Standing with Ukraine – A Personal Reflection

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Over the last week, our team, much like the rest of the world, has watched with heartache as Ukraine defends itself in a war brought to its people, culture, and sovereignty by Vladimir Putin.

Many of us around the globe have also watched with some paralysis, recognizing the limitations of our individual capability to interrupt, disrupt, or deter this malicious, unprovoked invasion.

We have also watched with awe and admiration at the resilience, defiance, and fearlessness of the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and their right to self-determination. 

Here are Atrómitos, our work centers on building up the systems and institutions that enable healthier, more resilient, and more equitable communities. The chaos, cruelty, and wanton destruction of war is the antithesis of that mission and our vision that our tomorrow can be better, and fairer, than the day before. But there are things worth fighting for, and which must be defended zealously.

There are two points that we want to highlight today, drawn from our own reflections over the last week as we have watched the war unfold.

The first is this: Leadership matters. And as demonstrated by President Zelensky, leadership based on and communicating service can move mountains, as well as an international community. As Organizational Psychologist Professor Adam Grant summarized in an article earlier this month:

Charisma attracts attention. Courage earns admiration. But commitment to a group is what inspires loyalty. We follow the leaders who fight for us—and we make sacrifices for the leaders who serve us.

The second we pull from a quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

We at Atrómitos, to the fullest extent of our abilities, stand with Ukraine as they defend their nation, their families, and their institutions from naked aggression and usurpation. In doing so, we:

  • Promote valid, reputable, and reliable sources of information, interrupting the spread of false information and untruths.
  • Support those in our personal and professional networks in their experience of this and similar events, disrupting the belief that something happening “over there” should not have a direct impact at home.
  • Proactively engage in our civic responsibility at all levels of participation, deterring those with malicious intent from sowing or spreading their ideologies.

To those who can more directly support Ukraine in its defense, we thank you.

And, for our part, we will continue to find ways to expand the role we play.

– Atrómitos Team