Yesterday, Ukrainians joined the global community in celebrating Giving Tuesday – a day that inspires millions to give back and foster a culture of kindness. For Ukraine, this day holds special significance, reflecting the nation’s ongoing efforts to support those defending its sovereignty for over two years.
In this news edition, we explore how supporting one another has become an integral part of community life. We are also excited to announce our upcoming workshop on preserving cultural heritage, happening at the Civil Society Development Forum. Plus, don’t miss details about a powerful documentary by our partners that highlights the role of memes in shaping perspectives during the full-scale war.
Stay tuned and stay informed!
Despite living under constant tension and danger, Ukrainians remain committed to helping and supporting one another. To explore this resilience, we asked respondents through our Civic Engagement and Perceptions Poll if they had personally initiated any activities to address pressing social issues or assist others.
The results reveal that 25% of non-displaced persons (NDPs), 22% of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 18% of externally displaced persons abroad (EDPs) reported initiating such efforts. Moreover, a significant majority have contributed financially to support resistance against Russian aggression or mitigate its consequences over the past 12 months: 68% of NDPs, 60% of IDPs, and 66% of EDPs have made donations.
Civil society news
USAID/ENGAGE to Highlight Cultural Heritage Protection at XIII Civil Society Development Forum
On December 5, we will host a workshop, “Digital Solutions for Cultural Heritage Protection,” at the XIII Civil Society Development Forum organized by Isar Ednannia. Experts will present digital tools for documenting damage to cultural heritage during the war. Participants can test a mobile app and discuss creating a network for heritage preservation.
Our senior program officer on culture and arts, Lina Romanukha, will participate in the discussion “Paths to Unity: How the War Tests Social Cohesion.” The participants will discuss societal polarization, informational influences, and rethinking the informational and cultural space to strengthen resilience.
We will also showcase the “Ukraine in Miniature” exhibition, featuring 3D models of cultural landmarks, VR tours, and works by contemporary Ukrainian musicians
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ENGAGE Program Partners Discuss Strategies for 2025
On November 25, we hosted our Collaborate, Learn, and Adapt meeting (CLA) with partner organizations to review 2024 results and plan for 2025. Participants explored financial and program achievements and discussed the role of civic activism in democratic reforms and Ukraine’s EU integration. Among the challenges identified by partners for the upcoming year are emotional burnout, security concerns, and the inability to plan long-term.
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USAID/ENGAGE Partners Recognized with 2024 Effie Awards
On November 29, the Effie Awards celebrated the best marketing campaigns of 2024.
The Crime Without Punishment campaign by the Ukrainian Leadership Academy received Bronze Award at Non-Profit category for striking advocacy campaign highlighting Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian children.
International Center for Ukrainian Victory’s #MakeRussiaPay campaign was recognized as a finalist in two categories. Combining viral social media, global protests, and political advocacy, it garnered over 600,000 hashtag uses, 20 million digital views, and led to securing $50 billion in commitments from G7 countries and €400 million from the EU for Ukraine’s recovery.
Additionally, we’re proud that symbol of Ukrainian society’s resilience, the “I’m Fine” art installation, created by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Sai won 2 Gold Awards (Culture and Arts, and Positive Change – Social Good: Non-Profit), a Silver Award (Cross-Media Storytelling), and a Special Award for Best Team. This 32-meter-long sculpture, showcased at Burning Man 2024, and reached 159,61 mln. to raise global awareness of Russia’s war crimes against Ukrainian cultural heritage.
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USAID/ENGAGE Partner Premieres Documentary on Memes in the Information War
On November 30, our partner All-Ukrainian Association of Music Events, premiered the Meme Wars movie. The documentary highlights how memes became a key tool in Ukraine’s information war during the full-scale invasion. Featuring insights from diplomats and scholars, it explores their cultural impact, global influence, and role in humor in boosting Ukrainian resilience. The film will be available on YouTube and Megogo starting December 5.
What we read
Mobilizing Support: Convincing Norway to Boost Military and Financial Aid for Ukraine
Persuading allies to support Ukraine is one of the key factors for its victory in the war. In her blog for Ukrainska Pravda, Olena Halushka, co-founder of the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV), explores how to convince Norway to increase its military and financial aid to Ukraine. She highlights Norway’s unique opportunities, such as its significant revenue from rising gas prices, and discusses the internal debates on strengthening support for Ukraine.