Boulder Colorado and Vinnytsia Ukraine are entering into a new Sister City relationship grounded in human dignity, shared responsibility, and hope.
TWO CITIES
ONE HEART
The Sister City framework offers a simple but powerful container for long-term, people-to-people collaboration. It brings together two communities that are separated by an ocean, yet deeply aligned in their desire for peace, justice, and a livable future.
HEALING THE WOUNDS OF WAR
Planting the seeds of peace in nervous systems devastated by war
Psychotherapists and allied professionals from Boulder and across the United States have joined with Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to address the profound mental health impacts of war. Through advanced clinical training delivered with deep compassion, this collaboration has become the cornerstone of the Sister City relationship.
Future possibilities
YOUTH CONNECTIONS
Connecting students and schools in Boulder and Vinnytsia through educational and cultural exchanges, often referred to as “Zoom Pals.”
UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
Expanding collaboration between universities in both cities, particularly in translating research and ideas into practical solutions and socially beneficial ventures.
ROTARIAN CONNECTIONS
Linking the Rotary Clubs of both cities, which are now actively exploring joint service projects.
JOIN THE CONNECTION
Be part of a living connection between Boulder and Vinnytsia—where shared values become shared relationships. Whether you’re an educator, artist, clinician, student, or simply a neighbor who believes in human dignity, there is a place for you in this story. Join us as we turn compassion into connection and hope into action.
STORIES OF CONNECTION
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New Sister Cities:
Boulder Colorado and Vinnytsia Ukraine.
A tale of two cities yet a oneness of shared dreams.
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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
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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.
Two cities - one heart
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The brutal war, now approaching its fourth 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 a dedicated team of professionals at Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University, this partnership 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 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.
Healing the Wounds of War – Planting the seeds of peace in nervous systems devastated by war
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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 civic compassion, scientific leadership, and a long-standing interest in global issues.
Love and compassion without borders
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Living possibilities now taking shape include:
Connecting students and schools in Boulder and Vinnytsia through educational and cultural exchanges, 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.
Future possibilities – “connecting the dots”
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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 Partnershi. 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.
How to can get involved
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Is this an official Sister City?
Yes. Once both cities approve and sign a Cooperation Agreement, the partnership becomes an official Sister City relationship recognized by the cities of Boulder and Vinnytsia. 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.
Is this political?
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.
How are funds handled?
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.
How did this Sister City get started?
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.
Can I help even if I cannot donate?
Yes. Showing up, listening, learning, volunteering, sharing skills, and helping connect people and ideas are all meaningful and valued contributions.
Frequently asked questions
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