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Knowing your [Church] market segmentation

From Captura: The Digital Divide Represents an Opportunity for Hispanic Online Marketers

The recently published report by the Pew Hispanic Center, The Latino Digital Divide: The Native Born versus The Foreign Born, highlights some important facts and opportunities for Hispanic online marketers.

From a high level, the report shows that there is a significant digital divide between Hispanics who were born in the US and those that were born outside of this country. The Pew Hispanic center indicates that 85% of US-born Hispanics use the Internet and 80% use cell phones. Compare this to foreign-born Hispanics where Internet usage currently stands at 51% and cell phone usage at 72%.

…

Although foreign-born online Hispanics represent a smaller, less affluent and less sophisticated segment, they are easier to reach and represent the greatest upside. Foreign-born Hispanics are more likely to use Spanish language website and search engines making them easy to reach. What’s more, the foreign-born segment is growing much faster than the US-born segment and foreign-born Hispanics tend to be more open to online advertising and are more brand loyal. To reach foreign-born Hispanics, marketers should consider creating and advertising trustworthy, culturally relevant and intuitive online user experiences in Spanish.

It is important to point out that these two segments are by no means mutually exclusive or absolute. Many US-born Hispanics prefer Spanish and are novice technology users while many foreign-born Hispanics prefer English and are advanced technology users. What’s more, most Hispanic households likely have both US-born and foreign-born Hispanics in them.

Most of us view the digital divide as an unfortunate social problem. I view it as an opportunity. Only by proactively investing in, engaging with and educating the less fortunate can we begin to bridge the digital divide.

Of course the same type of analysis applies when considering parish outreach. It is important that we understand the demographic and the needs of the people we mister to and who may be in search of a spiritual home.

Events, PNCC, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , ,

Summer — food and festivals

Minneapolis, MN: From the Twin Cities Daily Planet: Two Polish festivals for Minneapolis

For Polish families in Northeast Minneapolis there is the Twin Cities Polish Festival – and then there is THE Polish Fest. The latter, sponsored by Sacred Heart of Jesus Polish National Catholic Church, was Saturday, August 7, at the church at 420 22nd Ave NE. Parishioners at Sacred Heart of Jesus know that their fest long preceded the neophyte Twin Cities Polish Festival which is coming up August 14-15 at St. Anthony.

The bottom line: you just can’t have enough Polish festivity.

The Twin Cities Polish Festival, new on the festival scene, features a wide range of cultural, historical and educational displays, musical and dance entertainment and traditional foods and beverages. Attendees of whatever ethnic persuasion will enjoy “all things Polish,” presenting a kaleidoscope of unique cultural and educational displays, food and entertainment. Highlights include the Kresy-Syberia Exhibit, a literary display featuring Polish writer Joseph Conrad, a major Chopin performance, a whirlwind of polka, and a Polish Film Festival co-sponsored by Minnesota Film Arts.

Albany, NY: The Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave Ext, Albany is sponsoring a Polish-American buffet, Friday, August 13th from 4 to 8pm and a Polka dance – picnic with Rymanowski Brothers Band on Sunday, August 15th from 2:30 to 6:30pm. Call 518-456-3995 for more information.

Wilkes-Barre, PA: Takeouts-Only Chicken Barbecue on Saturday, August 14th from 1 to 4pm at Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church, Sheridan Street, Heights, Wilkes-Barre. Dinners are $8. Tickets sold at the door.

Buffalo, NY: Annual Dozynki Harvest Festival and the Third Buffalo’s Best Pierogi Contest at Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark Street, Buffalo, NY on Saturday, August 21st from 12:30pm till 11:30pm and Sunday, August 22nd from 12:45pm until 5:30pm. The Pierogi Earting Contest will take place Saturday at 4:30pm.

So come watch or particpate!!! The Church’s Pierogi contest has grown to become a big hit. This year they will have three categories… traditional, non traditional, and for the first time commercial (restaurant, businesses, etc.). The judges…Steve Watson (Buffalo News), Greg Witul (Local Historian), Tom Kerr (Executive Director of the Broadway Market), Alan Bedenko (The Buffalo Pundit and restaurant reviewer for Buffalo Spree), Marc Poloncarz (Erie County Comptroller), Marty Biniasz (Dyngus Day Buffalo/Forgotten Buffalo), Christina Abt (Local Author and host of Buffalo Style On WECK), Mark Lewandowski (President, Central Terminal Restoration Corporation), And Josh Boose (WGRZ-TV)…

Christian Witness, PNCC, Saints and Martyrs, , , , , , ,

Get your flowers and herbs ready

Many PNCC Parishes will bless flowers and herbs on the Solemnity of the Dormition and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin on Sunday, August 15th. For instance:

St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church will have a blessing of the harvest in honor of the Dormition-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday, August 15th before the 8:30 and 11 a.m. Masses at the church, 200 Stephenson St., Duryea, PA. The parishioners and public are encouraged to bring an item from their garden (vegetables, flowers, and herbs) as a way of giving thanks to God for the bounty of the Earth. For more information please call the Rev. Carmen Bolock, pastor, at 570-457-2291.

Check with a parish near you for details.

Events, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , , , , , ,

Out and About in Polonia

Utica Monday Night Polish Heritage Celebration: Holy Spirit PNCC will be at the Utica Monday Night Polish Heritage Celebration on Monday, August 2nd, selling homemade Polish food at Chancellor Park, Bleecker & Kent St., Utica. The Utica Monday Night Polish Heritage Celebration will feature a performance by Jasiu Klocek and the Salt City Brass Polka Band from 6:30 —“ 9:00.

Ychtis Polish Girls’ Group: To perform at Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark St., Buffalo, NY on Friday, August 6th at 7:00 p.m.

Ychtis, the award-winning girls’ song and dance group from Poland, will visit Buffalo August 6 with a performance at Corpus Christi Church. The name of the ensemble is taken from the Greek word for fish. The group specializes in religious songs. Among their repertoire is music based on the poetry of the late Fr. Jan Twardowski, one of Poland’s beloved poets. They also sing songs about the former Polish city of Lwów, which has a warm place in the hearts of many Poles even though it is now in Ukraine.

The five member group of 10-15 year old girls will sing in Polish and in English as well as tap dance. The group has been in existence for 15 years and is based in the city of Katowice in the industrial region of Silesia.

Ychtis’ mission is to give young people with difficult family situations the opportunity to develop their inner and outer talents through song and dance. Ychtis has appeared on Television and toured Europe where they have won first place in a number of contests. This is their second visit to Buffalo and other cities in North America, where, in addition to Buffalo they will perform in Chicago, Cleveland, Yonkers, Newark as well as a number of cities in Canada.

The group’s performance in the beautiful sanctuary of Corpus Christi Church promises to provide an uplifting experience for all. Admission is free, but a free will donation will be requested at the end of the show to help offset the group’s expenses.

For further information, please call 716-896-1050.

Canal Days Celebration in Little Falls, NY: Enjoy a fun day at Little Falls’ 23rd annual Canal Days, August 13th to 15th. Holy Spirit PNCC will be serving Polish food prepared by its members. Polish dishes will be available as follows:

  • Fri. 8/13, at 5pm and during the parade in front of —Rick’s Style-Inn— 580 East Main Street, Little Falls.
  • Sat. 8/14, from 11am to 4pm at the church, 618 E. Gansevoort St., Little Falls.
  • Sun. 8/15 12 noon until sold out, at the church, 618 E. Gansevoort St., Little Falls.

Mystery Dinner Theater at the Albany PCC: The Albany PCC will host “Home on the Mystery Range” on Saturday, August 14th at 6:30pm. A cocktail hour will be followed by a Polish-American buffer dinner at 7:30pm. Tickets are $35 per person. For tickets please call 518-456-3995

Christian Witness, PNCC, , , ,

Speak simply and with clarity

“Be always ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you but with respect and gentleness” (1 Peter 3:15)

From friends at the Captura Group: Lost in (Machine) Translation

Last March, I shared a theory of mine that most Hispanics expect Spanish language websites to be poor quality and, as a result, use the English-language version of a site even if Spanish is their preferred language. Expectations tend to be low because often the Spanish-language version of a given website tends to be inferior to the English version.

With Google’s free machine translation software, Google Translate, showing up on an increasing number of websites, I’m afraid that Hispanic online expectations are at risk of declining even further.

Google Translate is Free. Or is it?

Many marketers and web managers looking to reach Spanish speakers online view Google Translate as the silver bullet. Copy and paste a little snippet of code into your website and presto, your website is now available in Spanish (or any other language). As a result, you can now find Google Translate on many websites including those of countless federal, state and local Governments.

What you will also find on these websites is a lengthy disclaimer that prominently states that content translated by Google may not be accurate, reliable or timely. These disclaimers also completely absolve the website owner of any and all liability that may arise because of inaccurate machine translation. I want to be very clear: website owners are consciously using a system to translate their websites and in the same breath, acknowledging the system may not provide accurate, reliable or timely results.

I believe the cost of potentially inaccurate, unreliable or dated content on any website is simply too high for my clients. Even the smallest translation mistake can destroy the credibility of a website and the organization behind it, severely impacting valuable goodwill.

So no, Google Translate is not free. In fact it can be very costly…

Absolutely correct. As a matter of fact, when I was designing the Polonia Global Fund website, we hired translators (how I came to know Dr. Felipe Korzenny and the Captura Group) to build basic translations of our main informational pages.

It is particularly incumbent on us as Christians, and especially as members of the PNCC, to show respect for seekers from different backgrounds, cultures, and particularly languages. That respect is given through the proper and respectful use of language.

A person’s connection to their culture, and particularly to family and God, is best expressed in their native language. Bishop Hodur and his successors understood that among God’s gifts are the cultures and nations of the world. God’s grace is expressed in particular ways through the lens of culture, which then gifts the entire Church with a deeper understanding of salvation. They knew that there are nuances, even in God’s Word, based on culture.

We need to speak God’s word and give His message in clear and convincing ways which are understandable among the cultures we encounter. They too seek a portion of the one, holy, catholic, apostolic, and democratic Church. Let us give reason for the hope that is in us, and let us do so with respect.

The Hymn of Faith of the PNCC, in Spanish, as recently approved for publication:

Himno de la Fe

A ti venimos Señor Dios
Antes de su Altar.
Conoces bien nuestras almas
La respuesta al suplicar.
Sáquenos de necesidad
Bendí­cenos, O Padre Bendí­cenos

Antes de la cruz, preparados pues,
Al servirle con devoción.
De Sangre y de Lágrimas
Una humilde resignación.
El pueblo suyo somos Señor
Sálvenos, O Dios Bendí­cenos.

Current Events, PNCC, Poland - Polish - Polonia, Political, , , , , , ,

U.S. History through Polish eyes

From the Niles Herald Spectator: Library exhibit shows U.S. history through pages of Polish records

As the number of Polish-Americans in Chicagoland attests, Poland and the United States have always had a special relationship. Those interested in another perspective, from the pages of Polish periodicals, can now view a large, colorful display of panels at Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights.

The exhibit, “The United States in Polish Historiography and Periodicals from 1764-1919,” is presented by the Warsaw Public Library, with the special support of the Speaker of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, Bogdan Borusewicz.

On the 90th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations, the display shows how Poles viewed the United States, from before the American Revolution to the restoration of a Polish nation after World War I.

One early panel includes a letter from Poland. When the Americans were still divided into colonies, on March 20, 1768, Polish King Stanislaw August Poniatowski wrote to American Gen. Charles Lee: “Why do they deny your colonies the right to representation in the English Parliament?”

Two famous Polish military figures, Kazimierz Pulaski and Tadeusz Kosciuszko, contributed to the American cause during the Revolutionary War. On display panels, one can see Pulaski felled by a bullet at Savannah in 1779, the stronghold Kosciuszko designed at West Point, and Kosciuszko winning the title of brigadier general from Gen. George Washington.

Later, panels portray Polish life during the 1890s and early-1900s, when massive numbers of immigrants came to America. Photographs and documents show paramilitary organizations like the Chicago Polish Falcons, the Polish press, the Polish Catholic Church, the Polish schools, the Polish Roman Catholic Union, and the Polish National Alliance.

Other highlights include Poles participating on both sides of the Civil War and American relief efforts for Poland during World War I led by future President Herbert Hoover, just before Poland finally regained its status as a recognized nation.

Library Director Ron Stoch said that he particularly enjoyed information about Poles across the country, not just in Chicago but in Buffalo and Detroit, and about Poles living in America in the late 19th century who organized to create a nation of Poland modeled on the image of the United States.

An interesting observation which closely ties to the history of the PNCC – a Church organized by Poles in the United States, and exported back to Poland, that is both Catholic and democratic.

Bishop Hodur and the founders sought to meld Catholicism with their experience of the ideals of American democracy. Remember that they looked to the ideals, not the actual implementation of democracy in the United States since, for the most part, their immigrant experience had been one of exclusion more than inclusion. In large measure, Polish immigrants were excluded from the upper echelons of the R.C. Church, politics, and business. Many of my friend’s families were still changing their last names right through the 1960’s so as to provide for job advancement.

The founders of the PNCC saw that in freedom they could best strive after their yearnings for God. True freedom, which respects the rights of all, not just the elite or the “I know what’s best for you” government and chattering classes, is best provided for in a society that is truly free and democratic. It is one of the things that Poles had always admired about the United States.

The display is at the Eisenhower Public Library, 4613 N. Oketo Ave., Harwood Heights, IL. and can be reached by phone at (708) 867-7827. The exhibit opened July 6th and will be in place until October 31st.

Christian Witness, , , , ,

Coptic Solidarity

Shepherd of Believers from the David Ensemble

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
thou who leadest Joseph like a flock!
Thou who art enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before E’phraim and Benjamin and Manas’seh!
Stir up thy might,
and come to save us!
Restore us, O God;
let thy face shine, that we may be saved!

The founding members of Coptic Solidarity, held a conference, June 19th-20th, to launch the activities of their new organization.

The gathered members elected Adel Guindy as president, and a ten-member Executive Committee. Attending and speaking were Dr. Dwight Bashir, deputy director of USCIRF; Tina Ramirez, congressional fellow; Taniel Koushakjian, director of Grassroots at the Armenian Assembly; Pierro Tozzi, senior legal counsel at the Alliance Defense Fund; and Dr. Walid Phares, professor of political science and senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

Coptic Solidarity’s overall mission is to “empower the Copts in Egypt to help them attain full and inalienable citizenship rights and equality, under secular constitution and laws; drawn in accordance with current international standards set by Human Rights conventions.”

For more on the persecution of Coptic Christians (and the reason for the Coptic tattoo tradition) see Missing the point of Coptic tattoos from GetReligion.

Art, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , ,

Poland’s Hurdy-gurdy builder

From Interia: Najstarszy w Polsce wytwórca lir korbowych (An Elderly Pole Manufacturers Hurdy-Gurdies)

In Haczów, Poland 83 year old Stanisław Wyżykowski has been hand crafting Hurdy-gurdies. He has built more than sixty since 1967.

Mr. Wyżykowski built his first Hurgy-gurdy for the late actor, Wojciech Siemion. It was modeled after an instrument owned by his family.

His instruments are primarily purchased by music groups, museums, and fans of the instrument in Germany, Sweden, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Hungary, Ukraine, and Slovakia.

Mr. Wyżykowski is a carpenter by profession. For several years he played in folk bands. In addition to Hurdy-gurdies he produces cymbals, double bass, and classic violins which look like sticks. He has also trained several students.

Here is Andrzej Nixon playing the Hurdy-gurdy at a dance workshop (from Maciej Cierliński’s Hurdy-gurdy page)

[audio:https://www.konicki.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/AnrzejNixon.mp3]

W Haczowie na Podkarpaciu żyje najstarszy i jeden z nielicznych w Polsce wytwórca lir korbowych. 83-letni Stanisław Wyżykowski od 1967 roku zbudował ponad 60 lir, które znalazły nabywców w kraju i za granicą.

Pierwszą lirę zbudowałem dla świętej pamięci Wojtka Siemiona. Wzorowałem się na instrumencie, który był własnością mojej rodziny – powiedział Wyżykowski.

Większość wyprodukowanych przez niego instrumentów trafiło do zespołów muzycznych i muzeów.

Wśród nabywców są miłośnicy tego instrumentu z Niemiec, Szwecji, Stanów Zjednoczonych, Nowej Zelandii, Australii, Węgier, Ukrainy, Słowacji. Wielokrotnie liry korbowe Wyżykowskiego były wypożyczane jako rekwizyty do filmów i spektakli.

Wyżykowski z zawodu jest stolarzem. Przez kilkadziesiąt lat grał także w kapelach ludowych. Najczęściej można go spotkać w jego pracowni w Haczowie.

Nie brakuje mi zamówień. Bywa, że pracuję po kilkanaście godzin dziennie. Dzięki Bogu zdrowie dopisuje – mówi 83-latek.

Oprócz lir wytwarza także cymbały, kontrabasy i oryginalne skrzypce. Te ostatnie swoim wyglądem przypominają laski. Wykształcił kilku uczniów.

Lira korbowa znana była w Europie od wczesnego średniowiecza. Jej popularność przypada na X-XIV wiek, później stała się instrumentem muzyków ludowych. Do dziś można ją spotkać w składach niektórych kapel ludowych Ukrainy, Białorusi, Słowacji czy wschodnich regionów Polski.

Instrument posiada gitarowy korpus rezonansowy i skrzynkę z komorą kołkową, wyposażony jest w 1-2 struny melodyczne oraz 2-4 struny boczne. Wszystkie struny pocierane są nie smyczkiem, lecz wmontowanym w instrument drewnianym kółkiem natartym żywicą i obracanym za pomocą korbki.

The Hurdy-gurdy has been present in Europe since the early Middle Ages. It became an instrument of folk musicians. To this day it can be found among traveling folk bands from Ukraine, Belarus, Slovakia, and eastern Poland. It is still is played by professional, often blind, itinerant musicians known as lirnyky. Their repertoire is primarily para-religious in theme, although it includes many historic epics known as dumy and folk dances.

These itinerant musicians were heavily persecuted by Russian authorities up to 1902. The persecution reached its peak during the 1930’s when Soviet authorities deemed Ukrainian traveling musicians who played the Hurdy-gurdy to be an “undesireable” element. They organized an ethnographic conference for the lirnyky, and at that conference the 250-300 lirnyky attending were executed.

Here is Andrey Vinogradov playing and chanting at traditional Russian round dance:

Events, Poland - Polish - Polonia, , , , ,

Polish Summer Festival 2010 in Albany NY

The Polish Community Center at 225 Washington Ave Ext, Albany, NY is hosting a Polish Summer Festival 2010 on Saturday, July 17th from 2:30-8:30pm and Sunday, July 18th from 2-7pm.

Saturday’s activities include music by the Maestro’s Men & Stephanie’s Honky Band, a Polish- American kitchen with take-out available, a Polish Cultural Exhibit, as well as a Basket Raffle, bake sale, and an imported Polish beer tasting. Saturday admission is $15. Children 16 and under free.

Sunday is Family Day with kids activities, games, and a Bouncy Bounce. There will also be a participatory pierogi making demonstration. Music by the Polka Family Band with special appearance by “Hexplay” reunion from 5-6 pm. The St. Adalbert’s Dance troop will perform and the Polish- American kitchen, Polish Cultural Exhibit, as well as a Basket Raffle, bake sale, and an imported Polish beer tasting will continue. Sunday admission is $12. Children 16 and under free.

Advance ticket price for Saturday and Sunday is $22, a $5 savings. Advance tickets must be purchased and paid-in-full by July 9th.

The PCC has a spacious dance floor, plenty of parking. All Are Welcome!

Call 518-456-3995 for more information.

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