"Coming together now is paramount for victory," asserts Marta Pyvovarenko, psychologist and national trainer, and expert in quality assurance services in the field of mental health and psychosocial support at Community Self-Help. "We must not each seek truth in individual experiences but instead find opportunities to agree among Ukrainians on a collective, scientifically-based approach for the benefit of those risking their lives on the front lines, their families, affected communities, and every Ukrainian currently in a more vulnerable state than others.
"Remembering history is crucial because historical mistakes show that democracy has no weaknesses except for complacency and division. Preserving our independence is key, and we must fight for it intelligently. To do so, we must consult with each other, listening to the opinions even of those we may not agree with. We must refrain from delving into the intricacies of military affairs unless it is our direct duty, maintain necessary levels of secrecy, and avoid exploiting simple solutions for personal gain. If we are not experts in the nuances of military analytics, technology, or readiness and personnel, we should contribute donations and do everything to ensure our skies are armed from our side, with coverage in all directions: politics, medicine, equipment and communication, weapons, respect, and information-psychological warfare.
"In 2013, we were unaware that Russia was preparing for war against the Ukrainian people for years, and it is now evident that it spares no effort and uses technologies and people, disregarding its own economy and lives, violating all self-adopted canons merely to win. The battle will be to the last Russian if necessary, and this time it will be necessary. This gives us grounds to understand that our independence is only a matter of time and it is forged like steel in the fire.
"What should we do? Strive to have the most direct impact on the enemy, doing so not individually but by consolidating science, expertise from around the world, and the state apparatus at all levels.
"Civil society is advocacy for society as a whole and amplification of the voice of vulnerable groups to the ears of lawmakers, officials, the fourth estate, and, of course, the non-governmental sector. It is control of power itself through mechanisms of continuous monitoring and evaluation of reforms carried out," continues Marta Pyvovarenko. "The key role of civil society is to criticize the 'deafness' of the authorities so that officials at all levels start to 'listen.' Officials include everyone employed by the state and paid a salary at the expense of taxpayers. A hospital official is also a contracted family doctor. Veterans' organizations can and should monitor the provision of services to veterans or their families even in the smallest communities, such as in the Kharkiv region, and provide constructive, evidence-based criticism. If the government must consolidate society, civil society must ensure representation of societal interests and needs. Forcing societal consolidation will not work in Ukraine, so the only way to earn respect is by implementing not only reforms but also setting an example. Overcoming corruption at the highest level is capable of triggering a purification and trust-building reaction. Transformation does not happen overnight, and we all know this, but sensitive issues must be communicated to society by every department.
"We are already fighting well, and helping the army with all our might should be a nationwide slogan. What did I do for the army today? And do not go to bed until you have given yourself a personal answer. If nothing – good, think about tomorrow because the day after tomorrow your son or daughter will be forced to give more, and perhaps they will do so against your wishes and recommendations not to be patriots. Because patriotism is as natural as breathing. We cannot forbid breathing and defending our country to our children. When their self-awareness grows, they will return to the country from the most beautiful places in the world and the richest future to take up arms and defend their own roots."
