Friends, this post is special. We want to share how Liudmyla Zubarieva, the head of CollabZONE and NGO Great Idea, first presented our space and organization in the United States as part of the international program “Open World”.

This trip was of great importance to us, because the history of CollabZONE is inextricably linked to the support of the United States. It was thanks to our co-founder Brian Mock, the mayor of Chamblee (Georgia, USA), that we received the first support for the creation of the space. His belief in our project gave rise to a great idea that today unites hundreds of people in Kovel.

We are also sincerely grateful to the US Peace Corps in Ukraine, which has been supporting Great Idea for many years and nominated Liudmyla for this program. This partnership has been key to many of our successful initiatives.

Washington, DC: meetings at the World Center for Influence

The trip began in Washington, D.C., where Liudmyla presented the history of CollabZONE and learned how the American government system works.
– The meeting with Marie Yovanovych, former US Ambassador to Ukraine, was an important lesson in leadership, courage, and principles.
– The Capitol and the Library of Congress showed how history influences the present, and the acquaintance with Georgetown University inspired dreams of developing education and partnerships. This is where world history is made.

Arkansas: lessons of democracy in action

The next stop was the state of Arkansas and the city of Little Rock. This region showed us how communities create big changes through local initiatives:
– The Little Rock Youth Council engages schoolchildren in local politics. We heard and learned how teenagers influence politics and change communities.
– At the Central High National Historic Site, Liudmyla heard the story of nine students who became a symbol of the struggle for equality and an impetus for change across the country.
– Habitat for Humanity inspires with its model of engaging volunteers to build affordable housing. This idea is perfect for adaptation in Ukraine. We are proud that Ukraine has such a large-scale and successful organization.
– The Workforce Development Board impressed us with its programs to develop youth skills and partnerships with businesses that create jobs for local residents.
– The American Red Cross shared their experience of working with communities during crises, which will be useful for supporting vulnerable populations in Ukraine.

What does it mean for us?

This trip is not only about new contacts and partnerships, but also about understanding how we can develop Ukraine through the activities of CollabZONE and NGO Great Idea.
– We see how we can create new formats to support youth and communities.
– How to integrate international experience into local initiatives.
– How to make our space a place where great ideas are born and the most daring projects are realized.
This trip emphasized that what we do in Kovel matters for the whole of Ukraine. And we continue to move forward, inspiring change around us.