Russia’s war has brought horror and devastation to Ukraine, but it has also united the nation and spurred civic activism across all populations to unprecedented levels. Through volunteering, giving, participating in civil society organizations, or simply practicing responsible citizenship, young Ukrainians have been active in advancing victory.
We are excited to present an infographic with fresh data on how youth activism has evolved since the beginning of the war. Traditionally, we encourage you to stay informed about the latest civil society updates and explore employment and grant opportunities. Stay tuned and enjoy reading!
****
How has youth activism changed in response to Russia`s full-scale invasion? According to the “Impact of War on Youth in Ukraine” report prepared by the think tank Cedos, since the beginning of the war, volunteering has emerged as the most prevalent form of civic engagement – 42% report joining volunteering activities for the past 12 months. Among young volunteers, the majority have engaged in fundraising for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (33%), provided physical assistance on the ground (19%), assisted military personnel (18%), supported veterans or refugees (16%), and organized fundraising and humanitarian aid collections (13%). When it comes to civil society institutions, 16% of young individuals participated in volunteer organizations, 8% have been involved in school or student self-government, and another 8% have participated in charitable or humanitarian organizations.
****
Civil Society News
Civil Society Organizations Urge the HCJ Not to Retire Judges Accused of Corruption
On April 25th, the Anti-Corruption Action Center, Automaidan, and DEJURE Foundation issued a statement urging the High Council of Justice (HCJ) to refrain from retiring judges accused of corruption crimes. The CSOs assert that the retirement of such judges will result in their honorable resignation, providing them with lifelong pension benefits and immunity from legal prosecution. Instead, the CSOs urged the HCJ to postpone any decisions on the retirement of such judges until their disciplinary cases have been fully examined.
****
CASE Ukraine Presents the Report on Ukraine`s Post-War Economic Priorities at the European Economic Congress
On April 24, CASE Ukraine presented the “Economic Priorities in Post-War Ukraine” report at the European Economic Congress in Katowice (Poland). During the high-level panel “Ukraine – War, Support, Reconstruction,” the CSO urged Ukrainian authorities to expedite judicial and law enforcement reforms and highlighted the risks, associated with the post-war period.
****
Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation Kicks Off the VII Responsibility Marathon
The Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation invites everyone to join the VII Responsibility Marathon. The initiative will run from May through early June to promote the Declaration of Human Responsibilities by Dr. Bohdan Hawrylyshyn and disseminate its values throughout Ukrainian society. This year the marathon`s theme is “Blossoming Sunflowers – Blossoming Ukraine”, which emphasizes that every responsible action taken by Ukrainian citizens serves as a seed for Ukraine’s victory.
****
National Interest Advocacy Network Forges Cultural Collaboration between Ukraine and the United Kingdom
On 26 April, the National Interest Advocacy Network (ANTS) co-organized a twinning ceremony between Liverpool and Odesa libraries in Liverpool. The ceremony was graced by the Royal Family presence, including King Charles III, the King of the United Kingdom, and Camilla Parker Bowles, the Queen consort of the United Kingdom. During the event, ANTS highlighted the importance of protecting the cultural heritage of Ukraine. It is the first twinning between Ukrainian and one of the UK`s best libraries.
****
Docudays UA Promotes Ukraine at the International Film Festival in Canada
On May 1, the Docudays UA premiered four documentary films at the exclusive panel on Ukraine held at the Hot Docs Festival in Toronto. The documentaries were created under the Civil Pitch 2.0 initiative to highlight the impact of the war on the daily lives of Ukrainians and amplify Ukraine`s voice in the world. Click on the button below to read more about the documentaries.
****
Zaporizhzhia Investigation Center Launches a Video Project to Raise Citizens` Awareness of Local Corruption
Zaporizhzhia Investigation Center launched a YouTube channel aimed at exposing high-risk corruption decisions made by local authorities. The first video uncovers the exorbitant costs of vehicles bought by Zaporizhzhia authorities and law enforcement agencies at the expense of public funds during the war. By doing so, the CSO raises awareness among citizens of local corruption and contributes to holding those in power accountable for their actions.
****
Vox Ukraine to Host a Conference on Reforming Ukraine during Wartime
On May 19, Vox Ukraine will host the “Onwards and Upwards: Reforming Ukraine During the War” conference. During the event, esteemed speakers will deliberate on Ukraine’s response to wartime challenges and derive valuable lessons from the experiences gained. Interested parties are kindly invited to register.
****
Можливості
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
- We have extended the request for applications for civil society initiatives to provide even greater institutional and project support – https://bit.ly/3GUdk4e
-
Finally, we are pleased to announce a Request for Proposals for service providers –https://bit.ly/
3Vnd0kN
Visit our website for additional information and to stay up-to-date on future opportunities and news.
****
Grant Competition to Support CSO Research Initiatives
ISAR Ednannia invites civil society organizations with a track record in analytical research to participate in the grants competition. The competition aims to enhance the level of evidence and arguments in the planning of the country’s recovery, European integration, and the operational functions of CSO during the war. The selection committee will evaluate applications and select winners on a monthly basis, commencing in June 2023 and concluding on November 30, 2023.
****
What We Read
Andrii Kutsyk: Ukrainian Civil Society as One of the Key Players in the Russo-Ukrainian War
Today, when we talk about Russia`s war against Ukraine and the future victory of Ukraine, we must remember the voice of Ukrainian civil society. This voice is significant now and it is clear that the two sides of the war will have to listen, both the aggressor and the victim. Read more by the link below to delve deeper into the power of civil society in Ukraine as a political and geopolitical player.
****
