In less than two weeks, Russia’s horrifying, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has created a refugee crisis unseen in Europe any time in recent memory. Estimates indicate that 2 million Ukrainians have fled their country.
Our power to help in this tragic situation is limited. We will not risk war with a nuclear-armed power. But Putin’s aggression is a demonstration of how right wing ethno-nationalism and fascism inexorably lead countries to war. Many of us joined the Indivisible movement to fight these forces at home, and perhaps the most important thing we can do is recommit to our home defense of democracy. But we do have a few actions you can take to help Ukrainians in their time of need:
1. Ukrainians compiled a list of donation links for foreigners who want to help.
Pick one from the following list and pitch in: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/
2. Call your representatives to demand our response to the Ukraine crisis includes supporting and welcoming refugees:
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Sen. Maria Cantwell: 202-224-3441 or https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form
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Sen. Patty Murray: 202-224-2621 or https://www.murray.senate.gov/write-to-patty/
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Rep. Pramila Jayapal – 202-225-3106 or https://jayapal.house.gov/contact
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Rep. Adam Smith – 202-225-8901 or https://adamsmith.house.gov/contact
Script:
My name is [NAME] calling from [CITY, ZIP]. I am appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and I support non-military efforts to hold Putin accountable. Please make sure we are doing everything we can to support and welcome any Ukrainian refugees, and call on ICE to free Ukrainians being held at the Northwest Detention Center.
3. Ask your state legislators to support $30M for Refugee Resettlement
Use this easy one-click tool to send an email to your legislators telling them to support Rep. My-Linh Thai’s budget request, to send much needed funds to support refugees and resettlement in WA: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/urgent-action-ask-your-legislator-to-support-30m-for-refugee-resettlement/
