‘Don’t Fall for It’: A Ukrainian Campaign Gains International Recognition
The nationwide initiative led by the Ukrainian NGO Dignity Online, titled ‘Don’t Fall for It. They’re Using You,’ has reached the finals of the 6th annual Anthem Awards in the Human & Civil Rights category for Non-Profit Campaigns. This project stands out as the sole Ukrainian finalist among more than 2,500 global entries for 2026. Voting is open until October 29, 2026, with winners announced on November 5, 2026.
The Anthem Awards represent the world’s largest platform honoring social impact projects that set new benchmarks in human rights advocacy and societal transformation. Previous recipients include notable organizations such as:
- World Central Kitchen
- International Rescue Committee
- UNICEF
Addressing a Critical Threat: Protecting Youth from Online Recruitment
‘Don’t Fall for It’ responds directly to a disturbing tactic of modern warfare—enemy intelligence agencies recruiting minors online to carry out sabotage and criminal acts. The Dignity Online team integrated government-supported school lessons from the Ministry of Education and Science, specialized training for juvenile police and educators, targeted social advertising, and youth-driven initiatives including UNHOOK: Break the Trap by the organization’s Children’s Council. The campaign has reached over 36 million people, with nearly 90,000 children along with 15,000 teachers, police officers, and social workers completing its educational programs.
Since 2017, Dignity Online has delivered programs impacting more than one million children, parents, and professionals across Ukraine. In 2026, the European Commission selected Dignity Online to establish Ukraine’s first European Safer Internet Centre, highlighting the organization’s leadership in online safety.
To support the campaign in the Anthem Awards voting, participants must visit the official Anthem Awards voting page, register or log in with their email, select the Human & Civil Rights → Campaign → Non-Profit category, and click the Celebrate button next to ‘Don’t Fall for It. They’re Using You.’ Each email address is allowed one vote in the Anthem Community Voice.
“‘Don’t Fall for It. They’re Using You’ is the world’s first comprehensive response to a new warfare tactic: the online recruitment of minors by hostile intelligence agencies to conduct sabotage and crimes,” explains the Dignity Online team.
Amid Ukraine’s ongoing security challenges, this campaign exemplifies how civil society can effectively combat threats targeting youth through education and awareness efforts. Recognition on an international stage like the Anthem Awards not only amplifies the campaign’s impact but also opens doors for additional support to expand and sustain these vital initiatives.
For more information, visit: dignityonline.in.ua.
As the 'Don’t Fall for It' campaign gains momentum, it's worth noting that other Ukrainian initiatives are also making waves on the international stage. For instance, the project by UAnimals and Suziria Group focusing on humane education has reached the finals of the Shorty Impact Awards. This highlights a growing trend of Ukrainian organizations excelling in social impact initiatives. To learn more about this inspiring project, check out the full story here.