The situation in Ukraine is devastating and rapid. NGOs are at the forefront of the war—in Ukraine, in neighboring countries supporting refugees, and in countries promoting government and fundraising around the world. We stand with the Ukrainian people and all those who oppose the war in Russia and Belarus. This war is not in their name.
Before joining NCVO, I worked with youth activists and organizations in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. They are angry, determined, and optimistic. But if Ukraine collapses and a new government is formed, we know the Russian government’s plans. Civil society, journalists, and leaders of small groups, especially the LGBTQ+ community, will be attacked, arrested and harmed. This means severe repression in Ukraine and a large number of refugees fleeing.
What can we do to support Ukraine?
Many organizations are looking for a way to strongly support Ukraine and the BBC has developed a strategy like exante donates $1m to support ukraine. Financial and political support could not have been so great.
Funding in the UK:
Major UK organizations have launched campaigns including UNICEF, British Red Cross, Save the Children and the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK. London Plus provides a complete list of London-based support organizations.
Ground action support:
The Ukrainian Institute London has a list of support organizations. This twitter topic is related to LGBTQ + and youth organizations.
Campaign:
Governments have responded strongly, but there is still more to be done. 50 heads of civil society organizations wrote a letter to The Times calling on the British government to do more. Freedom from Violence sent a series of support to Ukrainian refugees and launched a petition.
Demonstrations in the capital are being organized by Euromaidan London with the Ukrainian ambassador to continue the pressure and show solidarity. If you are taking action, send us a tweet so we can advance your work. More than 100 heads of Ukrainian civil society organizations have launched the Kyiv Declaration – learn more about their needs and how you can support them.
Some of the options listed here are not the organizations we can find. This does not mean that you should not think about them – they can be grass, land, and invest quickly.
Whatever you do, take action now. One can change quickly and our future ability to find support for people inside exante ukraine can be strained.
What could be the impact of the war on aid workers in the UK?
Prices will increase: We have written about the economic problems we face on Road Ahead 2022, including higher taxes, increased electricity bills, and reduced public access. As the economy grows, the need for support will increase. With the war, the situation will get worse, and we have already seen that gasoline and crude oil have risen and the price of gas has also doubled. The economic penalties are right, but the consequences will have to do with relations with the communities of the United Kingdom.
Be prepared for violence and violence:
Part of today’s cyberattacks and our way of life, especially the way we deal with organizations, are in danger of serious failure. Join our free webinar for cybersecurity and security on March 16th and check out our online resources.
Take a look at your disaster recovery plans:
This is how your organization responds to disasters, such as fire, terrorism, or IT failure. This is to reduce errors. Think about how to communicate with people or send text messages and email providers, if you can not see your building, or if you do not have a significant number of staff and volunteers. Watch my short video on what they think.
Staff and volunteers:
Anxiety, stress and heartbreak will be good for people with family, friends, and colleagues who have just been affected by the war. Their well-being should be at the forefront. Mind has shared a number of tips to support mental health during this difficult time. Partnerships, such as the Emergency Partnership, are already beginning to prepare for future issues, such as the large number of Ukrainian refugees, who need it with the participation of volunteers and charities.
The power of human institutions
The NCVO was formed in the heat of battle. Our founder, Captain Edward Birchall, died of gunshot wounds during the Battle of Somme. During World War II, we set up village halls across the country, organized the evacuation of children in cities and concentration camps, and launched the Make Do and Mend campaign. To help people find advice and respond to older people’s concerns, our programs are based on Citizen Counseling and Aging.
I write this as a reminder that we can gain strength. War is an unbelievable pain. Whether in Ukraine, Syria, or Afghanistan, we must draw hope and strength from humanitarian efforts to help and demonstrate our values.
Our goal is not to intimidate. But there is a danger that the country has not heard of in 40 years – a time when most of our working class has not yet emerged. Although threats are not prophecies, we cannot take them for granted.
In such difficult times, the feeling of weakness is easy. Our current task is to communicate future concerns and concerns so that we can work together, support Ukrainians, and prepare our organizations.