Everything in Perspective: Supporting Ukraine, Now

For me in 2020, travel and socializing grounded to a halt in March and stayed frozen due to the pandemic. Work from home, no in-person contact with friends or family outside of the DC area....quickly became the ZOOM world norm.

For most of 2021, I followed the same pattern, largely because of a brain tumor diagnosis and heightened risk for COVID (particularly given that vaccines were *just* coming available last March and April).

Now, with Omnicron in recline in the US, I am finally starting to venture out again into the world slowly, and re-engaging with people in mostly outdoor settings. Yesterday, I walked into a bookstore for the first time in two years. I'm more confident about going into grocery stores than I have been in a long time.

And yet...it feels like...what COVID? What brain tumor? All I've really followed for the past two weeks is the war in Ukraine. I haven't spent this much time on Twitter in my life, ever. From the start, I've been horrified by Putin's actions, and incredulous with the absolute nonsense that continues to come from Russian sources. I'm sicked that people inside of Russia continue to be shielded from the truth, and that for those who have access and stand up, penalties are relentless. And most of all...I feel for the people of Ukraine who bear the brunt of continued suffering, attacks, violence, and murder for absolutely no reason. My heart aches for the people who've had to flee their homes, and for the people who stay and have to live in unfathomable conditions. I hear from friends and colleagues far as Central Asia and Iraq, and as close as the Baltics, who are worried, scared, and nervous about the ripple effects. I know that the trauma of this war will reverberate for generations.

So what can I do? What can we do? I've written to my elected officials, I've dedicated yoga classes and prayers to Ukraine. I've donated to several organizations, all recommended by colleagues or friends. A few that I have supported are below. The organizations are either on the ground in Ukraine, working to support refugees in nearby countries, or deploying aid from abroad:

Voices of Children Foundation (site in Ukrainian and English)

"Today, during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are providing non-stop assistance to affected children and families from all over the country, providing emergency psychological assistance, and assisting in the evacuation process."

Link to donate is here.

Choose Love has established a fund to support grassroots efforts that are providing vital aid and services to those still in and fleeing Ukraine, including: emergency medical care, food, shelter, clothes, legal support, support for the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health support. As shared with me, they have a deeply grassroots approach with refugees themselves involved in the decision-making process. Link to donate to Ukraine crisis fundraiser here.

The Kyiv Independent: bringing information and facts from the ground; Go Fund Me link is by Jakub Parusinski.

UCCA - Ukrainian Congress Committee of America - is working to purchase and prepare humanitarian aid. Link to donate is here.

United Help Ukraine, Inc. is a charitable organization receiving and distributing donations, food and medical supplies to Ukrainian IDPs, people of Ukraine affected by Russia’s invasion into Eastern Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. Donations can be made by check, paypal or via their FB fundraiser; link is here.

I have a sinking feeling that the situation on the ground will continue to worsen before it improves. I hope that in several months or a year from now, we look back and the page will have turned significantly. I have hopes and dreams for the people of Ukraine, who deserve peace, freedom, and respect for human rights; whether they stay in-country, end up living near or far, or return home. Their courage, resilience, and bravery have lit up the world. Let's continue to try and help turn the tide.