Tennesseans for Ukraine: A New Grassroots Movement for Advocacy

In an inspiring move to support Ukraine, the newly launched organization Tennesseans for Ukraine aims to rally locals in Tennessee to join the fight for freedom in the war-torn country. This initiative is co-founded by Robert G. Rose, the creator and host of the acclaimed travel television series Raw Travel, and Mark Cary, a U.S. Marine veteran actively involved in humanitarian missions in Ukraine.

Background and Purpose

Launched officially on November 6, 2025, Tennesseans for Ukraine seeks to connect with citizens, churches, universities, community organizations, and local policymakers to foster awareness of Ukraine's struggle for independence. Both founding members have firsthand experience with the ongoing conflict: Rose trained his lens on the war-torn regions as he filmed My Summer in Ukraine, while Cary has been undertaking numerous humanitarian missions since Russia's invasion began in February 2022.

The mission is clear: educate the Tennessee populace about the reality on the ground in Ukraine, mobilize the state's support, and encourage elected officials to act in alignment with their constituents' desires. Rose emphasizes that many Tennesseans are solid supporters of Ukraine as soon as they are informed about the dire humanitarian situation.

The Initiative's Advocacy Goals

Notably, Tennesseans for Ukraine also seeks to honor Tennessee's volunteer soldiers and humanitarians who have risked or sacrificed their lives in support of Ukraine. This dual purpose of advocacy not only seeks to nurture a deeper understanding of the human cost of the war but also hopes to maintain American engagement in supporting Ukraine’s cause.

The organization plans to utilize grassroots communication to effectively engage citizens, utilizing various platforms and outreach methods that include social media campaigns and local events.

Support and Outreach

Individuals interested in contributing to or learning more about this grassroots movement can reach out through the organization’s website, TN4Ukraine.com. The site provides resources for those wishing to volunteer, donate, or even schedule speaking engagements with Rose and Cary.

Given the current global sentiment surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, the co-founders believe the timing is ripe for a concentrated grassroots effort in Tennessee. Cary stated, “The more people understand the gravity of the situation, the more support we can generate. Our strength lies in unity and awareness.”

This initiative marks a significant moment for Tennessee residents eager to engage and respond to international humanitarian crises like that of Ukraine, reinforcing the state’s reputation as the “Volunteer State.”

Conclusion

As the conflict continues to develop, the activities of Tennesseans for Ukraine provide not just a platform for advocacy but a community-focused movement aiming for meaningful change—a testament to the power of ordinary citizens banding together for a cause greater than themselves. The hope is not only to draw attention to Ukraine's conditions but to create lasting ties that foster ongoing dialogue and action between Nashville and the broader geopolitical landscape.

For more on how to get involved or to follow their journey, visit TN4Ukraine.com. Engage, educate, and act—these are the tenets guiding this new grassroots effort in Tennessee.