As a volunteer [14] in Russia, I was frequently asked to speak to youth and educators about community service in the United States. Preparing for these presentations, I reflected on the well-accepted culture of “pitching in” within the US and on the recognized value of service [15] in helping young people develop confidence, a sense of responsibility, practical skills, and a greater awareness of social issues.
While Russians have been helping out their neighbors and other needy citizens for generations, the legacy of the Soviet subbotnik—required “volunteer” work on Saturdays, such as cleaning a schoolyard or planting trees—has muddied modern conceptions of community service. Organized volunteering is far less common than in the West, with just 7 percent of the general population in Russia engaging in community service.
During my work abroad with IREX, I’ve met plenty of passionate, motivated Russians, both young and old, who want to change that. I’m proud to work on our Youth Development Competencies Program (YDCP) [16], which has trained and engaged over 1,000 young people in implementing community projects in 10 regions of Russia, and has supported more than 150 projects to benefit over 20,000 people. Through identifying and implementing their own community service projects, these youth develop valuable skills and attitudes that cannot be learned in the classroom alone.
Olenka Lozbina, from the small town of Ozersk in Chelyabinsk region, is one of these inspiring people and a YDCP participant. Here are Olenka’s thoughts, in her own words, on the impact of service on her own life and plans for the future.
Before I became involved in community service, I never imagined how affected I could be by the curious eyes of children as they sat, open-mouthed, listening to my stories about the history of our small city. It all began on the day that I learned about community service projects and realized that this was where I would direct my energy. For the first time, I felt something really important start to light up in my heart.
As a future graduate of one of the best schools in our town, I want to make our community, Ozersk, attractive for young people. How many first-graders, or even children in general, know the history of their own town? Probably not too many, I figured. Walking around the streets of our community, kids may not know that a particular street was named in honor of a famous scientist, or that there are many other places here that we should be proud of.
The community service project “Ozersk – My Little Homeland” helped me share a lot of new and interesting things with younger children in my town. The other volunteers and I spent a lot of time preparing. Finally, one beautiful summer day, we were ready to implement the project with younger kids in the form of a historical trivia quiz about our town.
Standing before an unfamiliar audience, at first I was struck with fear: “What if it doesn't go as we planned?” But seeing the curiosity in the kids' eyes, I felt a new wave of strength. I had never gotten so much joy before from seeing other people's smiles and their childlike curiosity. That day I was full of pride for my idea for the project, and for the younger kids who learned a little about the beauty of their small town, Ozersk.
After implementing this community service project successfully and meeting new people, I really realized what it means to serve others and make them happy. Service makes your soul lighter and puts a real smile on your face.
I'm sad that after finishing school I have to leave to study in a different town. After all, it was here in my hometown, Ozersk, that I decided to become a doctor, a profession that will allow me to continue serving others. But I'll return home to Ozersk, because I love my small, beautiful town!