In times of hardship, true courage is revealed by those who remain steadfast and offer a supportive shoulder to those in need. In Ukraine, it is civil society that has been protecting democracy and freedom, securing support from the international community and helping integrate those who were forced to flee their homes.
At ENGAGE, we firmly believe in the power of civil society and invite you to take a look at our infographic, which showcases civic initiatives that emerged since February 2022.
In this issue of our newsletter, we offer you a range of updates from civil society aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting civic oversight and transparency. Whether you are seeking new job opportunities or interested in the grant competition, this issue is packed with valuable information that is sure to capture your attention. Give it a read and discover how civil society builds a brighter future for all Ukrainians!
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In February 2022, Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine proved to be a significant catalyst for civil society mobilizing. To understand the genesis and growth of this grassroots movement, the Center of United Actions conducted an in-depth study of 131 initiatives established right after the invasion. Remarkably, over a year later, more than 80% of these initiatives remain active. The study revealed that over half (54%) of the initiatives were launched by the public sector. The majority of them (70%) addressed social and defense (63%) issues.
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Civil Society News
Activists Discuss Challenges for Civic Oversight During Martial Law
On March 30, the Center for Civil Liberties and OZON organized a round table “Civic Oversight in Ukraine in the Time of War.” Experts discussed civic oversight in different spheres, such as anti-corruption and judicial reform. They noted that among the key challenges for Ukraine are lack of transparency and corruption prevalence. Participants emphasized the importance of mandatory electronic asset declarations by public officials and transparent state procurement to control the distribution of military support from international partners, which is crucial for Ukraine’s victory.
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Razumkov Center Studies Public Opinion on War, Victory, and Security Guarantees
The recently published survey by the Razumkov Center provides valuable insight into public opinion regarding the war in Ukraine. According to the CSO, Ukrainians unanimously believe in their country’s victory, with half of the respondents thinking it can be achieved by the end of 2023. For the majority of citizens, the victory equals the expulsion of Russian troops from Ukraine’s entire territory, including the return to borders as of January 2014. Give it a read and see more findings.
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Transparency International Ukraine Investigates International Emergency Procurement Practices
Daring situations demand a significant amount of resources, including emergency procurement. To find better solutions for Ukraine, Transparency International Ukraine (TIU) studied how Great Britain, the USA, and Turkey cope with urgent procurements while adhering to their declared principles. The study offers valuable insights and suggests a framework for how to develop effective procurement practices during emergencies in Ukraine. For more recommendations for Ukraine, check out an article by TIU`s expert.
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Zaporizhzhia Investigations Center Uncovers How Russia Established the Occupation Regime in Melitopol
Melitopol is the largest Ukrainian city with surviving infrastructure seized by Russia in February 2022 that remains occupied. Although local collaborators contributed to the establishment of the occupation regime, key positions were filled by Russian nationals. To learn more about how the occupiers have built the city’s vertical power structure, check out the investigation project by the Zaporizhzhia Investigations Center and texty.org.ua.
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#VlipyZaSebe Completes a Series of Brunches to Connect Young People to Activists and Volunteers
On April 4th, the youth initiative #VlipyZaSebe completed a series of brunches for active youth. These brunches featured influential activists and volunteers, including renowned culinary expert Yevhen Klopotenko and the PowerKit project team, to inspire the next generation of leaders to work toward a better Ukraine.
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Opportunities
We are Hiring: USAID/ENGAGE is Looking for Qualified Specialists
Attention job seekers! USAID/ENGAGE is offering a variety of exciting job openings. While we have already found candidates for some positions, we still have several available opportunities. We encourage all interested and qualified candidates to visit our website, review the job listings, and apply or share this information with those who may be interested. Follow our website for updates to stay up-to-date on future opportunities and other news.
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Apply Now: We Extend an Updated Grant Competition with More Opportunities for Civil Society Actors
The request for applications for civil society initiatives, launched by USAID/ENGAGE, has been extended and updated to provide even greater institutional and project support for the urgent needs of CSOs. If you have not yet applied, we invite you to do so. Interested organizations may submit their applications until May 15, 2025. To learn more about these new opportunities and updates, please click on the link below to visit our website.
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Grant Competition to Promote the Integration of Internally Displaced Persons
International Renaissance Foundation announced a grant competition to promote the integration of IDPs into life in their new territorial communities, as well as support the active use of various forms of self-organization and local democracy in communities to ensure their stability and establish effective interaction. The application deadline is April 17, 2023.
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What We Read
Voices from the Frontlines of Democracy in Ukraine: Supporting and Protecting Civil Society
Ukraine’s civil society is ferociously defending the war’s other front – the one not of territory, but of democracy. Amid Russia’s bombardment of targets vital to Ukraine’s democratic development – education, health, energy – support for that front is critical to ensure that when Ukraine regains territorial sovereignty, it can continue its democratic evolution. Push the button to read about Ukrainian civil society development, challenges, and lessons it can offer for the international community.
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