We Stand With Ukraine
Together, We Must Stand United in Defense of Ukraine's Sovereignty
On February 24th, the world watched in horror as Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Never in my adult life can I recall seeing such an immediate and unanimous global expression of outrage. Russia is wrong on this issue, as pretty much the world agrees.
Indifference is not an option
Many here in the US might be tempted to retreat into isolationism, wrongly thinking, “This conflict is happening around the world, in a backward little country we can hardly relate to. What does this have to do with me? And what could I do to help?”
First of all, Ukraine is not a small country. Geographically, it’s actually larger than the state of Texas.
Second, Ukraine is a modern, technologically advanced nation with a thriving tech sector. According to The Washington Post, [Ukraine leads] all of Europe in terms of the number of graduates of technical high schools, fifth in a league table of the best software developers in the world, first globally by the number of Unity3D game developers and C++ engineers and second in JavaScript, Scala, and Magento developers.
So much for the notion of an unsophisticated country.
Connections To Ukraine Are Everywhere
Even I was surprised to learn how much of the tech I use in daily life has been developed in Ukraine. Grammarly, makers of the popular AI-driven software tool designed to help me and countless others improve our writing, is a Ukrainian tech company. As is MacPaw, whose offerings include digital productivity tools like CleanMyMac and The Unarchiver – two popular tools that I’ve come to rely on.
I say even I because I have first-hand experience working with Ukrainian developers. One of our clients depends on a Kyiv-based developer team to build and maintain their core SAAS products. These same developers have had to flee their nation’s capitol based on Russia’s invasion. Incredibly, they’re continuing to work remotely, even while on the move as they scramble to escape harm.
Another software vendor we use, Snovio, just emailed their customer base to let us know that their 90 employees are in the middle of the combat zone, many huddled in basements and emergency shelters with their families. Some are on the front lines, actively defending their homeland. Yet still, someone on their marketing team took the time to let us know that even now, they are actually thinking of us. Unfathomable.
So yes, by all accounts, the Ukrainian people are peace-loving, generous, and kind – world-class citizens by any measure. My own experience bears this out. I share all this to emphasize and sympathize with the fact that the invasion of Ukraine should be seen as no less surprising, disruptive, or wrong than if it were happening right now on US soil.
We Are All Ukraine
I was inspired to write this article after reading a deeply moving and personal account by Vitaly Friedman in, of all things, a UX Design industry publication, Smashing Magazine. In it, Vitaly shares many ideas on how individuals and companies worldwide can support Ukraine.
We Are All Ukraine is not only a trending meme but the title of Vitaly’s article. This phrase speaks truth to power by underscoring that civil liberties and human rights have no social or political boundaries. We can and we must stand together. If not, what next?
How You Can Make A Difference
One of the many ideas shared in the Smashing Magazine article for supporting Ukraine was “publish posts showcasing organizations and companies supporting Ukraine.” In mentioning the origin of this article, I believe I am doing just that. I encourage you to do the same. We mustn’t let the plight of Ukraine become eclipsed by the next news cycle — not until Russia is defeated, or relents.
How you can provide direct monetary support:
- Buy these Smashing Magazine Products — 100% of the proceeds go to support Ukraine.
- Donate to the International Committee of Red Cross
- Donate to the GoFundMe.org Ukrainian Fundraiser
- Donate to the International Rescue Committee
- Donate to Project Hope
- Donate to Doctors Without Borders
Please join MojoMediaPros in supporting any or all of these efforts to whatever extent you’re able. I’m confident our Ukrainian brothers and sisters would do the same for us.
- “Ukraine Invasion Disrupts a Vital Tech Talent Pool”, The Washington Post
- “Ukrainian tech companies hope for the best, plan for worst”, Fast Company
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