MECHANISMS OF HORIZONTAL MOBILIZATION OF SOCIETY: VOLUNTEERING, CROWDFUNDING AND SELF-ORGANIZATION DURING THE WAR

Abstract

The article analyzes the mechanisms of horizontal mobilization of Ukrainian society under full‑scale war: volunteering, crowdfunding, and the self‑organization of communities and professional groups. It shows how these networks provide rapid support to defense and the home front, build an infrastructure of solidarity, strengthen trust and social cohesion, and simultaneously create space for complementarity with state institutions within a model of hybrid governance. The study synthesizes empirical examples of national and local initiatives, the role of digital platforms, and the participation of internally displaced persons in building resilient assistance networks. Purpose. To identify and systematize the key forms and effectiveness factors of horizontal mobilization, outline its interaction with the state, and propose practical guidelines for institutionalization without losing flexibility. Methodology. A qualitative–analytical design combining a review of academic and analytical publications; content analysis of reports and communications from major platforms and local initiatives (ISAR “Yednannia,” International Renaissance Foundation, Institute for Analytics and Advocacy, “Come Back Alive,” “SpivDiia,” UNITED24 – the nationwide fundraising platform); analysis of the regulatory framework (Law of Ukraine “On Volunteer Activity” No. 3236‑VI); and case studies of crowdfunding campaigns, including the “People’s Bayraktar.” For quantitative verification, public survey data from KIIS for 2022–2024 are used. Scientific novelty. For the first time within a unified public‑administration framework, the study aligns three interrelated dimensions of horizontal mobilization –volunteer, financial‑crowdfunding, and organizational‑network – highlighting the role of digital infrastructure, mechanisms for involving IDPs, and the contours of hybrid interaction with public authorities. It operationalizes performance indicators to monitor response speed, transparency, and network resilience. Conclusions. Horizontal mobilization is not a temporary reaction but a systemic phenomenon that significantly strengthens the capacity of society and the state during war and recovery. The greatest effect is achieved by combining the network agility of communities with the state’s institutional backbone: minimal standards for data and financial transparency, community‑level coordination hubs, burnout prevention and knowledge management, rapid support instruments (micro‑grants, vouchers), a harmonized set of monitoring indicators, integration of IDPs into managerial and operational roles, and open libraries of templates for initiatives. Such institutionalization – without loss of agility – shifts horizontal mobilization from emergency response to a long‑term societal capability.