In 2020, ABA ROLI launched a program designed to increase national unity, promote civic identity, and foster informed and constructive dialogue on issues central to the country’s European future. The four-year, Promoting Social Cohesion in Ukraine Program—known as “Pro-SoCo”—is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).. We are focused on increasing social cohesion in Ukraine. Social cohesion is defined as tolerance for differences across groups and their unity around democratic principles and reforms. We seek to unite diverse Ukrainian champions from different regions around shared challenges and national values while aiding them to jointly advocate for key policy reforms. As such, ABA ROLI is working towards greater tolerance of differences and inclusiveness towards vulnerable groups such as ethnic and national minorities, internally displaced persons, and LGBTQI individuals. For example, the program works to bolster the skills of teachers and youth leaders to help prevent discrimination, strengthen tolerance, and promote social cohesion among children—particularly in communities hosting large numbers of persons displaced by the war with Russia.
ABA ROLI strives to unite a diverse cross-section of leaders around common goals of tolerance and national identity among Ukrainians. This coalition includes minorities, youth, media, civil society, and professionals from different regions across the country. We are helping these partners put together a reform agenda and advocate for concrete steps national and local governments can take that could increase tolerance, inclusion, and a sense of civil unity. ABA ROLI also supports local media to challenge stereotypes, influence the sharing of information, promote accurate understanding of timely issues, and contribute to effective advocacy. Our approaches prioritize opportunities for cross-regional cooperation, diverse communication within communities and among different regions, and participation of minorities and vulnerable groups.