On Wednesday, students and community members gathered on the American University campus to support victims of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
A group of AU students started @stayinformed.ukraine, an Instagram page, as well as a student group to support Ukraine.
“We want to invigorate students here at AU, and the entire community, so they can jump onto the ship of people trying to help Ukraine,” said Katherine Boyko, one of the Instagram creators.
Community members came to support the cause in front of the Mary Graydon Center after the Instagram account posted about a rally that would take place.
The rally started with remarks from Boyko and another student creator of @stayinformed.ukraine, Kyra Lozynskyj.
As the night went on, students continued to gather. “There was a really nice turnout and it’s great to see the AU population getting involved,” said AU freshman, Jamie Gold.
Boyko and Lozynskyj, both from Ukraine, had been looking for ways to help their homeland from Washington, D.C.
“The sense of not being there and not being able to help in a meaningful way was just devastating,” said Boyko. “Going to protests and posting on social media was one thing, but forming an organization here on campus, getting volunteers to help people who are fleeing Ukraine, for example, is something actionable. It’s very empowering to think that we aren’t sitting still and we aren’t doing nothing.”
Both the rally and @stayinformed.ukraine Instagram suggested numerous ways to show support for Ukraine from campus:
- Contact your Senator
- Call your Congresswoman/Congressman
- Call the President or email the White House
- Sign petitions
- Donate goods
- Reach out to those you know who may be affected
Attendees were able to sign petitions, receive information on how to help Ukraine and hear from fellow community members, including the AUSG President, graduate students and professors.
Ukrainian music was played as rally organizers passed out papers to students on ways to get involved. The attendees were also led in a singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.
The rally called for statements from American University president, Sylvia Burwell, on the issue. Many students have felt hurt by the lack of a statement on Ukraine from the university.
“It’s a little disheartening, and I think despite your political beliefs, this is a humanitarian issue, it’s a public health issue,” said Lozynskyj on the university’s lack of response.
As the sun went down, rally organizers distributed candles. The candlelit moment of silence was dedicated to those who have died so far in the conflict.
Members of the Kay Spiritual Life Center attended the rally and led the group in prayer and are supporting students by creating a space to promote peace and light candles in honor of Ukraine.
This is the first in-person event held on American’s campus in honor of Ukraine.
According to Lozynskyj and Boyko, the rally was a success for the campus community, but is only the first step.
“While we do have a lot of support, there still needs to be a lot more work done,” said Boyko. “It’s only possible if we try to reach an even broader community here at AU.”