Thread by @vatniksoep_nl

HOW TO VOLUNTEER IN NON MILITARY ROLES IN UKRAINE: THE DO'S AND DON'TS.

This is a basic thread for people who consider volunteering and are looking for some practical advice. Please share this thread or tag people for who this might be relevant.🧵👇

To begin your volunteering adventure first have a good look at your own skillset. What can you bring to the table and in what capacity are you most valuable? Also what are your limitations.

There are several jobs you can do. From rebuilding houses, help with social projects, clearing debris, helping with animal shelters, cook and hand out food, teach a language, make camouflagenet or help with medical skills, etc.

Foreign help is highly appreciated. A misconception from some foreigners is that everything will be arranged for you like housing, food, etc. This is sometimes the case but rather an exception.

Most volunteer organisations won't extensively answer e-mails with all kinds of questions. This simply has to do with the fact that many organisations are overloaded with questions by people who in the end never make it to Ukraine.

There are special kind of arrangements for volunteers to stay longer but in general the maximum stay for a volunteer is the same as for most tourists: 90 days a year.

Most volunteering organisations have Instagram or Facebook. Other great informationresources are to find other foreign volunteers who have done work for them in the past.

Becoming a succesful volunteer is sometimes also about networking within Ukraine. You might come across volunteers in hostels or public events in Ukraine, never shy away from asking them a few questions.

Knowing other volunteers might also help in getting crucial details in where to go, cool projects, safety warnings and other advice. You might be able to do more projects within one week. Some organisations organise Toloka's, an event of volunteering with music and camping.

Languageskills can in some cases be crucial. But in general don't be discouraged if you don't know Russian or Ukrainian, you will be able to find plenty of volunteering work.

Don't forget to share your experiences online. Besides doing volunteering you can also help in the informationwar aswell as the fact you could help in getting certain projects more donations.

The website gives you a impression of all the organisations out there. And you can have a look what fits you best.volunteeringukraine.com

Here are some tips for specific organisations and how to contact them like Dobrobat, Brave to Rebuild, Kitty Perchecks (Thank you to volunteer Camille).

When you meet volunteers in Kyiv ask them if they are part of the Telegramgroup "Volunteer Family" and if you can be added.

A specific tip if you are based in Kyiv, the Dream Hostel in Andrissky decent is known as a volunteer friendly Hostel with often many foreigners there. They also do language Exchange projects.

If you are a native English speaker, there are many English speaking clubs and projects where Ukrainians love to enhance their language skills via you. Some schools and organisations also have paid jobs.

Volunteering is in 99% of the time unpaid, even if you are doing many hours. In same cases you are provided with free food, drinks and/or shelter. Even if you find paid work know that wages are really low.

You might find you need some extra clothing that could get dirty. Ukraine is known for its secondhandshops where prices are really cheap. In Kyiv the big secondhandclothingshops around Lisova station are the place to go to. kyivmaps.com/en/blog/sekond…

Considering safety make sure you install an airraid app on your phone. The website gives you in impression of current events. Also look for the closest airraidshelter in your area.alerts.in.ua/en

Getting around in Ukraine became much easier with mobile internet and Google Maps. Get a local simcard package for 5 dollars a month and you will have internet where needed. Vodafone and KyivStar have the best networks.

Public transport is really cheap, you can navigate via Google Maps but also the site will help you in the bigger cities. Taxis are also really cheap and ordered mostly via Ukhlon or Bolt app.eway.in.ua/ua/cities/kyiv

Social media like X or Facebook are great resources to find info on volunteering projects by people who participated previously. If you have specific questions on Ukraine try the Reddit reddit.com/r/askukraine

There are safer areas and areas that are more dangerous closer to the front. Most regions in Western Ukraine are relatively safe and have very little risk.

Don't be a war tourist and make pictures of critical buildings or infrastructure. And don't post it online, it could help Russia in their military strategy. Also never photograph military staff without explicit permission.

When you bring items of aid to Ukraine always look if there's a need. Also look at the cost price of getting it there. It's sometimes a better option to buy something within Ukraine and donate the other money you would spend on charity.

Volunteering can be fun, it's a great way to meet like minded people aswell. To enhance your local experience planning is key. Prepare yourself well so you can put full energy into the volunteering itself.

@Volya4UA @willthiel @trajaykay @Debbiewillbonk @Vict4Victoria @vdBurgh @EZeleniuk

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