Volunteering and patronage as part of Ukrainian identity — Ideas Day in Rivne region

Volunteering is part of the Ukrainian identity. This trait has been most evident since the start of the full-scale invasion when everyone in their place is bringing victory closer by helping the military with donations and humanitarian aid. However, the most important thing is to consolidate society and help those in need, regardless of the circumstances.

Speakers of the second panel discussion, “Volunteering and Philanthropy: Present and Future,” at the Ideas Days in Rivne region, discussed the phenomenon of volunteering and philanthropy, the culture of their spread, and the problems faced by philanthropists. 

The event is organized by the Aspen Institute Kyiv and Impact Hub Odesa, represented by its co-founder, Yegor Grebennikov. 

• Vitaliy Koval, Head of the Rivne Regional Military Administration.

Our commitment to values and the desire to win drives us forward. The values we rely on may be transformed, but the main thing cannot change. After the start of the full-scale invasion, there were cases when businesses gave everything to help the Armed Forces, even without knowing what would happen tomorrow. These actions showed maximum concentration, trust, and work for victory. It is essential not to burn out but to look for new meanings, develop, and move on.

• Ihor Pasichnyk, rector of the National University “Ostroh Academy.”

The problem is that we need to foster a culture of volunteerism in Ukraine. However, we must understand that activity creates a person, not vice versa. And at the moment, we are promoting a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy in Ukraine to achieve success and victory. In this context, creating a volunteer student coordination center that could manage these initiatives would be appropriate. In addition, an evaluation system should be implemented to encourage people to volunteer.

• Mykhailo Veselsky (author and patron of the Radovel Project).

A philanthropist is a person who protects national values. Entrepreneurs can be a driving force for change in the state, specific communities, and societies. What motivates a philanthropist? A philanthropist must have a clear motivation for sustainable activity, and it should not be a one-time action. In particular, it can be a sense of involvement in an important cause.

• Iryna Ivanchyk (founder of the Believe in Yourself charity foundation).

Philanthropy is similar to business, where we must understand whether our investments pay off. We need to act by economic laws. You cannot cheat them: you get more when you give more. Once you realize this, you can’t do anything else.

Viktor Dyachenko, a host of the Suspilne projects, moderated the dialog.

We thank everyone who joined the event!