Sunflowers – the national flower of Ukraine, symbolizing fertility, joy, healing, and most significantly this Spring, unity, and hope.
Spring this year has become one of trepidation and fear, rather than growth and new beginnings, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine brings a nearly decade-old conflict to the war front. In 2013, protests in Kyiv against the rejection to join the European Union lead to a violent, politically-led, crackdown and tensions between Russia and Ukraine have ever-continuously heightening. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, “Violence in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatist forces and the Ukrainian military has, by conservative estimates, killed more than 10,300 people and injured nearly 24,000 since April 2014.” Since then, Russia has been attributed to many cyber attacks within and out of the country, with propaganda against Ukraine becoming mainstream in Russia and consequential power blackouts being common in Ukraine. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when Ukraine openly wished to stand with NATO, a military alliance formed after World War II between many European countries and the United States and Canada as a responsive action during the Cold War, which prompted President Putin to announce an open land, air, and sea attack on February 24th, 2022.
After the February 24th invasion of Ukraine, millions worldwide have actively and openly protested Russia, rallying together in support of Ukraine as the conflict status continues to worsen. Here in San Francisco, hundreds of protestors, including students at the University of San Francisco, have unified together at San Francisco’s City Hall multiple times over the last week.
However, it isn’t always easy for one to find the local protest and join in. Being unable to join protests, as well as being far from the conflict itself, can make one feel powerless and incapable of helping. This doesn’t mean there aren’t other avenues one can take to stand with Ukraine. As the situation becomes more complicated and Ukrainian citizens are faced with more hardships and danger each day, they need any help they can get. From your living room, car, workspace, or even in the middle of the woods, many online resources are available for you to help those in Ukraine and make this Spring one of hope and new beginnings once again.
- Donate to Humanitarian Organizations
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Project HOPE responds to humanitarian crises, such as environmental disasters or emergencies. Currently, the group is sending emergency teams and medical supplies to Ukraine.
A Ukrainian-based organization, psychological and financial support is given to families and children who have witnessed and suffered from war.
Based in the United States, the nonprofit accepts and distributes food and medical donations. Its current priorities are donations to support Ukrainian soldiers and their families, as well as displaced Ukrainian peoples in surrounding countries.
Since the crisis began in 2014, Save the Children has been helping children stay healthy by providing food, hygiene kits, psychological support, cash transfers to families, and helping children and their families find shelter.
Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE)
Created in 1945 to help those internationally overcome the devastation of WWII, CARE focuses on poverty, equity, and social justice globally. In Ukraine, CARE is focusing on providing girls, women, and the elderly with water, food, psychological support and recovery, cash assistance, and hygiene kits.
There are a number of other organizations that aid, donate, and participate in supporting Ukraine. While the organizations above are some of the more well-known non-profits, it is strongly encouraged to do some of your research and donate to organizations that you want to support, or need more support. Anything helps!
- Educate yourself about the history between Russia and Ukraine online or at the local library
- Support Journalism and Recognize Propaganda
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By reading reliable news sources, such as the Associated Press News, BBC, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal, readers can get an unbiased view of the conflict that is taking place. Make sure to read sources that do not have a connection with biased Russian news outlets, as unfortunately, propaganda is an issue regarding the war in regards to “fake news” and distractions. By supporting unbiased news outlets, facts and help can continue to spread, and disinformation can slowly disappear. The best way to get direct Ukrainian news is through the Kyiv Independent, a Ukraine-based English newspaper. There is a donation page through GoFundMe and Patreon where you can help Ukrainian journalists continue their operations from in and out the country.
- Try out the only Ukrainian Restaurant in San Francisco, Pushkin
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Local endorsement, although not directly contributing to Ukraine, is a great way to show support. By grabbing a bite at Pushkin, it’s not only a great way to experience Ukrainian culture, but also grants a deeper connection and understanding of who the Ukrainian people are. Another great way to support local Ukrainians in San Francisco is through a Palo Alto non-profit called Nova Ukraine. This non-profit has raised $1.3 million for food, water, diapers, and emergency medical training for Ukraine. Another local nonprofit you can support is Hromada, a San Francisco based organization that runs the Anhelyk Foundation. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “The foundation Anhelyk (meaning angel in Ukrainian) is a project of the nonprofit Hromada… Anhelyk raises funds for children whose parents have lost lives in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict since 2014.” It also helps to provide college scholarships.
As the war continues, peace seems to go deeper and deeper into the soil. Yet, this gives it a chance to take root and grow. By providing aid, educating yourself about the conflict, and supporting any kind of support, the ability for Sunflowers to grow again in Ukraine becomes more and more possible. Continuing with the theme, the last organization is Sunflower of Peace. Since 2015, they’ve been offering medical assistance to Ukrainian orphans, displaced peoples, and those affected by Covid-19. They’re currently asking for donations to prepare first aid medical tactical backpacks for paramedics and doctors on the front lines. Usually handled by the Marines, special military forces, and military groups, these backpacks and funds will help medical professionals and those fleeing from the battle.
The Sunflower of Peace will grow again in Ukraine.