How to find Ukrainian groups on social media?

Social media has become the main channel through which Ukrainians in Calgary coordinate housing, work, education, volunteering, and leisure activities. Below is a practical guide to help you quickly find and join the most active online communities.

1. Main platforms and their specifics

Platform Why search here Search tips
Facebook Largest groups by number of members; events with tickets; marketplace for rentals 1. In the “Search Facebook” bar, enter “Ukrainians Calgary” or “Ukrainian newcomers YYC”
2. Filter by Groups → Public/Private
Telegram Quick announcements: jobs, furniture, rallies; minimal moderation 1. Open t.me in your browser
2. Add the keywords “YYC,” “Calgary,” “UA” (for example, t.me/UAnewcomers_StStephens)
Instagram Posters for fairs, cultural events; stories with live reports Search for hashtags #yycukrainians, #calgaryukrainian, #yycmarket
WhatsApp “Housing Alerts” and “Jobs” chains – small but very responsive Join via invitation links posted on Facebook groups or on the CFN/CIWA websites
LinkedIn Professional networking, IT and NPO volunteer positions In the Groups section, enter “Ukrainian Professionals Calgary”

2. Directory of the most popular groups (July 2025)

Group/channel name Platform Topic Members
Ukrainian Newcomers in Calgary / Home Facebook Housing, furniture, carpooling 17,700
Ukrainians of Calgary (UCC) Facebook Events, protests, job vacancies 14,200
Ukrainian Women in Calgary Facebook Support for mothers, careers, mentoring 6,300
@UAnewcomers_StStephens Telegram Job openings, church announcements 13,200
@YYCUkrainianMarket Instagram Gastro-fair announcements 7,100
CFN Housing Alerts WhatsApp Urgent apartment requests 2,400
UCPBA Members & Friends LinkedIn Business networking, grants 1,800

3. Step by step: how to search and join

3.1 Facebook

  • In the search bar, type “Ukrainian Calgary” → select Groups.
  • Read the descriptions: look for keywords such as “YYC,” “Calgary,” “UCC,” and “newcomers.”
  • Click Join group; answer the introductory questions (location, compliance with rules).

3.2 Telegram

  1. Open the Telegram app.
  2. In the global search, type: UAnewcomers, YYC, CalgaryUA.
  3. Select the channel → Join.
  4. Turn on “Mute notifications” to avoid overload.

3.3 Instagram

  • In the Search field, enter #yycukrainians → go to the Recent tab.
  • Open the profiles of the most active authors (market, choreography, events).
  • Click Follow + turn on 🔔 Notifications for Stories.

4. Search keys and hashtags

Platform Effective keywords Working hashtags
Facebook Ukrainians Calgary, Ukrainian newcomers YYC, UA Calgary moms —
Telegram UAnewcomers, YYC_UA, CalgaryUA_help —
Instagram — #yycukrainians, #yycuaid, #calgaryukrainian
LinkedIn Ukrainian business Calgary, UCPBA —

5. Etiquette and safety

  • Check administrators: on Facebook — in the About → Moderators section.
  • Do not post personal information (passport, SIN) in open chats.
  • Follow group rules: political debates and irrelevant advertising are prohibited.
  • Report fraud to the admin and use the Report tool.

6. Tips for newcomers

  • Save posts (Save Post / Pin Message) for quick access.
  • Set up Email Summary notifications (Facebook → Settings → Notifications).
  • Search for housing through Facebook Marketplace using the keyword “Ukrainian.”
  • Combine online and offline: many chats organize “coffee+” meetings.

7. Resource aggregators

Website / page What it contains
calgaryucc.ca/community-calendar Single calendar of UCC-Calgary events
uatoabinfo.ca → Social Media Links to provincial FB/Telegram groups
stvlads.com → Social Support Network Directory of support chats + instructions

Conclusion

Calgary's social media offers a full range of Ukrainian communities, from large support groups for newcomers to niche chats for IT professionals and moms on maternity leave. Use the tips and advice provided to quickly find relevant communities and stay up to date on current events and opportunities.