungarians throughout Central Florida and South Georgia.

Contact information:

[email protected]

http://www.hungariancommunitychurch.org/

Hungarian Club of Colorado – Denver, CO

HUNGARICUS Hungarian-American Cultural Society – Denver, CO

Alice Balla Tomasino

As Hungarians living in Colorado, in 2014 they decided to create an organization based on our

wish to promote Hungarian culture and traditions in North America. This way, Hungarians living

in America will have a chance to get to know the history and traditions of Hungary.

Their non-profit, HUNGARICUS Hungarian-American Cultural Society was established in 2016.

The name Hungaricus relates to their mission, which is to strengthen relationships between North

America and the Carpathian basin, and move the integration of the geographical parts separated by

the Trianon Treaty of historic Hungary forward. They believe that their activities will bring a

positive view to Hungarians, and their friends, relatives living spread apart in the USA and Canada.

Their missions are to spread Hungarian culture and values to second and third generation

Hungarian young people living in North America, and also for them to understand and accept their

heritage. By this, they should be better able to understand Hungarian traditions and would be able

to get a truer picture of modern day Hungary. One of their goals is also to provide help to parents to

teach their children the Hungarian language. They are planning to do this by organizing summer

camps, arts and crafts get-togethers, scout events, etc... They also aim to spread knowledge about

famous people of American-Hungarian heritage (Ágoston Haraszthy, János Xantus, József

Galambos), and how they influenced their communities.

- 25 -

Currently, they are working on two major projects. The first one is an exhibition of a collection of

Hungarian postcards from the early 20th

century. The goal of this exhibition is to display the history

of the Hungarian shepherd culture and life, to explain the meaning of the related vocabulary, the

different working phases, the hierarchy, their clothing and their connection to ancient shepherding.

Their second project is a 40-minute documentary on the totem animals of Hungarians and they are

currently preparing English subtitles for the film. At the screening, they are also planning to invite

two well-known performers from Hungary who will also hold lectures in this topic.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.hungaricus.org

www.huclub.org

Makvirag Ovoda - Orlando, FL

Viktoria Butala

Living 6000 miles from our motherland is not always easy. But Viktoria Butala had a dream. As a

mother of 2 daughters she wanted to fill the need of the missed Hungarian preschool experiences

for her kids, as well as for the Hungarian community’s children and their parents.

In 2014 she founded her open, ideologically and politically neutral, non-profit Saturday preschool

in Orlando. From the 2015-2016 academic year, the Mákvirágok (Poppy-Flower) Preschool has

grown and the graduated preschoolers can continue their education in the Mákvirágok Elementary

School.

Viktoria’s incredible energy, enthusiasm and selfless dedication lends wings to the Mákvirágok

Preschool and Elementary School. Week after week, new experiences enrich the lives of the

children with Hungarian roots in Orlando and Central Florida, giving a taste of the atmosphere of a

real Hungarian kindergarten.

Contact information:

[email protected]

www.makviragok.com

https://www.facebook.com/M%C3%A1kvir%C3%A1g-%C3%93voda-%C3%A9s-Kisiskola-

Orlando-724076594330835/

US West Coast Club of Hungarian Scientists – Los Angeles, CA

Miklós Czaun

The US West Coast Club of Hungarian Scientists’ mission is to develop relationships between

Hungarian and American scientists, engineers, doctors and innovators, to facilitate collaborations

and scientific workshops between them, and to foster the development of young professionals early

in their careers.

- 26 -

Dr. Miklós Czaun received MS in Chemical Engineering (Honors, 1998) and PhD in Chemistry

(Summa Cum Laude, 2003) from the University of Veszprem (Hungary). His PhD research was

related to the investigation of functional and structural models of dioxygenase enzymes. He worked

as a researcher at the University of Lund (Sweden) and at the University of Namur (Belgium) and

then he received a fellowship from the Japanese Government and worked for the Kumamoto

University for two years. He joined the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute at the University of

Southern California in 2009. His research interests are “living” polymerization reactions, materials

chemistry, organometallic chemistry, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, reforming

reactions of hydrocarbons, development of solid adsorbents for CO2 capture, CO2 recycling and

energy storage. He is a member of multiple professional societies (e. g. American Chemical

Society, Royal Society of Chemistry and a founding member of the US West Coast Club of

Hungarian Scientists.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.ushunsci.wixsite.com/uswest

Triangle Magyar Club – Charlotte, NC

Eszter Gagnon

Members of the Triangle Magyar Club are productive citizens of the United States and grateful for

the opportunities given in their new homeland. Yet, a common bond, their “old” culture brings

them together for monthly meetings. They live in the-Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North

Carolina, but they also have members from the Triad and from Eastern North Carolina. They have

a close relationship with other Hungarian groups in North Carolina such as Elkin and Charlotte.

Their purpose is to form an active Hungarian community in the Carolinas that will connect

Hungarians, Hungarian-Americans, Hungarian speakers, and anyone interested in the language and

culture of Hungary. They host events in Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Elkin, Columbia, Charleston

and other locations in this region.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.nchungarians.org

https://www.facebook.com/nc.hungarians

Hungarian Scouts of Washington – Washington, DC

Anna Hargitai, Istvan Hargitai, Krisztina Hargitai, Adrienne Myslencki

The Hungarian Scouting Association in the Washington D.C. area was founded in 1974 by Father

Bolváry Pál and named after Father Jozsef Batori. The Scout troop’s main objectives from the

beginning were to keep the Hungarian Scouting traditions alive, which remains to this day. Their

troop meets every Saturday at the Boy Scouts of America house in Falls Church, VA.

- 27 -

There are about 5,000 Scouts in 70 troops spread among five, active districts worldwide outside

Hungary, and The Hungarian Scouts of Washington D.C. is one of them. Their troop is closely

affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting makes it possible for our children to learn

more about their Hungarian heritage, language, and culture. This organization is dedicated to

carrying out its four obligations: God, their adopted countries, their fellow men and the Hungarian

nation.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.dccserkesz.org

HungarianHub – Daytona Beach, FL

Piros Pazaurek, Monika Harmund

HungarianHub founder Piros Pazaurek’s mission is to maintain the unity of the Hungarian

community and to preserve strong intellectual values. She believes in the power of quality events

that strengthen not only the Hungarian community’s identity, but also helps to deepen the positive

image of Hungarians at a local level. She has approximately two decades of experience in

marketing and communication and currently she is managing her own business, Marketing X-Rays,

which operates primarily in the field of international marketing. She lives in Florida with her

husband and little son, where she plays an active role in the local Hungarian community.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.hungarianhub.com

Hungarian Academy/DC Magyar Iskola – Washington, DC

Kinga Hydras

The first Washington DC area Hungarian School and Kindergarten was founded in October 2009.

This is the result of a dedicated organization of parents living in the Washington DC, Maryland,

and Virginia area. The children learn Hungarian songs, games, and have the opportunity to advance

in reading, writing, Hungarian history’s major events, and Hungarian traditions. After the language

classes they also learn Hungarian folk dances, folk songs between 4 and 5 pm.

The lessons are held by parents supporting the school through volunteerism. The school is self-

sufficient and there is a minimal contribution which goes toward the cost of the classroom rental,

school sup-plies, and other holiday preparations. The children and parents attending the school

make up a wonderful community.

The Hungarian School’s objectives are the following:

Practice Hungarian language and vocabulary development with similar aged children

Hungarian Culture, Familiarity with Hungarian Geography and History

Hungarian Stories, poems, songs, dance, and games

Reading and Writing in Hungarian

- 28 -

Celebration of Hungarian Holidays: Carnival, Easter, Mother's Day, St. Nicholas and

Christmas

Group activities: discussions, singing, games, and crafts

Contact:

[email protected]

www.dcmagyar.org

https://www.facebook.com/Hungarian-Academy-Washingtoni-Magyar-Iskola-%C3%A9s-

%C3%93voda-213767932014594/

Metroplex Magyar Cultural Circle – Dallas, TX

Botond and Zsuzsanna Igyarto

The Metroplex Magyar Cultural Circle was founded for the promotion and preservation of the

Hungarian culture, language, and traditions in the north Texas area. There is also the long term goal

of establishing a "Magyar Ház", or Hungarian Club House in the North Texas Metroplex for

celebrations, Hungarian cooking and housing our film, book, and music library.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.magyarszo.net

https://www.facebook.com/DFWMagyar/

American Hungarian Foundation – New Brunswick, NJ

Melissa Katko Pepin

Founded in 1955, the American Hungarian Foundation’s ongoing mission is to communicate the

story of American Hungarians through the Hungarian Heritage Center, which is the only facility of

its type in the United States. The traditions and contributions of American Hungarians are

documented and conserved as important collections and shared with the general public in the

Foundation's Museum, Library and Archives. The Foundation's location in the Northeast region of

the United States places it not only in a historically important area for American Hungarians, but is

also in close reach of nearly forty percent of the current American Hungarian population. Because

the role of Hungarians in this country is a significant ingredient in the fabric of American history,

the Foundation is dedicated to preserving and enriching the Hungarian heritage in the United

States.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.ahfoundation.org

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanHungarianFoundation/

Hungarian Cultural Institute – Chicago, IL

Christoph Ludwig and Judit Ludwig-Janosy

- 29 -

The Hungarian Cultural Institute of Chicago (HCIC) is a cultural organization that is planning to

work with the Hungarian government and also with Hungarian non-profit organizations for

promoting Hungarian cultural programs and premium Hungarian products.

Their aims are cherishing multiculturalism and providing Hungarian and Central European cultural

programs in the Midwest. One of the major goals is to reach out to the Americans so they get to

know the Hungarian culture and art. Cultural events have to be linked with presentation of

Hungarian products. Also, their goal is to create a platform for the Hungarian intellectuals where

they can exchange ideas and have an updated information base for programs, scholarships, events,

exhibitions, grant possibilities. The platform has to give the possibility for communication in

messaging form and blog form as well. They would like to create a transparent, modern image and

also believe in clear and straightforward communication.

The Hungarian culture is a part of a larger European culture; therefore they convey an image of

Hungary with other European cultural institutes and partners. Also, the HCIC believes in

partnership with different segments of society. Alongside connecting with cultural and religious

organizations, they have collaborated with people in the areas of Hungarian, Polish, Austrian

communities and media as well as government and public service.

HCIC organizes cultural programs, book clubs, exhibitions, and government sponsored projects,

among other activities. With their network we convey an image of Hungary by providing cultural,

social and educational programs. They are partners for all who actively engage with Hungary and

its culture, working independently and without political ties. Each event will provide ample

networking opportunities for people, including local Hungarians, who want to build bridges with

other communities and collaborate on projects with Hungarian Cultural Institute of Chicago. With

each program, our group will grow.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.hungarianculturalinstitute.com

https://www.facebook.com/Hungarian-Cultural-Institute-of-Chicago-1301606089921843/

Hungarian House – New York, NY

Ildiko Nagy

The Hungarian House was the brainchild of Hungarian immigrants living in New York City in the

early 1960s who considered it important that one of the world’s largest metropolises have a

community establishment, a stronghold where the Hungarian-American diaspora can experience

and maintain its Hungarian identity and cultivate Hungarian culture and language, and also create a

bridge between Hungarian, Hungarian-American, and American societies by presenting Hungarian

culture, art, and science.

The House currently provides community space for weekly Hungarian scout activities, Hungarian

traditional activities organized by the Széchenyi István Society, the Social Circle that has been

active for decades, Hungarian Mommy & Me groups, and Hungarian folk dance classes. Also

operating in the building, the Hungarian Library offers 6,500 volumes of books for lending, and the

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Library Archive continuously collects and systematizes the history of Hungarians in North

America. In addition to the permanent programs and services, we also organize festivities on

Hungarian national holidays, as well as other Hungarian-related cultural programs and fairs.

The daily operations of the Hungarian House are carried out on a volunteer basis by the House

Committee, delegated by the three co-owner organizations, as well as the Operations Manager of

the House, but for an effective operation, the assistance of additional volunteers is indispensable.

We welcome the support and volunteer work of all those who concur with the above-outlined

cultural mission of the Hungarian House, consider the preservation of Hungarian culture and

community life in New York City important, and want to make sure that all Hungarian immigrants

and temporary visitors to the U.S. can feel at home between these walls.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.magyarhaz.org

https://www.facebook.com/hungarianhouse/

Calasanctius Training Program

Zsofia Parragh and Viktor Polya

The mission of the Calasanctius Training Program (CTP) is to support the professional and moral

education of responsible, young, talented Hungarians, who will potentially become the leaders of

Hungarian society and the economy. Calasanctius students possess common ethical values, and

return to share the knowledge and mindset gained in the USA with their Hungarian compatriots.

Through their values and behavior they support the social and moral development of Hungary.

The ultimate purpose of the Calasanctius Scholarship Foundation (CSF) is to provide students with

scholarships (tuition-free studies in the US), thus realizing the mission of the CTP.

Their goal is that upon finishing their studies in the U.S., Calasanctius students will return to

Hungary to fulfill the CTP’s motto, adopted originally by Péter Forgach, MD: “Make a lot, save a

lot, give a lot”

Contact:

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.ctpinfo.hu

https://www.facebook.com/calasanctius.training.program/

Hungarian Scouts Association in Exteris

Eszter Pigniczky

The Hungarian Scouts Association in Exteris traces its origins to 1946, when a few dedicated scout

leaders, refugees from war-torn Hungary, formed the first exile troops among the children in

European refugee camps. With the ensuing emigration, the movement spread overseas and today

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counts a total of 5,049 members (boys, girls and adults) registered in 81 active troops in Western

Europe, North and South America, and Australia. The goal of the Association has been to preserve

Hungarian culture and language while practicing the historically high standards of Hungarian

scouting, and to represent Hungary in world scouting while the movement was proscribed at home

by the communist government. Since 1989 an added goal has been that of aiding the rebirth of

Hungarian scouting in Central Europe through the distribution of thousands of copies of the scout

manual and the organization of training courses for prospective leaders. By now over 200 young

men and women have benefited from these courses, including many of the Hungarian minorities in

Slovakia, Romania, Carpatho-Ukraine and the former Yugoslavia.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.kmcssz.org

Hungarian American Club of New Mexico – Albuquerque, NM

Anna Powless

The Club was founded in 1988 to foster Hungarian culture among those residents of New Mexico

who are of Hungarian descent and others who may not be, but interested in preserving ethnic

cultures. There are over 100 families and individuals as members. Some emigrated as far back as

1940, many are second, third generation, and several are 1956ers or more recently arrived. Often,

Hungarian students come to the University of New Mexico, or as high school students and are

welcomed in the Club.

Every quarter a newsletter is distributed digitally, on the web, and as regular mail, as appropriate.

Five times a year they gather for celebrations on Sunday afternoons: for the March Revolution in

1848, a picnic, St Stephen’s Day, the 1956 Revolution and Year-end Holidays. Additionally, there

are movie days, history discussion group, visiting musical groups, representation at City cultural

events. They have Hungarian food, poems, music, travelogues and many other discussions and

speeches. Guests are welcome.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.hacnm.com

Kossuth Foundation of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America – Washington, DC

Gabe Rozsa

The mission of the Foundation is to, “foster diversity in American society and honor the presence

of Hungarian Americans in it by maintaining and encouraging the language, heritage, religious

traditions, and historical culture of Hungarians in America and the appreciation thereof.” [from

Article I of the Kossuth Foundation Bylaws]

Contact:

[email protected]

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www.kossuthfoundation.org

United Magyar House – Los Angeles, CA

Csilla Szekely

The president of the United Magyar House Miklos Perehazy is introducing the organization with

the title: "Walking new Path" acknowledging that the United Magyar House strengthened a great

reputation and that the organization gained a deserved acknowledgement in Los Angeles. Today

the United Magyar House is hosting Hungarian National Holidays. The United Magyar House's

major agenda is to promote and cherish Hungarian culture, language and tradition, further to unite

the Hungarians living in Los Angeles.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.unitedmagyarhouse.org

https://www.facebook.com/Los-Angelesi-Magyar-H%C3%A1z-United-Magyar-House-

814332815262311/

Cleveland United Hungarian Societies – Cleveland, OH

Endre Szentkirályi

The United Hungarian Societies serves as an umbrella organization that unites the Greater

Cleveland area Hungarian-American organizations and works to represent their interests, and in so

doing, seeks to preserve, cultivate, develop and disseminate Hungarian culture. To further serve the

region’s Hungarian-Americans, it may initiate and organize activities for the benefit of this

community.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.hungariancleveland.org

Midlands Hungarians – Columbia, SC

Timea Boross, Judit Trunkos

One of their goals is to connect Americans and Hungarians in the Columbia area with Hungarian

events and Hungarian communities in South Carolina. Their activities include celebrating

Hungarian and American national holidays and supporting cultural events such as international

festivals.

Their second goal is to promote Hungarian culture and talents by increasing their visibility and

available information about them. This includes the achievements of Hungarian artists, athletes,

students, researchers and professionals.

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Contact:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Panorama World Club New England Chapter – Boston, MA

Eva K. Balogh

The Panorama World Club was founded on October 23, 2003 in Budapest to establish a thriving,

humanity centered, and world-wide network based on collaboration and friendship. The mission of

the Panorama World Club (PWC) system is to connect Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin

with those who live abroad in smaller or larger communities. Associate Clubs around the world

work on preserving the Hungarian culture, promote values, strengthen relationships, and nurture

friendships with other cultures. Everybody, who sympathizes with the cultural tradition, artistic

talent, and the unique language and culture are welcome to join one of the Partner Clubs. In the

spirit of a true civil society, the Panorama World Club operates as an independent non-political

group and does not discriminate within nationalities, parties, religions and social organizations.

Members and leaders organize and hold cultural, social, business, media, and sporting events, as

well as support charitable actions. We sponsor causes, events, scholarship programs, etc. to support

the Hungarian identity of our community today and for the next generations.

The organization is supported by a colorful magazine, called Panorama Magazin, where members

send reports and may read materials about major events, anniversaries and other topics of interest.

The World Meeting of Hungarians is organized annually with more than ten thousand participants,

and it takes place in Hungary. It is hosted in the so-called „Global Village”, where cultural events,

information exchange between member groups, as well as social events, where the most active

members are honored take place.

PWC is also present on Facebook and YouTube. Panorama News is sent out to about 50,000

subscribers.

Since its establishment, many Partner Clubs formed. By June, 2017, there were 68 associate clubs

in Hungary and an additional 152 clubs operated in ninety countries of five the continents.

The New England Chapter of the Panorama World Club, with the support of the Hungarian

Honorary Consulate in Boston, MA, was formed on August 14, 2011 in Boston. This was the day

when József Zelei peace activist visited Boston and brought the message from the Panorama World

Club president, Dr. Laszlo Tanka, to establish the New England Chapter. Their club was the 16th

partner organization with the same mission.

The New England Club was organized by its president, Éva Kovács Baloghné Dr. with Dr. Péter

Széchenyi vice president. The New England Chapter of the Panorama World Club has been

successfully collaborating with Dr. Gabor Garai, Honorary Consul, who has been supporting them

and many of their programs by generously hosting events at the Consulate. It’s been a very

successful organization spreading the Hungarian culture, and tradition by strengthening

relationships and friendships.

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With the support of Dr. Garai they have erected a wonderful Petofi Memorial in the Prudential

Building, based on a gift given to the Balogh Family. During these years a number of cultural

events have been organized at the Hungarian Consulate. They hosted famous visitors, such as

Török András of Summa Artium, well known cultural icons, such as Gabor Presser, Peter

Gerendas, Janos Brody, Janos Kulka, etc. and they will continue our mission to keep the

Hungarian culture alive in New England.

Contact:

[email protected]

www.vilagklub.hu

www.vilagtalalkozo.hu

www.panoramavilagklub.com

Hungarian Scouts Konyves Kalman Hollywood

Borbala Mezo

This description will be available as soon as received.

Contact:

[email protected]