"Relentless Courage" Exhibit at ASU |
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Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication partnered with the McCain Institute to host “Only One Way Forward: The Vitality of a Democratic Ukraine” on September 25. This event included a panel of experts discussing why the West should keep supporting Ukraine and the vital role of journalism in covering the war. Among the panelists were Evelyn N. Franks, executive director of the McCain Institute, Mariia Levchenko, a peacebuilding advisor for the Romanian Peace Institute and Battinto Batts, the dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. This was a kick off of the photography exhibit “Relentless Courage: Ukraine and the World at War.” The exhibit is a series of images that capture the human cost and the tragedy of war. Photographs are powerful, chilling and at times shocking in their ultimate goal of capturing, as one of the panelists Svet Jacqueline put it, Russia’s “acts of terrorism against Ukrainian people” as is. The Relentless Courage exhibit also consists of a series of essays from Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalists on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. The exhibit is available to the public on weekdays through December 22, 2023 at the First Amendment Forum of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. (Text contributed by Regina Revazova, founder of Open Conversations ) |
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Last week, 117 members of the House of Representatives voted NO on an Ukraine funding bill. For the state of Arizona, those were Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar and Eli Crane. If either one of them represent your district, we ask that you contact your Representative and express your disapproval with their vote, and to ask them to support emergency supplemental funding for Ukraine. Please reach out to make sure they know they made the wrong choice and to support emergency supplemental funding for Ukraine. |
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On October 6th, 2023 Helping Everywhere With Art will host a benefit concert and silent auction at the the ASU Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale. The concert will feature talented musicians and performers. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Ukrainian children in need. Note the date and venue change! Your participation in this event will provide needed aid and support to those who need it the most, while also enjoying an incredible showcase of talent and creativity from some of the most talented musicians and performers in the area. For every ticket purchased, the organizers will match donate a ticket to AZ youth in foster care. | | |
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Winter clothing drive organized by the local You Are the Angel volunteer task force is on its last week of collections. If you wish to participate, please refer to the flyer for donation points of contact throughout Arizona. Winter supplies will be packed at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center (UACC) in Phoenix on October 7th. You can still bring your donations to UACC in the morning of the packing day and help with packing is welcome. Donations are accepted to help cover the cost of shipping the winter supplies from Arizona to Ukraine. | | |
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Tucson Meet Yourself is an annual fall festival with performances, delicious food and folk arts that takes place in Tucson, AZ. This year marks 50th anniversary of the festival and you have 3 days (October 13-15th) to enjoy what this delightful community event has to offer. Ukraine will be represented through the Ukrainian American Society of Tucson cultural booth on Oct 14th and 15th from 11am to 6pm so be sure to pay them a visit and check out the demonstrations, workshops and items for sale. Funds raised at the booth will go towards humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Be on the lookout for the Ukrainian modern cuisine food truck Ukies and did we mention this is a free event! | | |
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Registration for the fall 2023 Ukraine Action Summit in Washington DC is now closed. This event on Capitol Hill is hosted by the American Coalition for Ukraine and will take place on October 22-24, 2023. The Summit will consist of panel discussions, a collaborative advocacy training and Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill. Due to recent happenings in Congress, this Summit is critical. If you live in Arizona Congressional district 8, represented by congresswoman Debbie Lesko, and can join the Arizona delegation to Washington DC, please contact Cactus and Tryzub advocacy team. |
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Style your outfit with a fashion hat and come stomp the divots at the Annual Scottsdale Polo Championship with Cactus and Tryzub! The popular polo event will be taking place on November 4th at Westworld in Scottsdale and our team was invited back to host a war awareness and fundraising booth. This year's acitivities will include Ukraine trivia, cultural exhibits, items from Braivery Boutique and much more! The Polo Party is a ticketed event and general admission starts at $45.00. See you on the turf! | | |
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Highly acclaimed film by the Pulitzer prize-winning Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov 20 Days in Mariupol (2023) is also coming to Phoenix. "The Associated Press team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting atrocities of the Russian invasion. As the only international reporters who remain in the city, they capture what later become defining images of the war: dying children, mass graves, the bombing of a maternity hospital, and more." 20 Days in Mariupol will be featured on November 5th by Majestic Theaters. Stay tuned for more information on locations and play times. When ready, additional information will be available on our website and social media. |
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In the Spotlight - American Public |
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A recent poll by Razom for Ukraine and Change Research shows that majority of Americans want the United States to stand up to Russia and continue support Ukraine with military aid. The poll was conducted in August, 2023 and measured responses from 4,190 on-line participants across the country. Below are the key takeaways: |
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63% support American continuing military support for Ukraine in next year’s federal budget. 59% support continuing our financial and military support for Ukraine until the region again becomes stable and Russia leaves all Ukrainian territory. Less than 20% of Americans want Ukraine to settle the war now and cede territory to Russia. 68% recognize that Russia is attempting genocide in Ukraine. 63% agree that “we need to defeat Putin now". Most Americans' support for Ukraine increases (across parties) when they hear that “winning” is the goal.
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Additionally, a recent opinion poll by Northeast Valley News - a Phoenix-based publication - showed majority of Valley voters support continued aid to Ukraine. When talking to residents at four separate Valley locations about supporting and/or funding Ukraine's effort to defend itself, 67% of those questioned were in favor of continued aid to Ukraine and sustained efforts to fight Putin. |
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Cactus and Tryzub co-founder, Oli Nevinska, was extended an invite from Rep. Greg Stanton's office to attend a recent event on September 28th, which honored the late senator John McCain. McCain's legacy combines years of military and public service, including 2008 Republican presidential candidacy and more than three decades of service as Arizona senator. |
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President Joe Biden travelled to Arizona to deliver a democracy-focused address at this unannounced event that took place at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Together with Cindy McCain, in dedication of the new McCain Library and in-line with late senator's values, President Biden urged Americans to value democracy, respect the democratic process and emphasized “the work we must do together to strengthen our democracy”. |
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Ukrainian animated film "Mavka. The Forest Song" premiered in English at the Spotlight on Europe film festival hosted by the Majestic Theaters in Tempe on Sep 10th. Cactus and Tyzub's Katrina Schaffner introduced the film to the sold out theater. A percentage of ticket sales totaling $300 was donated to Ukraine's Dignitas Fund. |
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Arizona's Ukrainian community leaders have sent a joint letter to AZ attorney general Kris Mayes urging a favorable ruling on the seized small caliber weapons transfer to Ukraine from Phoenix. After considerable review, the attorney general has ruled the donation of weapons from Phoenix Police Department to Ukraine's police force as unlawful. Click here for the full story. |
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Please join us in saying THANK YOU to Cactus and Tryzub volunteer behind the lens. The Creative Director, photographer and videographer, Rachel Smak, has Ukrainian roots coming from Odesa region. Rachel has been generously donating her time and second-to-none talent to capture a variety of our rallies, fundraisers and events. She is a master in creating powerful imagery and effortlessly transfers the essence of anything her lens points to digital art to be enjoyed for years to come. "Smak" is the Ukrainian word for "taste", and this your lady has plenty of it! Get to know Rachel and her photography style here. |
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