Fall in Love with Russia, CCS Webinar Presentation

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 “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

Why Volunteers Always want to Return! Alumni Panel Discussion

CCS in Russia

Yaroslavl, Russia Яросла́вль
Quick Facts:
2010 marked the 1000 th 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_address] Ask personal questions, request alumni references, and get fundraising advice! Next Webinar: Summer Volunteering! www.crossculturalsolutions.org/webinars www.crossculturalsolutions.org
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
Stay In Touch facebook.com/crossculturalsolutions twitter.com/volunteerabroad ccscommunity.org youtube.com/ccsvolunteerabroad

Fall in Love with Russia, CCS Webinar Presentation

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