The SVU is an independent non-profit international organization dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, the free dissemination of ideas, and the fostering of contact among people. It brings together scholars, scientists, artists, writers, students, lawyers, businessmen and others, throughout the world who have, because of their ethnic background or professional calling, an interest in the Czech Republic and/ or Slovakia, their histories, peoples or their cultural and intellectual contributions.
OUR AIMS AND GOALS
1. To enhance and promote Czech and Slovak culture worldwide
a. by organizing meetings, public lectures, conferences, seminars, workshops, etc.
b. by sponsoring concerts, exhibits and other cultural events
c. by publishing scholarly, educational and literary works and works of art
d. by compiling bibliographies of selected publications and other information briefs
e. by cooperating with similar organizations on joint activities
2. To coordinate and assist with the work of SVU members
a. by periodically reporting on their activities in its newsletter
b. by enabling members to present results of their work and research at its world congresses, annual conferences, etc.
c. by providing its members advice and contact through its worldwide network
3. To foster cooperation between scientists, artists, and other professionals, as well as with cultural institutions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and those abroad
a. by maintaining liaison with major cultural institutions in the Czech and Slovak Republics and their counterparts abroad
b. by keeping track of study and research opportunities worldwide
c. by preparing specific research guides
e. by assisting with joint projects
4. To assist with the preservation of Czech and Slovak cultural heritage abroad
a. by mapping historical sites relating to Czechs and Slovaks abroad
b. by surveying archival material relating to Czechs and Slovaks abroad
c. by fostering studies and research on Czechs and Slovaks abroad
d. by arranging conferences, seminars and workshops with the focus on Czechs and Slovaks abroad
e. by sponsoring relevant publications
f. by maintaining liaison with other organizations with similar aims
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Since the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia in 1989, the Society has been instrumental in assisting the fledgling democracies in reestablishing the normal functions of a free society, through material assistance, lectures, seminars, and workshops, and most of all, through the personal expertise and experience of its members. This emphasis will continue in the future.
The Society also recognizes, however, its obligations toward Czech and Slovak emigrants, as well as members of other ethnic groups who migrated from the territory of the former Czechoslovakia, and is committed to supporting certain activities for the preservation of their cultural heritage and the fostering of their cultural contacts with the Czechlands and Slovakia.