"Demonstrating the Human Dimension of Political Upheavals"

May – July 2021 – The Charitable Foundation "Social Resources and Initiatives" worked on implementing the "Demonstrating the Human Dimension of Political Upheavals" project as part of its participation in the Eastern European Network of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflicts (GPPAC).

Project Concept and Objectives

The project represents an innovative approach to discussing historical events through a human-centered perspective. Its goal is to bring regional history closer to the personal stories of individuals, families, and groups, thereby reducing conflict potential in collective historical memory and fostering tolerance and mutual understanding in this multiethnic region.

As part of the project, the Charitable Foundation "Social Resources and Initiatives":

• Assembled a team of researchers from Ukraine and conducted consultations with Romanian experts to analyze historically sensitive topics and develop models for their accurate representation in educational institutions on both sides of the border.
• Developed photo exhibitions featuring individuals who lived in different communities, presenting their personal histories alongside their portraits.

One such exhibition was showcased during the joint meeting of the GPPAC Steering Group and the Eastern European Regional Network (Odessa, May 26, 2019). These exhibitions were later presented in various cities across Ukraine and Romania, proving the viability and impact of the initiative.

Key Events and Initiatives

• Online Seminar "Historical Memory and the Search for Civil Harmony" (November 24, 2020)

Organized by the Eastern European Network of GPPAC in partnership with the Charitable Foundation "Social Resources and Initiatives", the seminar highlighted the importance of civil society initiatives in preventing conflicts based on historical narratives.

During the seminar, the experience of implementing the "Demonstrating the Human Dimension of Political Upheavals" project was discussed. Since 2017, the project has been executed in various formats and locations, providing a unique approach to historical discussions through personal perspectives.

Scaling and Expansion of the Project

Recognizing the success and impact of previous initiatives, the Foundation developed a program for expanding its work with complex historical contexts, incorporating lessons learned over the years.

In March 2021, this program was submitted to the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF), a government institution supporting national culture and arts development. The proposal received high evaluations from independent UCF experts, and the project is currently being implemented.

A key innovation in this phase is the transition from traditional photo exhibitions to new formats, including:

• Video materials that provide a more dynamic and engaging way to present historical narratives.
• Digital distribution via YouTube and other online platforms, making the content more accessible and far-reaching.

The success of these pilot activities will serve as a model for new approaches to handling conflicts related to historical interpretations, increasing the project's chances of securing substantial state support for further expansion.

Project Activities Implemented with GPPAC Support

Digitization of old photographs and the creation of:

• Three full-length short video documentaries based on these images.
• One promotional video for online distribution.

Online Awareness Campaign

• Active promotion via Instagram and Facebook to engage a broad audience.

These steps are critical in making historical discussions more accessible and inclusive, fostering a culture of understanding, and reducing conflict potential in multiethnic regions.