Experts of the Expert Institute for Social Research discussed volunteering in Russia
Specialists of the Expert Institute for Social Research discussed the volunteer movement in Russia and measures to support it by the State Duma of the eighth convocation.
The event was attended by deputies of the new wave and experts. Among them were the director of political analysis of INSOMAR Viktor Poturemsky, chairman of the State Duma committee on youth policy Artem Metelev, deputy chairman of the State Duma committee on the development of civil society, issues of public and religious associations, head of the central headquarters of the All-Russian public movement “Victory Volunteers” Olga Amelchenkova, the first Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy, Head of the ONF Youth Committee Igor Kastyukevich, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Ecology, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Zhanna Ryabtseva and Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Property, Land and Property Relations Vladimir Samokish. The discussion was moderated by Daria Kislitsyna, head of the department of regional programs of the institute.
Olga Amelchenkova spoke about the principles and formats of the work of the new wave of deputies: openness and accessibility for their voters, focus on effective problem solving.
“Volunteering and the work of a deputy are one and the same, because our common goal is to help people,” she said.
Zhanna Ryabtseva agreed with this statement.
“People see the main thing in the deputies of the new wave – our election to the State Duma was not for the sake of a mandate, but for the sake of specific deeds.”
Vladimir Samokish spoke about the importance of effectively solving social problems. In his opinion, one of the main tasks of the new wave of deputies is the formation of integrated horizontal ties between young deputies, which will help to resolve the population's problems much faster and better.
“When we took part in the elections to the State Duma, we knew for sure that we would not stop engaging in social activities,” said Artem Metelev.
He spoke about measures to support volunteerism. Among them, for example, life and health insurance for volunteers and the opening of volunteer “Dobro.Center” in all cities of Russia.
Igor Kastyukevich spoke about the need to ensure the activities of organizations involved in the development of volunteering in the regions.
Viktor Poturemsky summed up that the idea of serving volunteering is now becoming an important criterion for selecting political forces, especially during a pandemic. The expert concluded that volunteering reflects the demand of people for solidarity and a common destiny, and the deputies of the new wave react to it.
“For the development of the volunteer movement and the qualitative renewal of the State Duma, a very correct tripartite combination has developed. It included an increase in the willingness of citizens to volunteer, support from regional and federal authorities, as well as a public request for assistance to each other in a pandemic, “said Daria Kislitsyna.