What We Do

What we do:

In the interest of accountability, the Alliance for Ukraine uses prudent planning, evaluative learning, and data-driven decision making to strengthen the bonds of Ukraine Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, to support the initiatives of currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers, and to enhance the technical capacity of Ukrainians through vetted projects to effect positive change. To focus its efforts for sustainable impact for these ends, the Alliance pursues three strategic goals that are guided by and rooted in three foundational pillars: community, information, and impact. Upon these three principles, the Alliance seeks to achieve impact in the following three goals that are broken down into "Tactic Areas" to better communicate our objectives and activities currently being conducted pursuant to our mission:
 

 1: Build, strengthen, and sustain a vibrant and engaged community of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and allies for Ukraine

Tactic Areas:

1.1-  Coordinate and support decentralized regional groups of Ukraine RPCVs that undertake activities such as:

-gather regularly to write their local congresspeople about supporting Ukrainian legislation;

-host pre-and post service welcome events for the volunteers in their local regions;

-host special Peace Corps Third Goal oriented cross-cultural learning events;

-seek to coordinate Ukraine RPCV reunions.

1.2 - Host and facilitate a members discussion forum on our website for the purposes of providing:

-volunteers in-country the ability engage directly with RPCVs  as they seek support and advice throughout their service;

-RPCVs a place to discuss readjustment and connect with support networks post-service;

-facilitating discussions about current affairs affecting the Peace Corps mission both in Ukraine.

1.3 - Spearhead the search for all former RPCVs from Ukraine by:

-leading the National Peace Corps Association's "Find the 250k" initiative;

-maintaining a database where members can search for other members to connect with their former Peace Corp colleagues, counterparts, and supporters in Ukraine;

-researching and conducting direct outreach to RPCVs to seek out the most current information about all volunteers who have served in Ukraine since 1992.

 2: Share information about Ukrainian current events, development milestones, and projects on behalf of Ukraine

Tactic Areas:

2.1 - Produce regular enewsletters and other written publications with:

-stories and updates from current volunteers in the field about their lives and their activities;

-updates about RPCV-AUA’s activities around the country and the world;

-information affecting the lives of Ukrainians in Ukraine.

2.2 - Host social media platforms in order to:

-engage in direct outreach and information sharing with our larger community;

-share culturally relevant information about holidays and special events in Ukraine and the US;

-support the messaging of the Peace Corps in Ukraine.

 3: Improve the capacity of Ukrainian citizens for societal change through impactful projects

Tactic Areas:

3.1 - Support, design, and assist with the implementation of projects initiated by our community that:

-provide new technology solutions to volunteers in the field;

-improve the effectiveness and quality of volunteers in service;

-build and provide support to grassroots advocacy networks in support of Ukrainian affairs legislation;

-support the Third Goal mission of the Peace Corps.

3.2 - Raise funds to support PCV- and RPCV-led projects both in Ukraine and domestically by:

-conducting fundraising for special projects and cause-related activities;

-highlighting local fundraising activities via media outlets and regional groups;

-directing members to current PCPP projects and sharing their stories;

-dedicating a majority % of membership dues to special projects;

- providing regular Peace Corps Ukraine branded merchandise booster campaigns.

3.3 - Building partnership with institutions who support the Peace Corps mission to:

-foster a network of organizations ready to support RPCV activities in Ukraine;

-maintain quality information sharing and resource partnerships with Ukrainian affairs organizations;

-promote the Peace Corps mission among an international network of organizations engaging in Ukrainian affairs.

December 2020

As part of enacting the shared values of Ukraine RPCVs, the Alliance has formally adopted this action plan to elevate and support RPCV efforts toward racial justice and improved diversity and inclusion practices within Peace Corps Ukraine. We fervently believe that doing so is not only vital for the safety and wellbeing of Volunteers, but also for the development of a democratic, inclusive, and globally-connected Ukraine. Racism and bigotry pose additional challenges and dangers to life at home and during service, especially for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Volunteers and Volunteers of religious minorities. As a collective group of RPCVs, it is our duty to ally with one another to change this. 

We, the RPCV Alliance for Ukraine Board of Directors, commit to: 

Building a Better Board 

1. Improve Board performance and capacity so that we are better equipped to fulfill our mission and elevate the voices of all Ukraine RPCVs

   • Streamline internal communications and tracking of tasks/deliverables with software assistance from TechSoup and the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).

   • Recruit people who will challenge us to grow and support with action.

2. Ensure the Alliance Board of Directors adequately reflects our diverse RPCV community. We will foster inclusion and build a board diverse in age, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, geography, and experience. 

   • Research current RPCV Ukraine demographics.

   • Conduct a biannual Board recruitment needs assessment.

   • Recruit and retain diverse Board members using evidence-based best practices.

3. Maintain close relationship and open communication with our network

   • Publish monthly Board meeting minutes on our website.

   • Host at least one virtual Member Meeting per year in order to provide updates on our work and seek member feedback and ideas for future projects. 

   • Host at least two virtual Town Halls per year which are open to all Ukraine RPCVs and allies. These will include at least one PC Ukraine staff member to give updates and answer questions.

Prioritizing Advocacy

4. Elevate RPCV and PCV-led efforts to inform Peace Corps Ukraine practices and develop a safer and more equitable Volunteer experience

   • Consistently advocate on behalf of PCVs and RPCVs. 

   • At least one Board member will attend all public forums hosted by the Peace Corps Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion (diversitytaskforce@peacecorps.gov) and take notes to share with the Alliance.

   • Seek and share updates regarding the list of Changes Necessary for the Safety of Black and POC PCVs in Ukraine created by PCVs prior to the 2020 evacuation.

5. Galvanize resources to support volunteer-led efforts to meet needs of Black, POC, and other marginalized volunteer groups in-country and following service

   • Raise $1,000 in funds to sponsor two Black PCV retreats; continue in future years as needed.

   • Continue to collaborate with members to identify and meet future fundraising needs.

6. With approval from Peace Corps Ukraine, maintain an ongoing relationship with PC Diversity and Inclusion Officer, ICDEI Working Group, and other relevant PC leadership and staff, when Peace Corps volunteers are in-country.

7. Actively participate in National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) events and discussions devoted to racial equity and social justice.

Incorporating Equity into Our Actions and Programming

8. The Connections Program will partner returning Volunteers with established RPCVs based on mentoring needs of the Volunteer, taking into account the unique challenges faced by RCPVs of color, LGBTQIA+ Volunteers, and those belonging to religious minorities.  

9. By the end of 2021, establish a structure for incorporating Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion criteria into all our proposed programming by crafting a standard list of questions to consider. 

10. Beginning in 2021, updates on this plan and future equity and social justice action plans will be a standing agenda item at Board and Member meetings.