Support for Service Members, Veterans and Their Families: Opportunities from the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation

More than a year and a half of full-scale war has changed the lives of millions of Ukrainians. Service members and their families are facing particularly difficult experiences — separation, long periods of waiting, uncertainty, and, for some, returning home and having to rebuild everyday life and relationships with their loved ones.

We often speak about our gratitude to Ukraine’s defenders. For the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation, it is important that this gratitude is reflected not only in words, but also in concrete actions.

We can contribute through what we do professionally: helping people hear one another, restore dialogue, find mutual understanding, and share these skills with others.

That is why the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation offers two opportunities for service members, veterans and their loved ones.

Mediation for Service Members and Their Families

War changes not only those who serve. It also changes those who wait for them at home.

Separation, anxiety, uncertainty and constant stress can affect even the closest relationships. And after returning home, people may sometimes need to learn again how to be together, talk about what they have experienced, and hear one another.

Sometimes starting such a conversation on your own can be difficult. In these situations, mediation can provide a safe and confidential space where, with the support of a neutral professional, people can discuss what matters, better hear one another, and work together to find solutions.

The Ukrainian Academy of Mediation provides this opportunity to service members and their family members at no cost.

Registration: Mediation for Service Members and Their Families

“Mediation: The Power of Change” — New Professional Opportunities for Veterans

In 2023, the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation launched the “Mediation: The Power of Change” programme, giving veterans the opportunity to complete the 96-hour Basic Mediator Training Course and acquire professional mediation competencies.

Participation in the training is also provided at no cost.

For some, mediation may become a new professional path. For others, it may offer an opportunity to apply their life and professional experience in a new way. At the same time, mediation skills can be valuable far beyond professional practice — in communication, conflict management, community engagement and within the veteran community.

It is particularly valuable that veterans who acquire mediation skills will be able to use this knowledge to support others, including people with similar life experiences.

Registration: “Mediation: The Power of Change” Programme

What We Can Do

We are grateful to Ukraine’s defenders for making it possible for us to live, work, teach and continue what we do. And it matters to us that this gratitude is expressed not only in words.

That is why we do what we know and do best: share our knowledge and professional experience, create opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding, and help people acquire mediation skills that may become the beginning of a new professional path.

Mediation for service members and their families and the “Mediation: The Power of Change” programme for veterans are our way of supporting those to whom we owe so much.

If you know someone who may benefit from this support or from an opportunity to gain new professional skills, please share this information with them.