Alena Barosa is a board member, collection, shipping, and community organizer of «Ukrainian Efforts». This volunteer organization is in United States and has been providing assistance to Ukrainians in their fight against Russia.
What inspired you to become a volunteer and help Ukrainians in the war against Russia? How did the idea of creating your organization come about?
-I have been living in the United States since 2005 but am originally from Siberia, Russia. My son is half-Russian and half-Brazilian. We have acquired many friends from different cultures, backgrounds, and countries of origin. My son’s best friends are Ukrainians. When the war started, I was mortified. My Ukrainian friend, Alena, called me at night, and we cried, screamed, and cussed. In the morning, I had to explain to my child that “my people” attacked his best friends’ people. I had to discuss the war with my middle brother, who was a cop in Russia at the time. I had to make it make sense to my child and our local friends. I immediately became vocal and, subsequently, lost many of those “friends.” I wanted to be someone who is a doer, not someone who simply offers thoughts and prayers. We participated in the protest against the war in Ukraine in downtown Fayetteville. During one of these protests, my Ukrainian friends asked if I would like to join their efforts. This is how Ukrainian Efforts was born.
How has your experience been working with Ukrainian people, and what have you learned from them?
-When we worry if someone cuts us off in traffic, if someone is rude to us at the cash register, or the food tastes funny at the restaurant, the Ukrainian people are worried about staying alive. No simple worries matter. Where do these folks stay safe, how do they stay in touch with their loved once, do they have enough food to last them a lifetime? These are all questions that crossed my mind. The unity and resilience of Ukrainian people were so admirable. Although many people doubt how our small organization can make a difference, we know that we are tiny but mighty. If we make one Ukrainian person smile, then we have made a difference.
What challenges have you faced while volunteering, and how have you overcome them?
-The founder of “Ukrainian Efforts”, Dima, has been exemplary at using his personal and professional channels to deliver our supplies into the right hands. Any challenges we face, we overcome. One of the small challenges we recently faced was the ugly comments we received from Americans under one of our Facebook posts. They spoke about conspiracy theories, the misappropriation of funds, etc. We responded to some and directed them to our website, and ignored the others. It was disheartening to realize that people like these still exist. These people equaled us to corrupt governments and non-government organizations. However, we have proof of deliveries and account for all of our funds and deliveries.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a volunteer?
-Believe that even small actions make a huge difference. When someone comes to us and says they only have $20 to donate, we share with them how much we can ship with their donation. When someone shares they only have 1 hour a month to volunteer, we offer access to our calendar. If you become numb and choose inaction, no difference will be made. You can make a difference by making even the tiny waves.
What do you hope to accomplish through your volunteer work, and what impact do you hope to have on the local community?
-I hope that our efforts continue and we receive more support from not only the local community but from individuals around the world.
What role do you think volunteers can play in promoting peace and how can people support your efforts?
-Some individuals think you have to be huge to make a difference. I would like to counter that thinking. Some people say that until the corrupt governments are changed to the ones who choose peace and represent the people, they won’t get involved. Inaction makes no difference. And we cannot sit here and wait for the change in the government of all countries involved in the conflict. People are hungry, scared, and cold. They need action now. Promote peace by speaking up, supporting reputable organizations, and standing up for justice. The world will not change until we make these actions the norm and not the exception.
If you want to contact «Ukrainian Efforts» or assist with donations visit the website below:
