Tomorrow marks Ukraine’s 32nd anniversary of independence and eighteen months since the onset of a full-scale invasion that has separated millions of Ukrainians from their homeland and loved ones. On this significant day, we take a moment to proudly recognize the twin pillars of our independence – the Armed Forces of Ukraine and volunteers. Moreover, we extend our gratitude to the civil society organizations and initiatives that amplify Ukraine’s presence globally, champion democratic principles, combat corruption, and advocate for increased military support.
In this newsletter, we delve into the sentiments of Ukrainians regarding the nation’s future and share some insights into their perceptions of corruption. Additionally, we bring you updates from our civil society partners, who are steadfastly working to advance our path to victory and offer you some opportunities to engage in civic activism. Join us in this reading journey!
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A recent survey conducted by the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) reveals a complex emotional landscape among Ukrainians regarding the future of their country. The majority, 59%, hold onto hope, while 42% acknowledge feelings of anxiety. Optimism is shared by 33% of respondents, 24% express confidence, and 23% admit to feelings of fear. Looking ahead, the mass shelling of Ukrainian cities is the foremost concern for 60%, followed by disruptions in essential services due to Russia`s shelling (45%). Concerns over abrupt increases in essential item prices are shared by 40%, while 34% remain wary of corruption within government institutions. Additionally, the prospect of a new Russian military offensive is a concern for 30% of respondents.
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Civil Society News
USAID/ENGAGE Explores Corruption Perception and Citizens` Engagement in Combating Corruption
On August 17, USAID/ENGAGE in partnership with USAID/SACCI conducted a public discussion on the results of the National Corruption Perception and Experience Poll. The discussion focused on strategies to translate the increasing public confidence in anti-corruption institutions into tangible actions and obstacles to citizen engagement in anti-corruption activities. The main takeaways include the following:
- Corruption ranks as the second most pressing concern for Ukrainians after the war. The prevalence of corruption is reportedly decreasing, yet it remains widespread.
- Public intolerance towards corruption is growing, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) being less tolerant and externally displaced persons (EDPs) expressing greater tolerance.
- The primary drive for combating corruption is patriotism and self-motivation, while personal risk emerges as the key obstacle.
- It is essential to increase public awareness of anti-corruption bodies, particularly the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, to bolster citizen engagement in the anti-corruption fight.
Click on the button to read more findings from the poll.
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Vox Ukraine Presents Research on Reforms in Ukraine
On August 21, Vox Ukraine presented research titled “Reform Success and Civic Participation: Opinions of Ukrainians”. Based on this data, the CSO experts assessed how officials influence Ukrainians’ perception of reform success and their willingness to participate in civic activities, such as signing petitions or volunteering.
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Center of United Actions Launches Project to Highlight Interest Groups
The “Visible” project is a video series by the Center of United Actions, targeting interest groups and the public policies that impact them. Through this initiative, the CSO provides a platform for these groups to share their needs, voice their perspectives on government decisions and emphasize the importance of their participation in the decision-making process. The inaugural video addresses issues that bridge the shared concerns and questions among the Jewish minority and publishers, small businesses, internally displaced persons, defenders, and educators.
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All-Ukrainian Association of Music Events Raises Awareness of the War in Ukraine at Sziget Festival
On August 10 – 15, the All-Ukrainian Association of Music Events (UAME) participated in Budapest’s Sziget Festival. UAME presented an interactive location about Ukraine, its music, and culture, and shared how to support Ukrainians through the charitable initiative Music Saves UA. The CSO also gifted embroidered shirts to festival headliners Florence + The Machine, Yungblud, and Billie Eilish.
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Bohodukhiv City Council Cancels Unjustified Tender Following Kharkiv Anticorruption Center`s Investigation
On August 14, Kharkiv Anticorruption Center (KhAC) disclosed that the Bohodukhiv City Council canceled a tender worth UAH 13.2 million for renovating the building at the Center for Administrative Services, due to price inflation and biased prerequisites uncovered in the CSO`s investigation. Following the KhAC`s disclosure, the winner’s documentation was reexamined, revealing irregularities in contract pricing and material costs. The CSO will continue to monitor public procurements and budget allocation to combat corruption effectively.
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Opportunities
Explore Our Opportunities
We are excited to offer a variety of opportunities for job seekers, civil society actors, and service providers:
- Qualified specialists interested in our job openings are encouraged to review the listings – https://bit.ly/3UKgGN7
- Request for applications for civil society initiatives to provide even greater institutional and project support – https://bit.ly/3GUdk4e
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Information Session on Cloud Technology Usage for CSOs
IFES Ukraine and Isar Ednannia invite civil society organizations to participate in an information session on the potential applications of cloud technologies to bolster CSO activities in Ukraine. This informational session will feature Amazon experts who will discuss the merits of cloud technologies, Amazon’s web services, and the array of possibilities they offer to Ukrainian civil society groups and volunteers, as well as Amazon support programs for civil society organizations during wartime. To participate, register by no later than 6:30 PM on August 27, 2023.
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What We Read
American Support for Helping Ukraine Remains Strong
A recent CNN-SSRS poll conducted over July claimes that more than half of Americans are against additional US support for Ukraine, which made quite a splash among experts across the political spectrum in Washington, DC. In reality, such reactions are wrong, and the polling actually shows the resilience of US support for Ukraine. Read the article by Andrew D’Anieri, Assistant Director at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, to find out why Americans are more open to pro-Ukraine aid arguments than arguments against continued US support for Ukraine.
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