Ukrainian-American communities have deep roots in the United States, with waves of immigration dating back to the 19th century. These communities have played a significant role in shaping Ukraine's development. From organizing humanitarian aid during crises to influencing U.S. foreign policy, from preserving cultural traditions to fostering business links, Ukrainian-Americans have left indelible marks on modern Ukraine.
Despite their impact, the motivations and patterns of diaspora engagement remain understudied. This survey aims to understand how and why Ukrainian-Americans engage with Ukraine and to potentially develop policy recommendations for the Ukrainian government to better leverage diaspora resources.
The survey is part of a master's thesis research project conducted by a Harvard University graduate student, Dani Podgoretskaya, under the supervision of Harvard faculty.
What is the purpose of this research?
This research aims to understand both what the diaspora does and why they take these actions, with the goal of strengthening connections between Ukraine and its global communities. In particular, the study explores:
- Individual Motivations: The project seeks to uncover why different members of Ukrainian-American communities choose to engage with Ukraine in various ways.
- Diverse Groups: This research examines how engagement might differ among various types of diaspora members, such as recent immigrants, second-generation Ukrainian-Americans, or those with more distant Ukrainian heritage.
- Policy Implications: By understanding what drives diaspora members to act, the project aims to inform strategies for collaboration between Ukraine and its overseas communities in areas like foreign investment, cultural diplomacy, and international advocacy.
Who is the survey for?
We welcome participation from anyone with a connection to Ukraine who lives in the U.S. To be eligible, you should:
- Reside in the United States;
- Maintain a connection to Ukraine or Ukrainian language and culture;
- Be 18 years of age or older.
You don't need to be an active member of any Ukrainian-American community to participate. Your perspective is valuable as long as you feel a connection to Ukraine.
What can I expect if I take part in this research?
This will be a short questionnaire that should take you about 15-20 minutes to complete. You will be asked about your connection to Ukraine, how you engage with Ukraine, and the role of the diaspora in your life. You can choose to take the survey in English, Ukrainian, or Russian.
There will also be a short optional section with open-ended questions you can choose to answer (or skip). There you will have an opportunity to write a longer answer.
What will happen to the results?
Our research team will combine and study all the survey responses to understand how the Ukrainian-American communities engage with Ukraine. This information will serve to:
- Contribute to the writing of a master's thesis;
- Guide future studies on how Ukraine can better connect with its overseas communities;
- Potentially share findings with the Ukrainian government to help create better policies for working with Ukrainians living abroad.
Who can I talk to?
Do you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions? The research team is keen to hear your feedback! You can get in touch by emailing the lead researcher, Dani Podgoretskaya, at dpodgoretskaya@g.harvard.edu