Our Story
The inception of Friends of Ukraine, Madison, traces back to a serendipitous encounter between Ukrainians brought together by American friends. It all began when Natalka and Ruslana crossed paths at a Literacy Network fundraiser, and a similar connection happened between Olha and Ruslana at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Education. This fusion of Ukrainian and American lives in Dane County sparked the formation of our community. Inspired by Natalka Akulenko’s Facebook group, Friends of Ukraine - Madison, what started as a small gathering quickly blossomed. As Wisconsinites sought a sense of community and a way to support Ukraine during the challenging times of the 2022 invasion, our group rapidly expanded. United by a shared goal to support one another and the broader Dane County community, Friends of Ukraine, Madison, evolved into a vibrant support network dedicated to the cause of Ukraine and its people.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote Ukrainian culture among Wisconsinites and to create a sense of belonging among Ukrainians. We strive to support Ukrainians scattered by the war and to promote Ukrainian culture through educative and cultural events for Wisconsinites.
Our Community
Our community consists of Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Wisconsin on humanitarian parole after the 2022 invasion, as well as those who have been here since the 90’s and early 2000’s. Our board members represent both groups, working together to support the Ukrainian community and share our rich cultural heritage with the people of Madison.
Get Involved
Join us in our mission to celebrate Ukrainian culture and support our community. Whether you are looking to attend our events, volunteer, or donate, there are many ways to get involved with Friends of Ukraine - Madison. Together, we can make a difference and build a stronger, more inclusive community.