Humanitarian Servicemembers Needed In Ukraine This Fall
Join Aswar and the American Service in Ukraine from September 15 to November 15 in western Ukraine.
As the world’s attention begins to fade, Ukrainian humanitarian efforts need dedicated volunteers now more than ever. From September 15 to November 15, a contingent of American volunteers will be traveling to western Ukraine via Poland and providing professional and general support to a wide range of partnered humanitarian organizations on the ground.
American Service in Ukraine will arrange your travel from the Polish airport to the Ukrainian border, receive you from the border crossing, move you into safe and clean lodging, train you in our code of conduct, and get you to working as soon as possible.
All servicemembers must be able to financially support themselves during these two months, including flights, lodging, and any other expenses. To prevent servicemembers from becoming financially insolvent during their service, proof of funds for oneself will be required, in the form of two months’ bank statements. A payment of $2,500 to American Service in Ukraine is required to secure lodging, transport, and facilitation.
Servicemember’s Costs
Round-trip Plane Ticket: $500-$650 (prices are currently very low)
Lodging for two months*: $1,750
Transport and Facilitation Cost*: $750Daily meals and personal expenses: Varies
* Paid directly to the American Service in Ukraine.
All servicemembers are processed through a background check, must have at least two character references, and be American citizens at least 18 years of age. The American Service in Ukraine reserves the right to deny applications with or without stated reason, at our discretion.
If you are ready to heed the call and dedicate two months of in-person effort to our Ukrainian friends, send a self-introduction to mail@aswar.us
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe?
The situation in Ukraine is extremely volatile. We are headquartered in a relatively safe part of the country, in the western city of Lviv, which has nonetheless experienced missile attacks, some of them deadly, and all of them destructive and unnerving. The US federal government advises against any travel to the country at this time.
Despite these risks, ASIU staff members are showing up to work every day in the city and the region, as are millions of Ukrainians. There are risk-decreasing measures to be taken, including paying attention to sirens, promptly relocating to bomb shelters, and keeping away from high-profile potential targets. There is no risk-eliminating measures if you choose to go to Ukraine at this time. All servicemembers sign a waiver of liability, indemnifying the American Service, should they be injured or killed.
Is it permitted?
American passport-holders are permitted to cross the border from Poland into Ukraine, and are permitted to engage in humanitarian activities. Rules and regulations may vary from region to region, but the American Service in Ukraine has not encountered any limits on activities within the bounds of common sense. As a Ukrainian-registered organization, we take pride in abiding by the directives — explicit and implicit — coming from the central and local governments.
What kind of work will I do?
The American Service will work to ensure that your professional and personal skills are best aligned with the position(s) we arrange for you over the course of these two months. For example: If you have a background in logistics, we may assign you to a humanitarian aid distribution warehouse. If you are an artist, we may pair you with an English speaking Ukrainian person and assign you to teach classes at a local cultural center. We emphasize loan-outs to partnered organizations, who are most in need of manpower.
Every servicemember is ready to do what needs to be done. If that means carrying bags, sweeping the floors, making phone calls, et cetera, then so be it. The ones assigning tasks ensure that the less desirable work is assigned reasonably, and according to the needs of the moment. We take pride in working for the Ukrainian people and their cause, not in the specific position(s) we hold.
What's it like?
It’s hard to explain and experiences will certainly vary. It will range from sadness to enthusiasm to awe to every other intense emotion we feel. I can guarantee that this is an experience that you will never forget.
For a sense of the confusion you will almost certainly feel as you are coming into Poland, feel free to see my notes from the first days I spent at the border crossing.
Day 0 // Day 1 // Day 1 cotd.
How can I learn more?
Send an email to mail@aswar.us with your questions.