How to engage Ukrainians in preserving cultural heritage: plusone social impact study

Home archives and family histories can be a source of our national heritage - those small pieces together form our culture and identity. But where to start and how to preserve the most valuable things?

The plusone social impact communication agency has created the "Research. Preserve. Share" algorithm as part of a large study on how to engage society in preserving cultural heritage in Ukraine.  The algorithm is based on step-by-step instructions that will help Ukrainians explore their cultural heritage without special knowledg or training.

Explore, save, and share are three simple actions that anyone can take to get involved and find their way to preserving cultural heritage, starting with their own family.

Text on the photo:

Три кроки для збереження культурної спадщини

Step 1 Explore
Write family stories, look through family photos, and learn about traditions and local landmarks

Step 2 Save
Scan photos, record interviews, and create digital archives. Take care of family relics

Step 3 Share

If you want, tell your family, friends, or community about your discoveries: it might inspire them to join!

At a time when the enemy is targeting cultural heritage, its protection is critical to the country's national security. The study emphasizes that every Ukrainian is a carrier of culture, and the more we know about our culture, share this knowledge, and practice it, the stronger our identity becomes.

“'During the war, we especially feel how fragile our cultural heritage is. Each of us must do our part to preserve it. And the more people join this movement, the more chances there are that the memory of our history will survive. And this is the key to a strong national identity and the resilience of society,” explains Heorhiy Arabuli, a strategist at plusone social impact agency.

The study also provides practical advice for those working on the topic of cultural heritage: how to encourage Ukrainians to get involved in its preservation, what to build communication campaigns on, and which audience to start with.