Preferred Information Channels of Communication Between Residents and Local Authorities During the War

The article explores the role and development of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Ukrainian territorial communities under wartime conditions. It emphasizes the transformation of organizational activities, communication practices, and interaction between residents and local authorities, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of CSOs as key factors in ensuring community stability. The research focuses on the dynamics of civic engagement, institutional support, and communication mechanisms, particularly the use of information channels for maintaining trust and dialogue between stakeholders during crisis. A central component of the study is the identification of both opportunities and challenges for community-based organizations in supporting democratic values, social cohesion, and effective problem-solving in the face of war-related disruptions. Special attention is given to the institutional environment, the effectiveness of civic initiatives, and the role of local leadership in strengthening participatory governance. To obtain empirical evidence, a sociological survey was conducted in the second half of 2024 among 1,515 residents of eight territorial communities across three regions of Ukraine. The survey collected data on the use of communication channels, trust levels, accessibility barriers, and perceived effectiveness. The methodology combined structured questionnaires based on a Likert scale with semi-structured interviews, enabling both quantitative and qualitative insights into community experiences. This approach provided a comprehensive view of how residents interact with local authorities, which communication tools are considered most reliable, and how social capital is mobilized in times of crisis. The findings contribute to understanding the adaptive capacities of civil society in war conditions, outlining prospects for strengthening institutional resilience, enhancing communication, and developing sustainable models of cooperation between citizens and authorities.