Russia’s Kemerovo Region Promotes Volunteerism

Kemerovo, Russia - The competition "Kuzbass Volunteer 2013" was held in the Kemerovo region of southwest Siberia from Dec. 17 to 19, 2013. “Kuzbass” is short for Kuzneft Basin and is another term for Kemerovo, one of the largest coal-producing areas of the world. The competition was initiated by Natalia Filimonova and Oksana Kitova, leading experts of the regional Department for Youth and Sports.

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Altogether 130 volunteer organizations, educational institutions and individual volunteers had submitted applications, but only slightly more than 60 applicants could come to present their achievements before the jury. It was the first time that a competition of volunteers was held as a separate event in the region, and it became the first regional forum for volunteers.

On the first day, the internal stage of the competition took place as the jury evaluated presentations of volunteer projects and volunteer candidates who were vying to be awarded the title of "Volunteer of the Year." The second day was dedicated to the education of volunteers. Evgeny Skvortsov, a representative of the UPF-Russia branch for the Ural region, came from the city of Yekaterinburg to give several theoretical and practical lessons, presenting an innovative author's concept of "value-oriented volunteering." Further cooperation with voluntary organizations will be continued through the Internet, because the concept was presented in an abbreviated version due to time limitations, but Mr. Skvortsov’s presentation impressed even experienced volunteers. Many materials are available online at www.sostudent.ru.

On the evening of the second day there was an award ceremony for the winners, but before that the participants, like true volunteers, decorated the stage and prepared the festive program – which helped to create an even friendlier atmosphere. Because of some technical problems, the award ceremony could not start on time, and the participants used the time to discuss the past competition and make valuable suggestions for its improvement.

It is worth mentioning that volunteerism in the Kemerovo region is very well developed, thanks to active cooperation between government, business and volunteer initiatives. There is much to learn, and it makes a good opportunity to experience the friendly family hospitality of Kuzbass miners.