After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, all civilized countries took the side of good, demonstrating their support for Ukrainians. Further, on layes you can learn more about the activities of Stand With Ukraine Foundation in LA, as well as the mission of the non-profit organization.
Main mission
It is to save and strengthen, to support Ukraine, which since February 2022 has become the frontline of global freedom and peace, a place where Ukrainians defend their home at the cost of their lives.
Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion began, the whole world was watching the enemy’s “military exercises.” Everyone was waiting to see what would happen next. One of the first movements in LA was the Stand With Ukraine movement. The organizers and participants of this important movement called for international peaceful rallies to raise awareness around the world about the consequences of Russian military aggression.
Expanding the community
Since February 2022, the community has grown significantly, with hundreds of volunteers working tirelessly to collect and send humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The organization’s members organize charity events, fight disinformation, promote cultural awareness and support policies that help Ukraine.
All these charity events aimed at supporting Ukraine attracted the attention of leading international and national TV channels, print media and online resources and radio stations. This attention, which reached an audience of millions of viewers, was another impetus for action. Broadcasting charity events in the information space aimed at helping the unbreakable Ukrainian people inspires the global community.
Community recognition
Stand With Ukraine Foundation has been officially recognized by many government agencies. These include:
- Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco
- Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Los Angeles. Laima Jurevičienė, Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania in Los Angeles, noted that the Ukrainian people are fighting for European democratic values and freedom. She emphasized that it is their duty to help in this struggle.
- California State Senator Josh Newman
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who immediately after the start of the full-scale invasion made a statement of support for Ukrainian brothers and sisters and many Americans of Ukrainian descent living in LA
- Victor Gordo, mayor of Pasadena.
In March 2022, the documentary Mr. Landsbergis was broadcast in LA, bringing together Lithuanians, Americans and representatives of the Ukrainian community. They learned more about Lithuania’s struggle for independence and discussed Russia’s war of aggression against peaceful Ukraine. Representatives of Stand With Ukraine Foundation were present. In the context of all this, they spoke about the organization and assistance to Ukraine. They thanked the Lithuanian community in LA for their support and participation in many events. After the screening, all those present could buy Ukrainian souvenirs and movie posters of the famous professor.
All funds raised from ticket sales for the documentary, souvenirs and movie posters were donated to support Ukraine.
Activities of the organization
The main activities of Stand With Ukraine Foundation are as follows:
- Civic activism and advocacy. We are talking about organizing peaceful rallies and campaigns aimed at supporting Ukraine in popular locations in the US and around the world. Strategic advocacy activities, meetings with senators and members of Congress are also effective steps that have a positive impact on the US government’s political decisions to help Ukraine.
- Humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. The organization manages several volunteer centers. By working with American military units and hospitals, charitable organizations, universities, the volunteer centers manage to quickly assemble and send life-saving medical equipment to Ukraine. These are vital items for Ukrainian defenders and civilians.
- The cultural and artistic movement or cultural diplomacy is an integral part of the organization’s activities. It is extremely important to popularize the Ukrainian language and culture as part of Ukraine. This is also valuable because Ukrainians are once again having to defend not only the territorial integrity of Ukraine but also their national identity. Examples of cultural diplomacy include the organization of art exhibitions, music concerts, ethnic festivals, dance flash mobs, film screenings, etc.
Local Heroes Award
It was a real honor to receive this award, which was presented by the Peace Corps in LA. This award, which was presented to Stand With Ukraine Foundation, was a tribute to the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people. It also highlighted the results of the organization’s volunteer work in LA.
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of LA is a nonprofit corporation that shares a commitment to promoting intercultural awareness and development. The city’s residents are well acquainted with the organization thanks to its annual international dinners, which bring together more than 100 participants and feature dishes from around the world, with plenty of opportunity for socializing and fun. But the activities of the Peace Corps are not limited to this.
The non-profit public organization Stand With Ukraine Foundation is registered in Los Angeles, California, and is located at: 1001 Gayley Ave. Citizens can join the team by becoming a volunteer or partner. Also, a generous donation can be made on the organization’s website, which will be used to save, strengthen and rebuild Ukraine.
Support from LA
There are many volunteer centers in the city that help Ukrainians. For example, the POST ANGELES volunteer center in Los Angeles, a public non-profit organization that collects funds, humanitarian aid and sends it all to Ukraine by sea or air. An additional delivery center and volunteer point is in Lviv, where all the aid from LA is received and then distributed in Ukraine.
Volunteers are involved in the collection, processing, sorting, loading and packaging. Their constant and tireless assistance is extremely valuable. The organization’s partner is Meest USA West, which also supports the work of Stand With Ukraine Foundation. A full list of partners is available on the organization’s website, including the University of Southern California.
It is worth summarizing how necessary the assistance received from foreign countries, including LA, is for Ukraine. The positive aspects include saving lives, protecting vulnerable groups (children, people with disabilities, the elderly), supporting internally displaced persons and restoring critical infrastructure. Receiving such assistance also means supporting the local economy, increasing international support and strengthening social ties.
