Feeling helpless? Here are some things you can do

If you’re anything like me, you’ve felt a range of emotions in the past week: Outrage and disbelief at Russia’s brazen invasion of Ukraine; inspiration from the resolute Ukrainian people and their heroic leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy; relief at how the international community has rallied together against this unprovoked evil; and, most achingly, an overwhelming sense of helplessness when trying to figure out how to support our brave European neighbors.

For today’s newsletter, instead of our planned programming around employee engagement (Employee Appreciation Day is Friday, March 4), I’ve made an attempt to share resources to ease — in some very small way —?the helplessness and anxiety you may be feeling.

This list is in no way exhaustive. Please reply with your favorite resources (or anything else you’d like to share), and I’ll be sure to include them in next week’s message. Until then, I trust you’ll be joining me in sending love and prayers to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.?????

1. Donate

There are numerous organizations that are on the ground, helping people seek safety and medical assistance. Below are just a few of the foundations you can support:

People In Need

The Ukrainian Red Cross

International Medical Corps

Voices of Children

Razom for Ukraine

2. Educate Yourself

I’ll admit, I didn’t know that much about Ukraine a month ago. And some of the things I thought I knew were wrong. Here’s a list of popular misconceptions about the nation, and a list of great resources to learn more about the country’s rich history, culture, and contributions to the world.

If, like me, you were curious about why some news stations are using “Kiev” and saying “Key-EV” while others are using “Kyiv” and saying “KEY-vh”, here’s the reason. “Kyiv” is the transliteration from Ukrainian, while “Kiev” is Russian. Saying “KEY-vh” and using “Kyiv” is one very small (but important) thing you can do to show support for Ukraine.

3. Stay Informed

Unfortunately, misinformation is being deployed as a tactical weapon across the world. Knowing how to spot fake news — both on social media platforms and biased websites and blogs — can keep you from unintentionally spreading bad information. Here are outlets and accounts you can follow for reliable, up-to-date information:???

The Kyiv Independent

Olga Tokariuk - (@olgatokariuk) verified independent correspondent working in Kyiv

The New Voice of Ukraine

For more reliable resources, check out this list from Global Citizen.?

Companies across the world, large and small, have been stepping up to show support for Ukraine. I’ve shared several examples below, but I also want to share some ways your company can help your employees and customers over the coming days and weeks:

1. Be kind to your employees during this time of stress and uncertainty.
2. Be conscious of what you’re posting/sharing. Hold any product releases or announcements that aren’t absolutely critical until things are less tumultuous.
3. Offer to match your employees’ financial contributions to charity if you don’t already — and if you do, consider upping your match.?
4. Share resources with your employees to help educate and empower them.

Several companies have stepped up to show support for Ukraine and its people and/or to distance itself from Russia. Here are a few of my favorite examples that you may be able to draw inspiration from:

Airbnb will provide temporary free housing for up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. Airbnb, along with its nonprofit fund and generous user hosts, will be funding the initiative.?

AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, and Mint Mobile are helping their US customers stay connected with friends and family in Ukraine by reducing or waiving the fees for long-distance calling, SMS messages, and roaming charges.?

Starlink has provided free satellite-based internet service in Ukraine after the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine tweeted at Elon Musk for his help.

BP, a British oil company, will abandon its ties to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. According to the New York Times, BP will exit its 20 percent stake in Rosneft, the Russian state-controlled oil company. Several other energy companies are following suit.

It’s been remarkable to see rallies of democracy-loving citizens in cities and countries around the world protesting Russia’s invasion — especially the thousands of Russian protesters who’ve been subject to arrest (and worse).?

I worked along Fifth Avenue in NYC for more than a decade, and I always loved seeing what colors the Empire State Building was draped in each night. I hope Ukrainians around the world have found a small semblance of comfort in the love and support showcased on buildings and monuments around the world this past week. Here is a collection of a few of my favorite images — you can find many more in this TODAY gallery.

Sending you love and light,

Brittany