(Ukrainian flag image by Gerd Altmann, Pixabay)
Acting on Our Principles
The First and Second Principles of Unitarian Universalism:
The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person
Justice, Equity, and Compassion in Human Relations
These guiding words compel us to react to injustice and the suffering of others. Russia’s military invasion and war against Ukraine have turned homes, hospitals, and neighborhoods into rubble and caused untold numbers of casualties. Those in war-torn areas face physical danger and shortages of food and other necessities.
Millions of refugees, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine, causing strains on neighboring countries. Refugees also have left Afghanistan and other countries to escape wars and repression, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change.
More than compassion is needed. Below are some organizations accepting donations for their work to support refugees and people in need. We recommend checking ratings on Charity Navigator before sending any funds.
- International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue.org/page/ircs-impact-glance
- Church World Services: https://cwsglobal.org/learn/refugees-and-immigrants/
- International Women’s Convocation: https://www.faithify.org/campaign/51/Support=Families-Fleeing-War-in-Ukraine
- HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society): https://www.hias.org/
National Public Radio lists organizations supporting Ukraine: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help
Closer to Home
Locally, ESJ Chair Lisa McQuail has joined with Afghan-American U.S. Citizens and others in a project called Sada-e-Afghan/Afghan Voices. Its mission is to help skilled Afghans build success in the U.S. by moving them from expensive areas with few job and housing prospects to rural areas of Virginia where they can fill worker shortages at local companies, develop their own entrepreneurial ventures, and become homeowners and citizens. Some of them have already found employment in Page County.
For more information, contact Pat Berg: 540-244-7966 ; PatrickWBerg@gmail.com
Monetary donations may be sent to:
Sada-e-Afghan/Afghan Voices
PO Box #4 Luray, Virginia 22835
Help a local Ukrainian American Family: Ukrainian American Alex Lagoda is a teacher at Luray High School. His sister-in-law, Tanya, escaped Kyiv and is now in Belgium. She hopes to apply to come to Virginia to join the family as soon as the U.S. opens a path to do so. The Lagodas have set up a Go Fund Me page to help her while she is sheltered in Belgium and seeking work. You can learn more and make a donation at https://gofund.me/c5d79403.
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