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Who is the most impacted? -

Since the Russian invasion on February 24, over 2.3 million people have become refugees. And as with most crises, women, children, marginalized communities, and the poor will be those most affected.

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This is how you can help -

While you might feel helpless with a geopolitical crisis of this scale, there are still many things you can do to help. One powerful way to express your support is to participate in local protests. This is a good way to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians in your community as well as those on the frontlines.

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Show up at protests -

Protesting is also a powerful tool to put pressure on world leaders to help, while still coming together as a community and condemning the military invasion.

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Shop brands donating proceeds to Ukraine -

Many brands are showing their support by pulling business from Russia or donating a percentage of their proceeds to relief in Ukraine. You can shop and know that it's going to a good cause.

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Book an Airbnb -

People around the world are booking Airbnb rooms in Ukraine as an alternative way to donate directly to the people. Many have also left heartwarming messages to their hosts as a way to show support.

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Learn more about the backstory -

If you're not familiar with the crisis in Ukraine and the developments that led to it, you can learn about it by reading up on the subject and watching documentaries like Netflix’s 'Winter On Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom' (2015).

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Stay informed and share factual information -

One of the best ways to show support is to stay updated on the situation and use your social networks to spread factual information. When reading the news, make sure the source is legitimate to avoid spreading false information. In the following slides, we detail outlets you can follow.

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The Kyiv Independent -

This English-language outlet has been a leading voice on the frontline, covering the ongoing events and how the invasion and conflict are impacting citizens, the economy, and more.

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The New Voice of Ukraine -

The New Voice of Ukraine covers breaking news and provides informative analysis in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. They are continuously publishing articles by Ukrainian scholars and experts on the situation.

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Ukraine World -

Ukraine World is very active on social media, with its independent journalists on the frontlines gathering first-hand footage while sharing informative sources with their followers.

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Kyiv Post -

Kyiv Post has been at the forefront of delivering breaking news directly from the government, releasing statements from ministry officials and military leaders.

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Follow world leaders -

World leaders are all tweeting their updates and responses to the situation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is active on social media in English. So are UN Secretary General António Guterres and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

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Donate -

Local and global organizations are actively supporting people within Ukraine and people fleeing the conflict with medical and humanitarian aid. The following are several such organizations.

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People in Need -

People in Need are on the ground providing food packages, emergency shelter, drinking water, hygiene items, and coal for heating.

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UN Refugee Agency -

The UN Refugee Agency is working with governments in neighboring countries to keep borders open to those seeking safety and protection.

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OutRight Action International -

OutRight Action International is helping support the LGBTQ+ community and organizations on the ground, setting up shelters and providing safety for citizens.

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CARE -

CARE is providing Ukrainians in need with food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support services, and access to cash.

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Save the Children -

Save the Children is working with partner organizations to help affected children and their families. They help provide food, water, cash transfers, and safe places for children to stay.

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Ukrainian Red Cross -

The Ukrainian Red Cross operates in disaster management, health, and care. They do tons of humanitarian work, from aiding refugees to training doctors.

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Mercy Corps -

Mercy Corps mobilizes teams to the regions where help is most needed. They anticipate providing emergency cash assistance, as well as supporting local organizations that know what their community needs best.

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International Rescue Committee -

International Rescue Committee is currently in Poland helping provide food, medical care, and emergency support services to families who fled Ukraine.

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Voices of Children -

Voices of Children help provide psychological and psychosocial support to children affected by the armed conflict. They offer art therapy, video storytelling, and even online therapy.

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Nova Ukraine -

This nonprofit delivers aid packages to Ukraine with everything from baby food and hygiene products, to clothes and household supplies.

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International Medical Corps -

The International Medical Corps work on the frontline providing emergency health care services, as well as mental health and psychosocial support. They also prioritize COVID-19 awareness and prevention services.

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Doctors Without Borders -

Doctors Without Borders work with local volunteers, organizations, health care professionals, and authorities to help people travel to health care facilities and access prescribed medications.

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UNICEF -

UNICEF is currently repairing schools damaged by the bombings and providing emergency aid to children affected by the conflict.

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United Nations World Food Programme -

The United Nations World Food Programme is providing emergency operations in Ukraine and surrounding countries to help with food assistance for those fleeing the conflict.

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SOS Children’s Villages -

SOS Children’s Villages are currently supporting families who are living in the conflict areas and those who have been internally displaced.

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Alight -

Alight is a humanitarian nonprofit that has sent teams of emergency response workers to Poland to assist refugees with material and psychosocial support. 

Sources: (Global Citizen) (NPR) (Oprah Daily)

See also: Celebrities react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

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