fall in love with russia, ccs webinar presentation
DESCRIPTION
This webinar talks about what makes Russia, the largest country in the world, one of the most mysterious countries too. We will also feature CCS Russia alumni who will share their photos and stories, and answer any questions you might have about CCS and volunteering in Eastern Europe.TRANSCRIPT
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) TomkinDirector of Operations
CCS Russia alum
Kemper (Кемпер) O’NeillProgram Advisor
CCS Costa Rica alum
Joseph (Иосиф) Reeves CCS Russia alum, 2002
Janet (Дженет) DrakeCCS 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 Great1682-1725
Catherine the Great
1682-1725
The end of the Romanov Dynasty
The Romanovs
The RevolutionA 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 Famines1921 & 1932-33The 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 CommunismAfter 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
Яросла́/вль
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
Яросла́/вль
Volunteering in Multiple Placements
Yaroslavl, Russia
Яросла́/вль
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.”
NextSteps
Check out available start dates: www.crossculturalsolutions.org/startdates
Contact a Program Advisor1-800-380-4777, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ESTKemper: [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
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