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The stories we hear from our volunteers about Russia are always the same -- how friendly, warm, safe, and welcoming the experience is. One phrase always stands out: “I have to come back.” This webinar talks about what makes the largest country in the world, also one of the most mysterious countries. There's also an alumni panel discussion with CCS Russia alumni Joseph Reeves (four-week volunteer) and Janice Drake (two-week volunteer).
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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: [email protected]
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
• San Diego, CA – 2/18
• Virginia Beach, VA – 2/19
• Manhattan, NY – 2/26
• St. Louis, MO – 2/27
• Philadelphia, PA – 3/7
• Toronto, ON – 3/16