Dear Soyuzianky,
Today Ukraine celebrates Dignity and Freedom Day. On November 21, 2014, the Euromaidan protests started to shape the Ukrainian present. It’s remarkable how relentlessly Ukrainians defend not just their freedoms but also their dignity.
Dignity. The core word for non-profit organizations such as the UNWLA. When offering help, we remember to treat recipients of our aid with respect. Let’s use Dignity and Freedom Day of Ukraine as a reminder to continue to place people front and center of our work, not just their needs and struggles. We describe them as survivors and not as “victims.” Such a minor change of words and such a major shift to uphold our shared dignity.
If you are a new member, welcome to the UNWLA sisterhood! This weekly newsletter keeps our members informed about the news and current projects of the UNWLA.
Concurrent Resolutions in the House and the Senate seek to recognize the russian war in Ukraine as genocide. As the year winds down, it’s more important than ever that we mobilize to get these bills passed before the new congress is convened.
Click the button below to find all the relevant information to contact your senators and house representatives. Please request their support for the two resolutions declaring the current russian actions in Ukraine a genocide. We recommend sending an email and then following up with a call.
Read more and take action:
Public Advocacy Call: Senate and House Resolutions Seek to Recognize the Russian War in Ukraine As a Genocide
Last week, the Kharkiv division of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received another batch of humanitarian aid. Generators, portable solid fuel heating devices, sleeping bags, blankets, etc. – all of these items were delivered by our partner AICM Ukraine using funding from the UNWLA and will be put to use immediately.
In wartime, Specialists of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine:
dispose of shells, mines and bombs;
educate the community on how to stay safe;
deliver water and supplies to civilians of the Kharkiv region, heavily damaged by russian artillery strikes;
battle fires and other emergency situations.
AICM Ukraine has recently reached remote corners of the Luhansk region, previously isolated by russian artillery strikes. We’ll keep you posted on the updates of our impact!
Our Branches 137 and 143 collaboratively organized a Paint and Sip fundraiser called “Inner Conversation.” Led by artist Anna Zaiachkivska, the event encouraged participants to use color to connect – with others and with themselves.
Left to right: Oksana Bats, Maria Vasylkiv, Oksana Konyk, Halyna Byk at the UNWLA table at the event.
November is Membership Month at the Ukrainian Museum in NYC, and membership perks are quite impressive! Get discounted rates on the Museum’s various events for children and adults, and join the list of benefactors of one of the largest museums of Ukrainian heritage in NYC, founded by the UNWLA.
Explore Museum’s memberships here!
Featured: Morris County Dance Festival Benefit for Ukraine
On December 4, The Morris County Dance Festival presents the incredible Iskra Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, plus other talented Ukrainian artists, in a program to benefit Ukraine. Visit event page Morris County Dance Festival Benefit for Ukraine to get tickets.
