In this article the author makes an attempt to analyze a range of contradictory issues that arise in social practice based on the own results of surveying ethno national communities in the territory of post-Soviet Ukraine. Having considered various motifs of either participation or non-participation of minorities in the activity of ethno national organizations, the main factors influencing social activity of minorities in social life and their connection with life plans, self-identification and its type have been determined. The need to match the suggested form of the organization of activities with the interests and demands of the audience, which today are very diverse, settles the case study. The article proposes the analysis of internal and external reasons of conflicts occurring at different stages of community development. The role of ethno national organizations, as an element of civil society, the influence of state ethno national policy and degree of democracy inside organizations have been described.The article presents personality of minorities typology on the basis of the degree of their activity, internal structure of ethno national communities at local territorial level is disclosed. Recommendations on involving new, currently passive members to the community into the activity of ethno cultural communities and organizations were given.The results of the research can be applied at the stage of elaboration of community development plans for ethno cultural organizations  and can be used for the course of Ethnopolitics, Ethnosociology and Ethnoculture. Certain methodological conclusions may be of help for the development of state ethno policy in Ukraine. The article clarifies problems and aspects related to a polycultural society.