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Razom
Razom for Ukraine (Ukrainian: Разом, lit. 'Together') is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to "unlocking the potential of Ukraine".[1] Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, seeks to uphold the principles of the Revolution of Dignity and to help build a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine.[2] In 2023, Forbes Ukraine declared Razom one of the top 10 non-profit organizations in Ukraine.[3] Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Razom has significantly expanded its work, providing critical humanitarian aid to Ukrainians affected by the invasion.[4][5] Their work includes delivering essential medical supplies, food, and shelter to those in need, as well as supporting local Ukrainian humanitarian organizations. As of December 2024, Razom has delivered $139 million USD worth of aid to Ukraine.[6] For Razom's work in the health sector, Time Magazine recognized Razom CEO Dora Chomiak as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Health in 2024.[7] Razom plays a crucial role in advocating for Ukraine on the international stage. In the United States, they work with policymakers and the media to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for continued international support for Ukraine.[8][9] OverviewRazom for Ukraine operates through five core programs:[4]
These five programs work together to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine and its people, addressing the humanitarian needs created by the Russian war against Ukraine, while also supporting Ukraine's long-term recovery and development.[4] As of December 2024, the Board of Directors comprised Olya Yarychkivska, Maria Genkin, Olena Nyzhnykevych, Nonna Tsiganok, Max Burtsev, and Yulia Paslavska.[14] As of December 2024, Razom's key leaders included Dora Chomiak (CEO),[15] Oksana Falenchuk (Chief Financial Officer), Zoe Ripecky (Chief Operating Officer), and Anastasia Rab (Chief Advancement Officer). In Ukraine, Evelina Kurilets is the Executive Director of Razom dlia Ukrainy, the Razom affiliate in Ukraine, and Vitalii Svichynsky serves as Operations Director. Greg Kulchyckyj is Chief of Staff.[14] RecognitionIn November 2023, at their annual conference and gala in Chicago, the non-governmental humanitarian organization MedGlobal presented Razom with its Humanitarian Award. In April 2023, Razom was awarded the 2023 Bob Freeman Humanitarian Award by MedShare, a global humanitarian aid organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people, communities and the planet by reallocating surplus medical supplies and biomedical equipment.[16] During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Washington, D.C., in September 2023, he awarded Razom the Order for Merit, Class III.[15] For Razom's work in the health sector, Time Magazine recognized Razom CEO Dora Chomiak as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Health in 2024.[7] Razom ProgramsRazom HeroesIn 2022, Razom Heroes delivered over 500 tons of life-saving supplies totaling $40 million USD. Razom packed and delivered over 90,000 first aid kits and over 2,000 medical backpacks, in addition to delivering 50,000 tourniquets to medics. Razom sourced and supplied 69 cars for medics to use as ambulances. Throughout 2022, Razom heroes provided 350 wood stoves, 250 generators, and over 100 power stations to keep Ukrainians warm and connected.[17] As of 2024, key areas of support include the provision of essential equipment such as over 6,000 handheld radios for communication and 190 vehicles, including five "Unimog" all-terrain ambulances and six armored Toyota L200s for specialized casualty evacuation. Recognizing the importance of basic necessities, the program has also delivered mobile laundry and shower units, manufactured locally, to improve hygiene and comfort for Ukraine's defenders.[18] Nearly 36,000 "Kosmichnyj Kharch" meals (high-calorie, ready-to-eat meals designed in collaboration with Ukrainian restaurant company FEST) have been distributed to provide nourishment.[17][10] Razom HealthRazom Health addresses the urgent needs of Ukrainian hospitals and healthcare facilities by procuring and delivering essential medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals.[11] Since 2022, this includes:
Razom Health also works to strengthen Ukraine's healthcare system. The Co-Pilot Project focuses on enhancing surgical expertise within Ukraine by facilitating medical missions to Ukraine. 14 medical missions were conducted in 2023, deploying 112 international healthcare professionals (neurosurgeons, reconstructive surgeons, orthopedic surgeons) to provide critical care and training to Ukrainian doctors. The Co-Pilot Project also helps Ukrainian surgeons participate in specialized observership programs at leading academic hospitals in the United States, gaining valuable experience and skills.[11][17] For Razom's work in this sector, Time Magazine recognized Razom CEO Dora Chomiak as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Health in 2024.[7] Razom ReliefRazom prioritizes partnerships with local groups operating within Ukraine.[18] This approach aims to empower local communities to lead humanitarian and recovery efforts, focusing aid on frontline and liberated areas in regions like Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. In 2023, Razom distributed over $3.1 million in grants and executed projects reaching approximately 330,000 people. This support encompassed a wide range of initiatives, including immediate relief for frontline communities, winterization assistance, support for liberated communities, aid for victims of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, and critical support for children, including access to education, summer camps, and psychological services.[12][17] Beyond direct aid, Razom works to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian NGOs. The "Stronger Together" program provides training and mentorship to local organizations, enhancing their ability to fundraise, strategize, and manage their operations effectively.[12] This focus on civil society development ensures long-term sustainability and resilience within the Ukrainian humanitarian sector.[17] Razom Relief also emphasizes the importance of education for Ukrainian children. Through initiatives like the Razom Ticket project, the organization supports participation in international competitions, provides access to specialized academic programs, and assists gifted students in pursuing their educational goals. These efforts aim to nurture future generations of Ukrainian leaders and contribute to the long-term recovery and development of the country.[17][12] Razom AdvocacyRazom Advocacy is dedicated to advancing policy initiatives that support Ukrainian victory against Russia's invasion. This multifaceted program aims to foster a deeper understanding of Russia's invasion within the United States and mobilize public and political support for Ukraine.[9][18] Razom Advocacy operates in Washington, D.C., through two primary avenues: government affairs and public engagement.[9]
Razom Advocacy also conducts research and analysis on key policy issues related to the war in Ukraine. This includes examining the effectiveness of existing aid packages, analyzing the impact of sanctions on the Russian economy, and assessing the evolving security situation on the ground. These analyses inform policy recommendations and advocacy strategies, ensuring that Razom Advocacy's efforts are data-driven and strategically focused.[9][23] On March 5, 2022, Razom co-organized a press conference in front of the White House to launch the American Coalition for Ukraine (ACU), an advocacy alliance of over 100 U.S.-based organizations.[24] The ACU organizes the biannual Ukraine Action Summit, an advocacy event bringing together hundreds of delegates from across the U.S. to advocate for continued support of Ukraine. Held twice a year in Washington, D.C., these summits provide a platform for attendees to meet with their elected officials, learn from experts on Ukrainian affairs, and network with other supporters.[9] In October 2023, Razom worked with Nova Ukraine, Houston for Ukraine, and MedGlobal to host 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. [25] 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,[26] following the UNESCO and Institute for Religious Freedom reports about the damaged religious sites and threats to religious leaders [27] [28] Razom ConnectRazom Connect is a multifaceted program dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and understanding between Ukraine and the global community. It encompasses a range of initiatives, including Razom Culture, Razom Cinema, Razom Literature, and Ukraine on Campus, that provide platforms for showcasing Ukrainian art, literature, and film to international audiences.[13][17] In 2023, Razom Connect organized several significant events, including the inaugural Ukrainian Cultural Festival in New York City.[29][30] This festival, co-presented with Yara Arts and the Shevchenko Scientific Society, featured a diverse program of events celebrating Ukrainian literature, music, and cinema.[2] Razom Connect actively supports the promotion of Ukrainian cinema internationally.[31] This includes providing travel grants to Ukrainian filmmakers to attend the Oscars, where the documentary "A House Made of Splinters" was nominated for Best Documentary.[13] Razom also collaborated with renowned film festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, and the Human Rights Watch Film Festival to amplify the visibility of Ukrainian films. Additionally, the program has supported the theatrical release of several Ukrainian films in the United States, including "20 Days in Mariupol" and "Klych," expanding their reach to audiences across the country.[13][31] HistoryRazom's activity started in the late 2013, when Ukrainians in New York City and Washington, D.C., 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. In January 2014, a Board of Directors established and Razom registered as a non-profit incorporated entity. That same year, Razom commissioned the legal report "Crisis in Ukraine: Its Legal Dimensions,"[32] 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. In 2014, Razom raised $136,159.94 in emergency support of protestors in the Revolution of Dignity. After Russia invaded Crimea and Ukraine's east, Razom assembled and shipped 250 boxes of toys, clothing, and supplies to families of the fallen and injured, refugee centers, orphanages, and vetted charities.[33] On August 4, 2015, Razom held its first Razom IT event to support the growth of an engaged middle class in Ukraine through its booming tech sector. In December 2015, Razom organized a U.N. event presenting its second legal report on human rights violations in occupied Crimea. In 2016, Razom's affiliate in Ukraine was granted non-profit status.[34] In 2017, the Razom Co-Pilot Project was launched.[35] See also
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