By David Anderson, Chair of Entrepreneurs’ Organization Board of Directors and member of EO Arizona

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) stands with the millions of Ukrainian people whose lives and livelihoods have been severely damaged by the impact of Russian forces. As diverse members of a global nonprofit network, we have an opportunity to support those Ukrainian communities whose very sense of security, survival and hope for the future have been challenged to the extreme. Lives have been indelibly changed for more than 11 million Ukrainians who have been displaced from their homes, plus the countless others who remain. But this is not the only critical trouble spot in the world. Entrepreneurs—as agile problem-solvers by nature—are in a unique position to lead and lean into supporting communities in crisis everywhere.

Indeed, entrepreneurs are often among the first donors and volunteers to jump into action, offering innovative solutions and rapid assistance to people in need; often before governments and aide groups are able to mobilize. We are seeing this unique skillset activate across Eastern Europe, and all of the EO world. Members are tapping into their networks to arrange donations, transportation and delivery of critical supplies and re-settlement options for refugees. Others are leveraging their influence to inspire individual, corporate and chapter giving that is delivering a lifeline for displaced families and children in real time. We applaud these EO members for mobilizing to provide essential, practical relief for our fellow humans in these exceedingly difficult times. Their efforts embody our values in action.