As part of enacting the shared values of Ukraine RPCVs, the Alliance has formally adopted this action plan to elevate and support RPCV efforts toward racial justice and improved diversity and inclusion practices within Peace Corps Ukraine. We fervently believe that doing so is not only vital for the safety and wellbeing of Volunteers, but also for the development of a democratic, inclusive, and globally-connected Ukraine. Racism and bigotry pose additional challenges and dangers to life at home and during service, especially for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Volunteers and Volunteers of religious minorities. As a collective group of RPCVs, it is our duty to ally with one another to change this.

Equity & Social Justice

Our Commitment

The RPCV Alliance for Ukraine has made our commitment to the principles of equity and social justice central to our mission by enumerating our shared values in the Alliance's bylaws:

Article 2, section 3 - Shared Values.

The shared values of the RPCV-AUA include respect for human dignity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, commitment to service, and justice for people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations.

The bylaws also require that the Alliance's Board of Directors include an Equity and Social Justice Officer, who is a member of the Executive Committee. The Equity and Social Justice Officer is charged with coordinating and communicating social justice policies and projects, as well as reviewing all programs with an anti-racism lens.

Equity and Social Justice Plans

Updated Equity and Social Justice Plan -- Adopted August 22, 2023

2020-2021 Equity and Social Justice Action Plan

Quarterly Equity and Social Justice Updates

Resources

DEI Checklist for Events - With input from members, committee leaders, and partners at Organizations in Solidarity, the RPCV Alliance for Ukraine developed this checklist for use in all Alliance-planned and hosted events. We encourage members to make use of it as well, and share your feedback and suggestions.

Organizations in Solidarity - The RPCV Alliance for Ukraine is a participating member of Organizations in Solidarity, a collaboration of organizations and individuals from across the fields of peace and security, foreign policy, and national security dedicated to combating racist beliefs, attitudes, and acts of discrimination, seeking to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion within all levels of our organizations and fields. The Organizations in Solidarity website offers a variety of informational tools and resources, as well as news about upcoming events and conferences.