Connections (Readings #5)

in focus

Choosing to Act (Readings #4)

Apr 27, 2025

Brave Action Ukraine

Our fourth Brave Action Readings was CHOOSING TO ACT — something we do every day, and something that becomes especially poignant in times of existential threat.

We gathered across continents — to engage with Ukrainians and those standing beside them — sharing what it means to turn fear into courage and anger into action in the face of war, injustice, and uncertainty.

The stories were deeply personal, often raw, and full of quiet strength. They offered a vivid glimpse of what it means to live with purpose when so much is at risk. Together, we created a space for connection — with people who do what they can, from where they are, with what they have.

My volunteering started online. On the second day of the war, my friend and I created a Facebook group called “Russian War Crimes in Ukraine.” Information warfare is also a war. But I felt the need to do something more meaningful.

Julius Stankevičius

Story written by Julius Stankevičius

The first touch of war

THE SHOES
I bought these shoes exactly 5 years ago, in spring of 2020 during the lockdown. Good hiking shoes, that were supposed to taste the mountains of Tenerife. In January and February that year I stayed in a tent in a hippie community there. It was my most magical trip ever outside of Lithuania. So trying to escape the confinement of four walls and to return to paradise in Tenerife, I bought a ticket there. I was supposed to fly through Riga. But never got any farther, as I didn’t have the right Covid documents for Spain. The shoes never made it to the island. Never touched volcanic dust. Instead, they picked up some thick soil in Eastern Ukraine. Black, fine, almost oily. It’s still lodged in the treads. Even after scrubbing, it lingers.

Julius Stankevičius

read the story

When our future child asks: “Dad, what did you do in the war?”, we would like to proudly say: “We actively helped everyone so that our country could defeat injustice and aggression!” Some people take up an assault weapon, others contribute financially, but we decided to help as volunteers.

Brothers Dmytro and Bohdan Gyrych

Stories written by Dmytro Gyrych and Bohdan Gyrych

Why do we choose to act

When you are aware, and you understand that your freedom — and the freedom of your people — depends on the soldiers at the front, you realize it also depends on those who are behind the lines. It depends on your help — providing what the soldiers need, whether they are fighting, healing, or getting supplies. You don't have to make a choice — your conscience makes it for you.

Bogdan and Dmitry Girich

read the story

Discussing what “CHOOSING TO ACT” means when the conditions are beyond words

We shared lived experiences and got more insight into what is truly needed for Ukraine now, and for all of us.

PARTICIPANT`S AFTERWORDS

👍
They are delivering cars with seriously wounded people - it's pure heroism

I thank you, Julius, and everyone in Lithuania who helps and cares! ❤️ 🙏 🥰

Thank you, Oksana, what you wrote about what will happen when Ukraine stops fighting is an extremely powerful truth - I will keep this statement close to my heart and tell others about it. ❤️ 🙏🏻

It's very cool what you are doing! ❤️

Bohdan and Dima - it is so inspiring to hear that you are constantly helping soldiers, because there are brothers and friends who are fighting for all of us. Thank you - I would like to get to know you and your work better! ❤️

Thank you, thank you, thank you ALL for sharing your stories, experiences and actions - it is very, very inspiring! What advice can you give to others who may want to act, but the circumstances - war, devastation, fear - paralyze them. How can they force themselves to act? Thank you again.(from Boston)

Thank you for sharing these readings and experiences - I feel closer to the pain and HOPE of my fellow Ukrainians.

Glory to Lithuania and all the Baltic countries that support Ukraine. We will never forget your support. Glory to all the defenders and volunteers who are fighting for freedom.

Thank you to all the volunteers for their great work! Safety, strength, endurance! ❤️🙏

Thank you to all participants for an intense meeting! ❤️ ❤️

Thank you to the volunteers and those who help them ❤️

Are you interested in organizing this Brave Action Readings #4 for your membership, a group of friends, or colleagues? Please contact us!

sari@braveaction.org, +1-617-871-0086

BRAVE ACTION READINGS #5

is on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Follow our announcement in social media.

We value your opinion and want to hear from you! This survey is designed to gather your thoughts on our content, how it impacts you, and what types of stories and initiatives inspire you to take action. Your feedback will help us create more meaningful and engaging experiences for our community. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us.

Ukrainians face the greatest threat of their lives. Even in a state of war, every day they show incredible spirit, determination, and love for their country. Ukrainians nation-wide, from small children to defenders, are courageously trying to bring a victory of freedom and sovereignty for Ukraine. And the whole world needs to know about that.

Who else but us?

explore more about the actions of volunteers from Lithuania

explore more about the actions of volunteers from Lithuania

explore more about the actions of volunteers from Lithuania

explore more about the actions of brothers` Gyrych

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