Volunteering in Russia: Fall In Love with Russia

Agenda

• Introductions

• Eliminating the Mystery: History of Russia

• Why volunteers always want to return!

(Alumni panel)

• Program Details and CCS Russia Info

• Questions and Answers from Audience

Introductions

Cassandra (Кассандра) Tomkin Director of Operations

CCS Russia alum

Kemper (Кемпер) O’Neill Program Advisor

CCS Costa Rica alum

Joseph (Иосиф) Reeves CCS Russia alum, 2002

Janet (Дженет) Drake CCS Russia alum, 2011

Eliminating the Mystery:

History of Russia “Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery

inside an enigma.” - Winston Churchill

The Romanov family came to power in 1613, and was the second

& last imperial dynasty to rule Russia.

Peter the Great

1682-1725

Catherine the

Great

1682-1725

The end of the

Romanov Dynasty

The Romanovs

The Revolution A series of revolutions ensued in 1917. In October, the Bolshevik

party, led by Lenin, overthrew the government in St. Petersburg.

They later became the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

• A 10-hour workday 6 days a

week was the norm

• Harsh discipline, which could

include beatings

• No ownership of land worked

by the former serfs

• Massive overcrowding – a

1904 survey showed 16

people sharing one

apartment on average

Soviet Rule

Death of people who opposed (or seemed to oppose)

communism and the new party through mass

executions, death camps, or famine.

Russian Famines

1921 & 1932-33

The Russian economy was destroyed, and the Ruble

lost 96% of it’s value. Cities began to run out of food

due to economic decline. Some reports say that famine

was used as a political weapon of control.

The People’s War

Russia was led by Stalin during WWII, who largely ignored the

signs of an impending German attack. In the summer of 1941,

Russia was invaded, first in Leningrad (St. Petersburg).

900 Days & 900 Nights: The Blockade of St. Petersburg

The Fall of Communism After Gorbachev’s failure at perestroika, Yeltsin came into

power and dissolved the USSR.

The 90s: Economic Shocks

• 75% of Russians began

growing their own food to

survive

• Life expectancy dropped

• $1-$2 billion in capital left

Russia each month

• The number of people in

poverty rose from 14 million

to 147 million

Russian Culture

Russian Culture

Russian Culture “The Russian Soul”

“West and east, Pacific and Atlantic, Arctic and tropics,

extreme cold and extreme heat, prolonged sloth and

sudden feats of energy, exaggerated cruelty and

exaggerated kindness, ostentatious wealth and dismal

squalor, violent xenophobia and uncontrollable yearning

for contact with the foreign world, vast power and most

abject slavery, simultaneous love and hate for the same

objects… the Russian does not reject these

contradictions. He has learned to live with them, and in

them. To him, they are the spice of life.”

- George F. Kennan

Russian Climate Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average High Temperature (°F) 17 21 32 48 64 70 74 70 59 45 32 21

Average Low Temperature (°F) 4 3 16 32 43 50 54 51 43 33 22 11

Average Precipitation (mm) 37 27 26 40 52 65 84 64 55 52 46 43

Rainy Days 10 7 8 8 9 10 11 10 10 11 11 12

Why Volunteers Always want to

Return!

Alumni Panel Discussion

CCS in Russia

Yaroslavl, Russia

Яросла́вль

Quick Facts:

•2010 marked the 1000th anniversary!

•Population: 800,000

•Five hours to Moscow

•On the Golden Ring of ancient

Russian cities

•Modern city but lots of natural beauty

and architectural gems

• Volunteer and Intern Abroad

• 2-11 Week Programs

• Lower Program Fee for

2012 Russia enrollments

Yaroslavl, Russia

Яросла́вль Volunteering in

Multiple Placements

Yaroslavl, Russia

Яросла́вль Why Winter Is Better!

• Another chance at Christmas!

Russia Christmas is in January

• Two New Year’s celebrations! • Skiing, sledding and

snowmobile riding • Theatrical season – classical

musicals or Jazz center

performances

• Visits to a local moose farm

“It has changed my life, and anytime someone asks me about it I usually find myself completely speechless. It is something I wish everyone could experience.”

“I had the time of my life. I recommend going to Yaroslavl no matter how young or old you are. It is a hidden treasure in your life waiting to be found.”

Next

Steps

Check out available start dates:

www.crossculturalsolutions.org/startdates

Contact a Program Advisor

1-800-380-4777, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST

Kemper: kemper@crossculturalsolutions.org

Ask personal questions, request alumni references, and get fundraising advice! Next Webinar: Summer Volunteering! www.crossculturalsolutions.org/webinars

Stay In Touch

facebook.com/crossculturalsolutions

twitter.com/volunteerabroad

ccscommunity.org

youtube.com/ccsvolunteerabroad

w w w . c r o s s c u l t u r a l s o l u t i o n s . o r g

Upcoming Info Sessions

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