FLASH: Joined by Colorado Governor Polis, Boulder Mayor Brockett and Vinnytsia Mayor Morhunov have signed an historic Sister City Declaration. A partnership for “peace, resilience, and democratic values”.
Help us in turning this partnership into concrete action .
SISTER CITIES
Boulder Colorado & Vinnytsia Ukraine
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Across an ocean and a war, these two communities are choosing to build a bridge, not just with official resolutions, but with real relationships: educators talking to educators, students to students, clinicians to clinicians, artists to artists, neighbors to neighbors.
Connection Is The Mission
Foundational Activity: Healing The Wounds Of War — Especially Children and Veterans
“Planting the seeds of peace in nervous systems devastated by war”
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The brutal war, now in its fifth year, has exacted a devastating toll on Ukraine. Beyond the immense physical destruction, the psychological and emotional damage has been profound and pervasive. Nearly every man, woman, and child has been touched by trauma — from the grief of losing loved ones, to lives uprooted by violence, to the sleepless nights and fears carried by children. As the war continues, intergenerational trauma is not only real, but growing.
Against this backdrop, the International Institute for Trauma Studies (IITS) in Vinnytsia has functioned with extraordinary effectiveness throughout more than three years of the war. The demand for knowledge and practical skills to heal trauma in Ukraine is immense. Led by U.S. Executive Director Gaea Logan, a Boulder resident and Board member of the Sister City, along with a dedicated team of professionals at Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University, the work of IITS is grounded in a shared, integrative approach. The program weaves together contemporary psychoanalysis, group therapy, neuroscience, resilience training, and psychosocial support. https://icmhhr.org/iits/
Through a committed U.S.-based faculty working via Zoom with Ukrainian faculty and trainees, the program recently became the first to receive national certification as a gold standard in trauma training. Using a “train-the-trainer” model, more than 4,000 clinicians have now been registered, with a conservative estimate of over 50,000 patients reached. These patients include widows, children, amputees, soldiers, students, and parents whose lives have been deeply affected by the war.
Despite blackouts, displacement, and the constant threat of missile and drone attacks, faculty and students have produced accredited coursework, supervision, and clinical training. Together, they have built a living, resilient mental-health infrastructure — operating from within a nation at war, and laying foundations for long-term healing.
Hear the gripping story of this work in this nine minute TED X Salon clip from the Founder and USA Executive Director of IITS Boulder resident Gaea Logan.
Two Cities One Heart
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Why Vinnytsia?
Vinnytsia is a regional center in central-western Ukraine that has played a crucial role since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.While the fighting has been concentrated in eastern provinces, it has taken in many internally displaced people and continues to face the ongoing trauma of war: air-raid sirens, civilian casualties, interrupted schooling, and constant uncertainty. Electricity and water cuts are frequent due to the war.
Despite this, Vinnytsia has shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and civic spirit. Local leaders are focused not only on survival, but also on the long work of recovery: trauma healing, education for a generation growing up in war, rebuilding social trust, and restoring a sense of possibility.
Why Boulder?
Boulder is blessed to be living in peace. It is home to a unique mix of scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, therapists, and engaged citizens. It has a deep interest in world affairs and has a culture of experimentation in democracy, environmental leadership, and health.
Boulder’s strengths in mental health and trauma-informed care, climate and environmental science, technology and innovation, and civic engagement make it a natural partner for a city like Vinnytsia seeking to navigate war-time realities while planning for post-war recovery.
Much in common:
Boulder (population approximately 108,000) and Vinnytsia (population approximately 370,000) are both mid-sized, university-centered cities with strong civic cultures, vibrant arts and innovation ecosystems, and a deep commitment to community well-being and environmental protection; notably, each has been widely recognized within its country as among the most livable cities.
Shared desire for a sustainable peace:
Due to the war, Vinnytsia has become a refuge for displaced people inside Ukraine, a city under pressure yet determined to protect life, culture, and democratic values. Boulder is a community known for its compassion, and long-standing interest in global peace and prosperity.
Practical Activities - Making a Difference
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Possibilities now taking shape include:
Energy efficient, decentralized grid renewal in Vinnytsia is being explored using potential carbon credits to reduce overall capital costs.
Forging relationships of veterans groups in both cities for peer-to-peer exchanges with practical lessons in social reintegration, employment, housing and overcoming the trauma of war.
Connecting students and schools in Boulder and Vinnytsia for educational and cultural exchanges via zoom, often referred to as “Zoom Pals.”
Linking the Rotary Clubs of both cities, which are now actively exploring joint service projects.
Expanding collaboration between universities in both cities, particularly in translating research and ideas into practical solutions and socially beneficial ventures.
Facilitating exchanges of artists and musicians, including multi-month residencies that deepen cultural understanding.
Creating sports exchanges that foster motivation, resilience, and mental well-being — with particular attention to athletes who are amputees.
Finally, the Sister City will serve as a unifying umbrella in Boulder, connecting the many individuals and organizations already engaged in projects and activities in Ukraine. This coordination will occur through a shared newsletter and regular community gatherings, helping align efforts, amplify impact, and build a coherent civic ecosystem.
Bridge Of Hope Stories
Beyond Resilience Conversations
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These remarkable exchanges are led by Andy Lenec, a first-generation Ukrainian-American volunteer whose dedication reflects both personal heritage and profound compassion. Since returning from his Peace Corps service in Ukraine in 2017, Andy has faithfully built bridges between Ukrainians and Americans through weekly conversations. Following the full-scale invasion in February 2022, these calls have taken on even greater meaning—becoming a source of hope, solidarity, and emotional sustenance during unimaginable circumstances. With inspiring guest participants such as Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, each gathering becomes a space of encouragement, shared humanity, and mutual uplift.
The impact of these Beyond Resilience Conversations has been profound—and the opportunity to expand them is clear.
Additional committed volunteers in Boulder are needed to extend this circle of connection, ensuring that more Ukrainian students experience the encouragement, friendship, and enduring reminder that they do not stand alone.
Fairview High School students cheer “Glory to Ukraine, glory to the heroes” alongside their solar panels.
Solar Power Invincibility
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This extraordinary effort is driven by Sunflower Seeds Ukraine, a dynamic Boulder-based nonprofit whose work exemplifies compassion in action. Approximately every two months, the organization hosts inspiring solar panel conversion events, transforming surplus panels into life-sustaining tools for communities under siege. These gatherings are more than technical workshops—they are acts of solidarity, creativity, and love.
A partnership with Boulder’s Fairview High School has brought students into this mission of humanitarian friendship. These students have produced and shipped more than 300 USB charging solar panels to Ukraine. Each one is uniquely adorned with hand-drawn artwork and heartfelt messages of encouragement—personal reminders to Ukrainian recipients that they are supported, admired, and never alone.
Boulder volunteers are invited to participate in these bi-monthly send-off events. Each panel prepared and sent becomes more than a source of energy—it becomes a beacon of hope, connection, and the unshakable belief in Ukraine’s invincible future.
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If you are interested in learning more, getting involved, or exploring a partnership idea, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at sister.city@highland.institute
Please support our work with a financial contribution. We are a Boulder-based 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation dedicated to the Boulder–Vinnytsia Sister City Partnership. It has been established to ensure transparent stewardship of funds and sustained support for activities. The foundation operates with clear reporting, oversight by a volunteer board, and an emphasis on meaningful, high-impact activities.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation please click here.