Anyone who has been watching the political campaigns in the United States knows that the major candidates are taking about the need for change. Even those who probably should be upholding the status quo by reason of their associations occasionally mention the value of change. Polls indicate that alterations are also on the minds of the general population.

Strangely, although change is in the air, we do not hear much about it in Polonia. That is especially odd, because it becomes increasingly clear that something new and different is needed. Many organizations face declining memberships, some events are being phased out because of low attendance, falling income results in mergers, publications see subscriptions falter and Polish Americans find themselves ignored as a political force.

We have been talking about this situation for a long time, but leadership is seemingly deaf to the warnings. We have exposed the reasons so often that it could become tiresome, if it were not so important. The recognized fact is that most of our organizations are so constructed that they protect themselves from change, making the reelection of incumbents a near certainty, purposefully guarding against the infusion of new blood. Newly elected leaders or representatives might, after all, upset the comfort factor that is comes with maintaining things as they are. Just as importantly, if not more so, is that the larger organizations offer substantial financial favors to those already in power. It is entirely human to protect against losing a monetary advantage. Hence, many offices become lifetime positions and serious change is not a priority.

This is not to suggest that we have incompetent leadership. On the contrary, just as often as we have suggested adjustments, we have praised these leaders as bright and well meaning. The problem is that as sincere as one might be, human nature demands self-preservation, and that means keeping things as they are.

The national Polish American Congress (PAC) is a case in point. There is nothing inherently wrong with the leadership, but the organization is hopelessly stuck in the mud, still debating such timely matters as the Yalta Agreement. That is to be expected when some of its Directors have held their positions almost from that time. It is like a repeating recording that is immovable and just cannot extend itself to the sounds of our time. Little wonder, then, that the PAC becomes increasingly impotent and meaningless, even among those it claims to represent.

The answer is obvious. The PAC requires deep and meaningful amendment, making it truly representative, responsive, open to the younger generation and attuned to Polonia’s current problems. However, the corrections must come from within and there is no one there with the heart or courage to tackle the problem.

It is not my purpose to batter the Polish American Congress. There, too, are earnest people, who want to do their jobs well. As an organization that claims to represent millions of Polish Americans, it begs to be an example. The truth is, though, that same situation is true of many of our organizations, large and small.

The call is, then, for all of us to honestly and selflessly examine the groups, clubs, fraternals, organization of every size and kind to determine how they might be improved, becoming more pertinent to current society and more open to new ideas. One of the presidential candidates, who often speaks about change, openly admits that change is not easy, but takes hard work and courage.

Where you find such openness to altering things, and you can find them in isolated instances, you will also discover Polonian organizations that are growing and prospering. It is not to be assumed that they do not exist, because they do. Those groups that are floundering might only look to those successful associations and adopt the best of their procedures and rules.

It should become our campaign, then, to effect change in Polonia. The very continued existence of our institutions demands it.