Yes. The Boulder City Council has unanimously approved this Sister City relationship as has the Vinnytsia City Administration. A formal launch is being scheduled for March/April of 2026. It is also part of Sister Cities International, a global network of more than 400 Sister City partnerships dedicated to promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation — one individual, one community at a time. The organization was founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to advance people-to-people diplomacy.

No. The partnership is non-partisan and people-centered. While it affirms Ukraine’s sovereignty and the dignity of civilians affected by war, its primary focus is practical cooperation in education, mental health, culture, and community resilience.

Funds are received and managed by a Boulder-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation established specifically for this Sister City. Grants and donations are channeled through trusted partners and governed by clear reporting, transparency, and financial oversight.

Shortly after the outbreak of the war, Boulder-based psychotherapists began working with Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian clinicians to address war-related trauma. This collaboration led to the creation of the International Institute for Trauma Studies (IITS) at the university, with Boulder resident Gaea Logan serving as U.S. Executive Director.

Building on this foundation, the Highland Institute for the Advancement of Humanity embraced trauma healing as the cornerstone of a new Sister City initiative. The Institute then helped connect the two city administrations and established a nonprofit foundation to support the long-term vitality and success of the Sister City relationship.

Yes. Showing up, listening, learning, volunteering, sharing skills, and helping connect people and ideas are all meaningful and valued contributions.