Veterans and Volunteers to Benefit from 'Acting in the Community' Project with Training and Mentorship by NGO 'The Bravers'

About the 'Acting in the Community' Initiative

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The veterans' NGO 'The Bravers' has opened applications for their new initiative, 'Acting in the Community.' This program offers online training to 100 veterans and volunteers from across Ukraine, focusing on local governance. From these participants, 40 will be selected to attend an intensive three-day offline bootcamp followed by personalized mentorship to support their community projects.

Participation in the program is completely free. Applications are accepted until November 30, 2026, at 9:00 PM Kyiv time. The online course includes an introductory session plus 15 practical lessons covering topics such as:

• functions of local government bodies,
• budgeting processes,
• public procurement systems,
• open data initiatives,
• mechanisms for civic engagement.

Following the online training, the top 40 participants-chosen based on their performance and task quality-will be invited to the bootcamp. Afterward, they will receive ongoing mentorship through both individual and group consultations. Participants will also have the opportunity to join 'The Bravers' network to exchange knowledge and find collaboration partners. Veterans and volunteers from any Ukrainian community are encouraged to apply, regardless of prior experience with government institutions.

Selection for the online phase is based on applicants’ motivation, while advancement to the bootcamp and mentorship depends on learning outcomes. For media inquiries or questions, contact [email protected]. 'The Bravers' is a veterans’ organization with expertise in both military service and public administration. The 'Acting in the Community' project is implemented under the program 'Empowering Veterans for Participation in Local Democratic Processes,' supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Strengthening Local Governance through Veteran Engagement

This initiative aims to enhance the skills of veterans and volunteers, which can significantly contribute to advancing local governance in Ukraine. By fostering stronger connections between veterans and their communities, the project supports their integration into civic life. The backing of an international democracy support organization highlights the global interest in empowering Ukraine’s veteran community and promoting democratic participation at the local level.

As part of ongoing efforts to support veterans in their transition to civic engagement, the recently announced Veteran Internship Program for Government Bodies offers another valuable opportunity for veterans to gain practical experience in public administration. This initiative complements the 'Acting in the Community' project by providing additional pathways for veterans to actively participate in local governance and community development.