How ENGin Connects Ukrainian Mayors with U.S. Volunteers to Strengthen Civic Leadership and English Skills

When Jim Storbeck joined ENGin as a volunteer in August 2024, he didn’t expect to become a mentor to two Ukrainian public officials. But that’s exactly what happened and what continues to unfold each week on their regular virtual calls.

Jim, a retired American entrepreneur from Auburn, New York, now volunteers his time helping Oleg Sernyak, mayor of Pustomyty in the Lviv region, and Anton, a deputy mayor from another Ukrainian city, improve their English skills and prepare for global civic leadership opportunities. What began as a language exchange has become a cross-border collaboration that’s transforming lives and communities.

And there’s a bonus plot twist: Jim’s two students actually know each other. They met at a government conference, clicked instantly, and now occasionally join joint calls with Jim. Next stop? Washington, D.C., where they’ll reunite at a leadership summit. 

English Lessons That Go Beyond Grammar

Each ENGin session with Jim begins the same way: a 30-minute conversation covering updates from Ukraine and the United States. After that, the trio dives into thought-provoking articles, book excerpts, and curated materials that Jim selects with intention.

“We talk about trade in the EU, local government systems, economic challenges, and leadership practices,” Jim says. 

These topics aren’t just language exercises – they’re tools that help Oleg and Anton in their roles as public leaders.

The group often explores open-ended questions and even reads entire texts aloud together. Occasionally, Jim invites local U.S. mayors to join the Zoom calls, offering his Ukrainian buddies a first-hand glimpse into how American municipal governments operate.

Language as a Gateway to Global Participation

For Oleg, these weekly calls have been a game-changer. “I am no longer nervous when communicating face to face with foreigners and I feel more confident when communicating in English,” he admits.

This growing fluency is timely. Oleg has recently been invited to several leadership events in Europe and the United States. He’s currently preparing for a seven-week English Public Leadership Program with Jim, where part of the training will take place in Washington, D.C.

But it’s not just about confidence. It’s about civic impact.

With stronger English, Oleg can now advocate for his community on global platforms, build partnerships, and bring real change back home to Pustomyty. The ripple effect of one – it can echo through an entire city.

“I've really grown to care a lot about the Ukrainian people and their ongoing plight for independence,” Jim shared.

Supporting Civil Society Through Language Exchange

ENGin’s mission is simple: connect Ukrainians with English-speaking volunteers to build skills, confidence, and global connections. But in matches like Jim’s, the impact reaches even further — into government offices, conference rooms, and communities striving for resilience and independence.

“I sincerely recommend taking an active part in ENGin, because it is important, first of all, to develop yourself and your personal abilities, which will be useful to you personally and to your work environment. In addition, we must remember: how many languages we know - so many times we are human!” Oleg says.

Want to change the world in an hour a week? Join Jim and thousands of others at https://www.enginprogram.org/volunteer

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