City Council adopted on Monday night a resolution regarding the war in Ukraine. Recommended by the Issaquah Equity Board, the resolution includes a public statement, followed by opportunities for the public to take action by accessing resources for aide, self -care, and further learning. Read the statement and call to action proposed by the Equity Board below:
The City of Issaquah's Equity Board is heartbroken to learn of the atrocities in Ukraine. As we have seen in international news, millions of Ukrainians have left their country seeking refuge and an additional two million are internally displaced, while thousands of Russian allies have been arrested for protesting the war in Russia. Knowledge of profane horrific war crimes committed against Ukrainian civilians as well as inhumane practices of racism and bigotry committed against South Asians and Africans attempting to flee alongside Ukrainian citizens have been worrisome.
Our Equity Board stands for justice, fair and equitable treatment for all humanity. The mission of the board is to unify our community. Therefore, condemnation of these actions comes with the understanding that our outrage is against the war and not against the Russian community. As we lift our voices, our hearts, and minds in support of our fellow neighbors, we call upon the community of Issaquah, to stand up for justice, stand up for peace. We call on the community to stand up for equity in our homes, places of business, and of worship, to help where our heart leads us, lend a gentle peaceful voice to where our mind takes us, and extend a helping hand to our community.
Ways to help, receive support, and further learn:
You may be struggling with what to do and you may be wondering how you can make a difference in this crisis as well as many others. Here are some resources:
- Ukrainian Association of Washington (UAWS)- leads cultural and education initiatives to promote Ukraine in Washington state. Currently, the group is collecting monetary donations to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
- First Ukrainian Baptist Church - located in Federal Way, has created a fund with donations going directly toward shelter, food, clothing, hygiene, and medical supplies for the people of Ukraine.
- The Ukrainian Community Center of Washington - provides Immigration, Behavioral Health, and Social Services to immigrants in Washington State.
- Lutheran Community Services Northwest - is currently helping refugees from Afghanistan and says it is preparing to help refugees from Ukraine.
- MCRC-MAPS -The Muslim Community Resource Center - is currently helping refugees from Afghanistan and is collaborating with organizations sending emergency supplies to aide in Ukraine.
- The National Bank of Ukraine has opened a special fundraising account to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the account for donations toward military efforts in Ukraine. You can read more about the fund here.
- UNICEF Ukraine - United Nations Children's Fund, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
- Doctors Without Borders, which works in conflict zones, is partnering with volunteers in Ukraine to help people travel to health-care facilities and working to ensure that people have access to health care and medicine. To support Doctors Without Borders’ Ukraine work, click here.
You may also be feeling stressed, anxious, and afraid. Make your mental health a priority, here are some valuable resources.
- 24-Hour Crisis Connections - provides immediate help to individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis. Trained staff will help determine if you or your loved one needs professional consultation and link you to the appropriate services. Call to speak to someone 866-427-4747.
- Crisis Text Line- is a free, 24/7 support text line for those in crisis. Text HELLO to 74174 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
- NAMI on the Eastside - is a non-profit organization that is committed to improving the quality of life for those impacted by a mental health condition through advocacy, educational events, and free support groups. Get connected by email or call at 425-885-6264.
You may be interested in further learning about how racism is embedded in our society across the globe. Here is a statement that calls upon further reflection and education.
The level of global denunciation of Russia’s actions, under its current regime is unprecedented in the post-Cold War era. As we consume media that portrays Ukraine as “European” and “civilized,” while other conflicts in other parts of the world, such as Africa and the Middle East, are dismissed or overlooked, we would like to challenge this overt bias. We ask for our residents to learn about conflicts in other parts of the world and reflect on why we see less outrage for those travesties.