The scars of war sharply transformed our vision of the world. Now, when there is an immediate threat to one’s life and safety, someone may say that the values we used to appreciate are pointless and unnecessary – they can take a backseat and wait till a better moment. But in times of strained nerves, it is crucial not to lose yourself and never give up on hopes, dreams, and aspirations.
In this issue, we will check whether Ukrainians are ready to sacrifice democracy for the sake of victory and will offer you some essential news and opportunities from Ukrainian civil society. Get inspired with our traditional read and do not miss the chance to be the first to learn the latest updates!
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Democracy is generally considered the best system that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as stimulates economic development and poverty reduction. But when a threat to democracy is real, are people ready to temporarily sacrifice some of its key values to preserve it in the future? The OPORA Civil Network survey revealed that more than half of Ukrainians believe that the country needs a strong leader during the war (58%), rather than a democratic system of governance (27%). Talking of the interference of the president in the activities of the parliament and the government, 79% consider it justified if strengthening the defense is at stake, while 16% are convinced that it is important to preserve the division of powers even during the war. Check more in our chart!
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We are Hiring: HR Officer and Grants and Contracts Officer
Do not hesitate to grab these amazing job offers to join our team! Pact Inc. seeks candidates to fill the position of HR Officer and Grants and Contracts Officer for the USAID/ENGAGE Activity. The application deadline is September 19 and 20, respectively. Click on the link to learn more.
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New Europe Center Joins an International Conference Dedicated to the Support of Ukraine
On September 2, the New Europe Center joined Forum 2 000 – an international conference in the Czech Republic dedicated to assistance to Ukraine. NEC experts thanked for the support and briefly voiced their vision of the priorities of Ukraine to German and Czech Foreign Ministers Annalena Berbock and Jan Lipavsky. This year the event is held together with the Forum for Ukraine under the title “Democracy’s Clear and Present Danger: how do we respond?”
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EdCamp Holds Its First Summer Camp for Students
EdCamp Ukraine summarized the results of its first summer camp “Smart Summer.” The camp hosted in July-August 2022 gathered 608 children from different parts of Ukraine and abroad. For two weeks, they were engaged in various activities, improving themselves, developing their abilities and talents – English, dancing, logic and coding.
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CHESNO Ranks the Transparency of Local Councils During Martial Law
Are local councils hiding their decisions by using war and the pandemic as an excuse? The CHESNO movement ranked the transparency of city and regional councils during martial law to check it. Activists prepared the ranking based on 11 marker questions regarding their activities from February 24 to the end of July 2022. CSO evaluated each positive answer to the question formulated in the request as 1 point. CSO also prepared a detailed analysis of all the criteria for local authorities and citizens as openness and transparency of all the councils is an essential component of a democratic society, and citizens should always have the right to influence the decisions of their deputies.
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Gender Zed Supports Visibility of LGBT
During Wartime Is Ukrainian society ready for changes? Why will LGBT people live better after the victory? What if the president supported the petition on same-sex marriage? Check a new episode of the Gender Zed YouTube show “Gay Propaganda” to find answers to these questions and learn more about the latest events and updates of the LGBT world.
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Environment People Law Evaluates Russia’s War Crimes Against Ukraine’s Environment
Environment People Law released an overview of Russia’s crimes against the environment of Ukraine in the second half of August prepared based on the on-site recording on August 22 in the Chernihiv oblast. Among the war crimes, the activists documented the seizure and damage of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Station, water pollution, damage or destruction of solar power plants, destruction of forests, fires, etc. The organization expects that these materials will become evidence in the international court against Russia and determine compensation for damages by the aggressor state and the recognition of its actions as ecocide at the court.
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CASE Ukraine Will Discuss the Role of Civil Society During the Wartime
How can dozens of civil society organizations engage in the process of post-war reconstruction and reform of Ukraine? Is it necessary to create a centralized structure for CSOs? What are the lessons learned from past interactions of CSOs? Join the discussion by CASE Ukraine, which will take place on September 8 at 12.00. The event will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.
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USAID`s Justice for All Program Announces Grant Competition
The USAID’s Justice for All Program announces the grant competition aimed at strengthening the justice system and its services, as well as involving civil society in the development of effective solutions to legal problems and meeting the needs of Ukrainians for justice. Applications are accepted until April 1, 2023, or until all funds of the Annual Grant Program are exhausted.
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Grant competition! Strengthening the Capacity of Civil Society Organizations
UNDP in Ukraine announces a grant competition to strengthen the programmatic and operational capacity of civil society organizations, volunteer groups, and newly created initiatives to participate in decision-making processes, the implementation of humanitarian aid programs, and development programs. The applications are accepted until September 16, 2022.
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REALIES: a Program to Support Ukrainian Civil Society Representatives
Betterplace lab and 1991 Accelerator are launching REALIES – a program to support representatives of Ukrainian civil society who fight disinformation and promote a pluralistic information landscape. The REALIES program will bring together 15 innovators in the information field and ensure the cooperation of participants and experts for collective reflection, development and mutual learning. Under the guidance of expert mentors, participants will have the opportunity to talk in groups about their situation and challenges in the face of war. The application deadline is September 14, 2022.
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What We Read: The World has Recently Become Less Democratic
Many more people than in the past have democratic rights. But now there is growing concern that this progress is currently being partially undone. Is this true? Has the world become less democratic recently? This article shows that the leading approaches to measuring democracy indicate that this is true: the world has become less democratic in recent years. Push the button below to read more.
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