How to make a difference
A few days ago, I had a conversation with a friend about what busy people-with full-time jobs, kids, etc.-can do to make a difference without burning out. I reflected on my own experiences, especially those since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and I wanted to share some suggestions here.
1. Focus on what you’re most effective at. There are many ways to make a difference, but stretching yourself too thin or working outside your strengths can lead to burnout and reduced impact. You don’t have to do it all. In 2022 and 2023, I focused on fundraising for Ukraine, and the money helped many people. However, as donor fatigue set in, I realized I lacked the time and skills to sustain fundraising at scale. It was the right approach when donations were flowing, but eventually, shifting to op-eds, Ukraine-related research, and public outreach became a more effective way for me to contribute.
2. Find like-minded people to interact with and get support from. Trying to make a difference on your own (social media interactions don’t count!) can get lonely very quickly. Ask around to find a group working on a cause you care about and join them (for helping prevent damage to US institutions and democracy, I recommend Country First). If you can’t find an existing group, create your own. You don’t need a formal organization or tons of people, just a handful of individuals committed to meeting regularly, sharing ideas, collaborating, and supporting each other. I’ve been lucky to meet a lot of people through Economists for Ukraine with whom I interact on a regular basis (mostly via Zoom but sometimes in person). Even if we’re not working on the same project, the interactions help keep me motivated.
3. Understand what matters to your reps. This guide provides a fantastic summary of how to maximize your impact. If you’re in the US, you should be regularly communicating with your Congressional representatives and senators. Save their D.C. office numbers in your phone and call them consistently. These calls typically take under two minutes, so even if you reach out weekly, it’s a minimal time commitment with potential for significant influence.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of donating. Many of us like to “feel” the direct impact of our actions and clicking “donate” doesn’t provide that. But giving to an effective organization is a great way to help, especially if you’re extremely busy. For example, serious efforts need full-time staff, and your donation helps fund dedicated attention to the cause. The money can also provide critical resources, like medical supplies or protective gear, that volunteers alone can’t easily procure. For Ukraine, my favorite organization to donate to (other than my own) is the Kyiv School of Economics, although there are many other good ones.
5. Don’t underestimate the power of encouragement. While I hope that some of my posts change people’s minds or at least inform those who lack key information, I’d still consider them worthwhile if they simply reinforce the commitment of like-minded people. Advocacy can be draining, and knowing others share your concerns can provide the motivation to stay engaged.
6. Remember that the effect of your actions may not be immediately apparent. Change often happens gradually, and any effects of your efforts will almost surely take time to materialize. A conversation you have or an article you share might influence someone’s perspective down the line, even if they don’t acknowledge it immediately. Policy shifts can take years, and repeated calls to representatives may seem futile until, one day, they help tip the scales. It’s easy to feel discouraged when results aren’t immediate, but persistence matters-small actions accumulate and can lead to meaningful change over time.
7. Remember that it’s especially important to keep going when others are giving up. In moments of crisis or prolonged struggles, it’s natural for people to lose hope and step back, feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. This is when your efforts can have the most significant impact. When others are giving up, your persistence can help fill the gap and keep momentum alive.
8. Don’t give up on joy. When the world feels like it’s crashing down, it’s easy to feel guilty about taking a break or enjoying yourself-as if you don’t deserve to have fun until a crisis is resolved. But denying yourself joy doesn’t help anyone. Think of it like the airline safety rule: put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. If you’re burned out and exhausted, you won’t be as effective in making a difference. Fun isn’t just a distraction-it’s a way to recharge, maintain resilience, and stay engaged for the long haul. So give yourself permission to step away, laugh, and do something that brings you happiness. The work will still be there when you return, and you’ll be in a better place to tackle it.
Originally published at https://ukraineinsights.substack.com.
