On May 25, the National Network for the Development of Local Philanthropy, with the support of the Global Fund for Community Foundations, held a discussion panel "Change for Ukraine: United in Action".
Speakers were:
Jossie O'Reilly, manager of CAFOD programs in Ukraine, representative of the "Charter4Change" coalition.
Olga Prodan, founder and president of the Ukrainian-Canadian Advocacy Group
Evgenia Mazurenko, adviser to the leaders of non-profit organizations, supporter of localization initiatives in Ukraine
We would like to share with you the main points from the discussion:
Coalitions are an effective way to demonstrate the will to change in an inflexible global system. Evgenia Mazurenko notes that for years Ukrainian civil society was inclined to look at international practices in the non-profit sector, now the situation has changed and we have experience that needs to be shared from the local level to international actors.
Before the formation of the coalition, the founders developed the main provisions that they plan to promote. These statements should always be based on solutions to the highlighted issues.
The best tone of voice to present your ideas at an international plenary is to introduce yourself as a colleague. Ukrainian local organizations are focused on daily aid, which is necessary during the war. Either way, constant communication and a strong visible brand are critical to driving change.
Currently, many local NGOs are engaged in advocacy activities without publicly declaring their goals. Communication within Ukrainian communities can help to join forces and avoid double work. System change starts with communication within your inner circle.