8 weeks ago, Russia attacked Ukraine AGAIN. They expected a quick takeover of the country given the state controlled media opinion.
Fortunately, Ukrainians are fighting back and fighting back strongly. They know they are fighting for their lives and for their freedom. If they loose, they will loose everything – not only their homes and their money but also their lives, their families, their future.
There is a lot of talk of what may come next. Nobody really knows. We only know that it won’t be good or asked for and that it won’t stop anytime soon. Officially, the war will have gone on for 8 years and 2 months this coming weekend. This is too long.
At this point, the war is still in the news as more and more war crimes happen in the region. There is still support for Ukrainians from civilians and aid agencies all over the world and I hope it will continue.
It is important that the attention remains because there are conflicts which no longer show up on our radars. Do you still remember the civil war in Syria? Did you know that over 6 million refugees fled their country? Inside Syria, another 6 million people are displaced. Yes, a total of 13 million people left their home for fear of death, injury or worse. The worst may be over by now but the war in Syria is still a crisis.
And what about Afghanistan, Lebanon or Yemen? They are still in crisis too. This is not a “what about-ism”. I’m merely trying to highlight how many war zones we currently have on this beautiful world.
The most important step is to take responsibility for your own actions. Yes, your actions – no matter how small – make a difference. Stopping a bully picking on a smaller child in kindergarten in a productive way will have an impact on both children. Reporting crime when you see it, is another good example – even if you think that nothing will come from it.
Taking part in protests and calling your political representative to push for change are also a great way to ensure your voice is heard. So is to run for office yourself; even if you participate on a school board, you will have a chance to make this world a better place.
It is important that you do your part.
This includes to show up at the voting booth and vote for the peaceful, democratic, inclusive party. The party that comes up with plans for the future and ideas on how to keep everyone included. Vote as if your life depended on it – because sooner or later, it will.
We have all seen the invasion of Ukraine by Russia last week which is still evolving. Too many people, including civilians and children, have died. Russia’s aggression seems to increase by sending ever more troops, missiles and bombs.
Personally, I’m heartbroken ever time I listen to the news.
Coming form a country which was invaded by Hitler’s Nazi Germany, I remember my grandparents telling me about how the war started. It started exactly the same way in which it is starting in the Ukraine right now.
Flag of Ukraine
I urge you to help the Ukraine any way you can. It may seem difficult to help if you live far away and have never been near a similar war situation before. Please consider these small actions and see if you can find it in you to help:
Donate! Donate! Donate! I understand that not everyone has spare cash to share with people they have never met. Still, I hope that some of you can donate a little to keep help efforts underway. There are plenty of organizations who currently focus on the crisis in and around Ukraine. Some of them are:
Help refugees / charities directly. If you live close to the Ukrainian border, check out local organizations which can direct your efforts to maximize all your combined efforts. Even if you live further afield, have a look around in your community or your online social groups to see if there are self-organizing groups that deliver help to where it’s needed. Every small action to support those in need is welcome.
Educate yourself on the situation in the Ukraine, its history, the cultural differences between the countries in the region and what the actual reason for the invasion is. My strong recommendation is that you seek out news from different news outlets from all parts of the media spectrum to get a full picture of what “both sides” are saying. Then take your time and think and come up with your own conclusion.
Political education should be part of everyone’s curriculum at school. It is paramount that every single person understands how political systems work and how they differ from each other. Only then can they understand what options are on the table when they go to vote.
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
That is why is it up to all of us to seek out political education and learn so that we start to understand the world around us.
Engage in the political process to ensure your country remains free. Some option are to run for office in your local area or join a local school board. You could also be more active in your political party either by taking on an official role or simply by facilitating fair elections. Many seemingly small steps can help: debating on one party versus another in your local social club; trying to increase voter turn out by going door to door and informing locals ahead of the elections or by arranging transport for locals to and from the voting stations.
Vote to keep your own country from falling into dictatorship! Prepare ahead of time by making sure you are eligible to vote on the day or via post. Then vote!
For all of the above points, I urge you to include your children, family and friends. It is vitally important that everyone – especially the next generation – is aware of how bad things can get and what can be done to prevent such a situation from happening time and time again.
Most importantly, you have to stand up to injustice – no matter how small or how big – no matter if you will get hurt yourself in the process – no matter what – you have to stand up for yourself!
