NGO Zmistom

Our journey began in December 2020, during the defense of Odesa's architectural heritage such as the Yefim Fesenko Printing House and the Richelieu Theater. During this campaign, we built a community of activists, neighbors, and supporters, united by trust and shared values. That struggle revealed issues: low civic participation, distrust in activists, and weak influence on governance. These challenges inspired us to address the root causes through education, democracy, and community-building initiatives. In 2021, we launched our first grant project highlighting Odesa’s architectural heritage as a resource. It included a forum with architects and cultural figures and focused on civic engagement. The Russian invasion in February 2022 shifted our priorities to include volunteering and humanitarian aid while preserving our commitment to culture and education. That year, we organized the charity jazz festival “Jazz Autumn,” lectures on jazz, and networking events such as meetings in the Odesa catacombs. In 2023, we implemented “Ideas Accelerator,” a hackathon to enhance community-building and project management. This initiative trained over 140 citizens and strengthened a network of 40 organizations. We also held “Democracy Through the Eyes of Children,” teaching 12–16-year-olds about democracy, media literacy, and video production. In partnership with NGO “DOBRO,” we organized three training programs for volunteers and public figures, fostering civic cohesion and leadership. To create impact, we established the community center “Na Chasi” in 2023. It hosts events, workshops, and forums, enhancing civic engagement. Today, we focus on strengthening civil society through networking, education, and collaboration between NGOs, authorities, and businesses. Our work promotes trust, dialogue, and a shared vision for Odesa’s development.