Razom (Ukrainian: Разом) is a non-profit Ukrainian-American human rights organization established in 2014 with the mission to "unlock the potential of Ukraine".[1] Razom means "together" in Ukrainian. Its main goals are increasing civic engagement within Ukraine and engaging the voices of Ukrainians around the world. The organization uses social networking tools to reunite the global network of individuals in coordinating effort supporting shared goals. In 2022, Razom delivered $62M worth of aid to Ukraine.[2] In 2023, the organization received the Order of Merit, Class III, from President Zelenskyy, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.[3]
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| Formation | January 2014 |
|---|---|
| Type | US 501(c)(3) organization charitable organization |
| Website | razomforukraine.org |
Razom's activity started in the late 2013, when Ukrainians in New York City and Washington, DC, were gathering at the impromptu demonstrations to show support for the Ukrainians during the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, which turned into a fight against then-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych. The main goal of such demonstrations was to bring the Obama administration's attention to the events taking place in Ukraine.
The community organization Razom for Ukraine (Together for Ukraine) was legally established in 2014. With a core group of six people, it coordinated Ukrainian activists throughout the U.S. and maintains a global network of over 2,000 people.[5]
In 2014, Razom commissioned the 76-page report "Crisis in Ukraine: Its Legal Dimensions,"[6] prepared by a team of students of NYU School of Law. The report outlined legal conclusions on the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, the Budapest Memorandum on international security guarantees, and the human rights and humanitarian law at issue. The Report also covered the right of secession, crimes of aggression, critical energy security issues, sanctions imposed on Russia; and relevant military law.
Razom supports dedicated volunteers around the world united by the goal to build a democratic and prosperous Ukraine.[7] The organization creates spaces where people meet, partner, and work.
Razom's main activity is divided into several initiatives,[8] such as the Razom Emergency Response focused on purchasing medical supplies for critical situations. Razom Procurement and Logistics teams are worldwide networks of volunteers and partners operational since 2014. Razom is also working with governments and embassies on helping to establish humanitarian corridors.
As of August 2023, the Board of Directors includes the following members:[9]
As of August 2023, the Officers include:[9]
Razom co-organized American Coalition for Ukraine,[11] which held three-day Ukraine Action Summit September 18-20, 2022,[12] and April 23-25, 2023.[13] The second summit was attended by 320 advocates from over 34 states, with 58 partner organizations represented. These advocates had dozens of planned meetings with members of the U.S. House and Senate, and aides, to advocate for continued support for Ukraine.[7]
Razom, in cooperation with Nova Ukraine, Houston for Ukraine and MedGlobal, hosted a delegation of religious leaders from the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) for advocacy programming in Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas. [14] The delegation of Ukrainian clergy — Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim — came to Washington to impress upon policymakers the threat that Russia’s invasion of their country poses for religious freedom in a nation where pluralism has thrived,[15] following the UNESCO and Institute for Religious Freedom reports about the damaged religious sites and threats to religious leaders [16] [17]
From November 7-15, 2023, Razom hosted, with Yara Arts, Ukrainian Institute of America, Shevchenko Scientific Society and Bowery Poetry Club, a Ukrainian cultural festival in New York. [18]