The Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) has urged supporters of Ukraine in the US to actively use the August recess in Congress to meet with senators and members of the House of Representatives in order to maintain bipartisan support for Ukraine. The campaign is called “August for Advocacy”.
This was reported by the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS).
UNIS emphasizes that August is one of the most important periods for public advocacy, because during the parliamentary recess, American legislators work in their states and districts, meeting with voters, public organizations and local communities.
According to the organizers of the campaign, it is at this time that voters have the most opportunities to personally communicate with their representatives, invite them to public events, cultural festivals, church events or meetings of the Ukrainian community.
UNIS notes that such interaction allows to make the topic of support for Ukraine more personal for American lawmakers and to remind about the consequences of Russian aggression for the Ukrainian people.
The organization emphasizes that the August advocacy campaign can influence the formation of the fall Congressional agenda, when lawmakers will consider the issues of budget funding, defense policy, sanctions against Russia, military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Among the key priorities of the campaign, UNIS names:
- preserving Ukraine's right to self-defense;
- continuation and strengthening of US military and security assistance;
- support for tough sanctions against Russia;
- holding Russia accountable for war crimes, attacks on civilians and forced deportation of Ukrainian children;
- support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine;
- strengthening bipartisan support for Ukraine in the US Congress.
The Ukrainian National Information Service emphasizes that advocacy should be focused not only on raising awareness, but also on achieving specific political decisions.
“August is not the time to retreat. This is the time to take a step forward,” UNIS emphasizes.
The organizers advise paying special attention to local Ukrainian events. They suggest inviting senators, congressmen and their assistants to them so that they can personally communicate with Ukrainian families, veterans, clergy, youth, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
UNIS emphasizes that the Russian war against Ukraine does not stop during the Congressional recess, so public advocacy should not stop either.
“Ukraine needs continued American leadership, and Congress needs to hear us now,” the campaign authors emphasize.
To receive additional materials and recommendations on conducting advocacy work, the Ukrainian National Information Service suggests contacting the following email address: unis@ucca.org.
Photo: UNIS
Author: Inna Mikhno