The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
By Shay A. Stewart-Willis on December 5, 2024
In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Eastern Europe’s grassroots advocacy groups shared a clear priority: collective liberation. Solidarity is always an intersectional undertaking, but our interdependence becomes glaringly obvious when faced with a shared threat of violence.
UUSC champions the work of nine partners in Eastern Europe. Catch up on their recent developments:
Addressing discrimination experienced by Black and Brown people in Poland
The population of Black, African, and Afro-descendent people living in Poland has increased significantly since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, nearly 13,000 citizens of 48 African countries held residency cards compared to 7,000 in 2019. BJP has designed and implemented educational programs that raise awareness about anti-Blackness in Poland. They’ve organized events that foster community among Black, African, and Afro-descendant people. Through the BJP Scholarship and Educational Support Program, BJP champions students from African countries who wish to pursue their higher education goals in Poland.
Transforming the perception of the Roma community in Ukrainian society
The ongoing war has heightened the vulnerability of the Roma people. ARCA provides ongoing humanitarian assistance and works to combat the use of anti-Roma propaganda by right-wing Ukrainian groups. As Ukraine attempts reconstruction, ARCA advocates for the inclusion and dignified treatment of Roma. This is essential advocacy work for an ethnic group that is often demonized and discriminated against by established systems.
Providing support for Romani refugees and promoting alternative narratives around the identities of Roma people
In July 2022, the Foundation Towards Dialogue created the Roma Community Center in Warsaw, a safe and integrative space for Ukrainian Roma refugees. They offer psychological and legal support as well as education. The Foundation Towards Dialogue continues to fight against discrimination towards the Roma people.
Uniting activists and organizations to advocate for Ukrainian women
From 2022 through 2024, Marsh Zhinok supported more than 60,000 women with humanitarian support. They provided over 5,000 psychological consultations and 2,000 legal advisory sessions. Marsh Zhinok opened four community development hubs for women and children and three shelters. They also conducted visibility campaigns on women’s rights and gender-based violence.
A 24/7 helpline supporting Ukrainian women who have experienced human trafficking or sexual violence
With a sharp spike in human trafficking cases, Martynka is receiving and responding to more requests for holistic help. They are providing evacuation, medical, and psychological support, as well as emergency accommodations. In 2024, Martynkaworked to expand hotline operations to stay in long-term contact with survivors and closely monitor their progress.
Supporting people in Poland with disabilities and their caregivers
As refugees and people in migration continue to enter Poland, the conditions of the Polish social and healthcare systems worsen. Mudita organizes administrative, legal, and resource support for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses disproportionately impacted by the failures of these systems. They also provide respite care, offering relaxation treatments for families and caregivers.
Providing free consulting services and legal protection for people in migration and refugees in Poland
Nomada has experienced significant growth, expanding by over 350% in the past 20 months. Their activities now include humanitarian aid, psychological support, assistance for those who have experienced gender-based or other forms of violence, and educational support and classes. They have expanded their team to meet the needs of the growing populations of refugees and people in migration.
Supporting LGBTQ+ people in Eastern Europe through financial assistance, housing, and transportation
As Russia and neighboring countries pass queerphobic and xenophobic laws, QueerSvit’s work grows in urgency. They continue to provide resources to the queer community and have expanded their portfolio to include relocation support when necessary.
Building a care infrastructure for activists, grassroots organizations, and community movements to minimize burnout and maximize impact
In 2022, RegenerAction piloted an activist sabbatical system in response to the growing issue of organizer burnout amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2024, they purchased a plot of land in the Polish countryside to one day serve as a retreat center for activists. RegenerAction continues its educational efforts on the issue of community care, supporting Polish social movements through a holistic approach.
Collective liberation requires resilience and innovation. In the thick of violence and social crises, these organizations remain nimble. Their work exemplifies the power of determined people united by a shared vision.
UUSC enthusiastically champions these partners in their pursuit of solidarity beyond empire; in
Image credit: Foundation Towards Dialogue. (Joanna Talewicz-Kwiatkowska)
