The First-Ever National Survey of Ukrainian Canadians
Do you see yourself as a Ukrainian Canadian?
Well, if you’re a fan of Vsi, we’re going to assume you’re at least one of those things. Suppose you do happen to be one of the 1.4 million in Canada’s Ukrainian community. In that case, you have the chance to participate in the first-ever national survey of Ukrainian Canadians, running now until July 1, 2021.
This is exciting. (And not just because those who complete the survey have the chance to win an iPad or gift card.)
If you know us (and yes, listening to the Get to Know the Hosts episode counts as knowing us), then you know we love a good, thoughtful conversation, particularly about Ukraine. Sometimes those conversations happen to revolve around a simple but complex question: What does it mean to be Ukrainian Canadian?
As we all know, there’s no right answer.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) knows that, too. But they still want to hear what makes you feel Ukrainian Canadian.
And that’s why they launched this survey.
The UCC Charitable and Educational Trust is conducting this survey, called the Community Engagement Project, with the Temerty Foundation’s support.
This anonymous survey is open to anyone who self-identifies as Ukrainian, Ukrainian Canadian, or as a Canadian with Ukrainian roots or descent. Survey participants must live in Canada and be 18 years old or older.
After you complete the survey, you’ll get an email asking if you’re interested in being a part of a focus group. If selected, you’ll explore the themes and additional topics arising from the survey results more in-depth.
Later this year, the UCC will publish the results.
We both completed the survey, and to be honest, we enjoyed it. Some are multiple-choice questions, while others are written. It almost felt like a journaling session, encouraging us to reflect on how we celebrate Ukrainian culture and any things we think might get in the way of us connecting more to our heritage.
We wanted to learn more about the survey, and the UCC was kind enough to answer some questions we had. Read on below for more info on the questionnaire, then put on some polka music, pour some horilka or uzvar, throw on those red boots, and be a part of Ukrainian Canadian history by completing the survey!
You can do the survey online at this link or by calling 1-866-942-4627.
The Q + A
What kinds of questions does the survey cover?
The questionnaire takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. It includes about 50 questions that are focused on what it means to be Ukrainian Canadian today. Some of the topics include perceptions of identity and values, participation in volunteerism and philanthropy, involvement in Ukrainian educational and artistic programs, relations to Ukraine, connections (and obstacles to connections) to local Ukrainian communities, and visions for the future of the Ukrainian Canadian community.
What will the results be used for?
The results from the Community Engagement survey will be used to confront ongoing challenges and create new opportunities to build engagement, participation, and inclusion in our vibrant Ukrainian communities across Canada.
Why is this survey being done now? Has a survey like this been done before?
With 2021 being a Census year, people are already in the frame of mind to be addressing questions about themselves. Our Community Engagement Survey asks all the questions the Census didn’t; identity, values, involvement in the community, etc.
Currently, we are at a turning point with our organizations and community, 30 years post-Ukrainian independence, and at a crossroads with generational renewal always on the horizon.
The only other study, but not a national survey, on the future of the Ukrainian Canadian community of its kind was undertaken in the mid-1980s. Now, a generation later, we recognized it would be a great time to do this.
Besides the broader Ukrainian-Canadian community, are there any specific groups you are trying to reach within the community with this survey?
We specifically want to reach two groups within the community:
Individuals who are not directly engaged in the community but still identify as Ukrainian Canadians and
Regions/provinces/territories with no organized Ukrainian Canadian community, or communities with low numbers of Ukrainian Canadians.
To take the proper steps in strengthening and growing our community, we need to account for these groups, hear their perspectives, and understand any challenges. With their representation in the community, we can better understand how we can create opportunities and engage them in the broader community.
Will you do a similar survey like this again? If so, how often?
At this time, the beginning stage of the project, it is difficult to anticipate when we will undertake a survey of this kind again in the future. The breadth and depth of the survey, 50 questions including several open-ended questions about future vision, identity, etc., as well as the quality of data from a large number of respondents (over 3,600 to date), will provide the UCC essential insights for at least the next five to 10 years or more.
What do you hope to achieve from analyzing the results of the survey?
The three main goals we hope to achieve are to find out what unites us and what divides us, recognize the similarities and differences across regions, generations, and waves of immigration, and how to move forward together.
“Your responses help us understand and recognize what we can do for YOU — individually, as an organization, or as a community at large.”
How will Ukrainian Canadians benefit from this survey and its results?
Our responsibility as the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is to represent, advocate, and work to address the needs of each Ukrainian Canadian. With this survey, our community shares their perspectives, values, and voices their insights with us. Our next chapter of projects, initiatives, and plans for the future of our community will be entirely built from this survey, the project at whole’s results, to benefit all Ukrainian Canadians.
How can other organizations, groups, or community members benefit from the results of the survey?
Ukrainian organizations, groups, and community members will benefit from the survey results. It will provide insight into different areas of their respective communities, identify its challenges and strengths, and voice each demographic, which will help them develop their specific needs to grow!
Anything else you’d like to add?
We would like to take the opportunity to thank every individual who has taken the time to complete our survey! Your responses help us understand and recognize what we can do for YOU — individually, as an organization, or as a community at large.
The survey closes in a few days — don’t miss your chance to contribute to this historical survey, one that will keep the Ukrainian Canadian community thriving! Take the survey online at this link or by phone at 1-866-942-4627.