I have been a permanent member of IAVE since 2010. In 2015-2018, I served as the national representative for Russia, replacing Galina Bodrenkova on her recommendation, after her several years of successful service in this position. Despite the abolition of the Institute of National Representatives worldwide, I had enough time to gain experience in regional representation at the national level. I learned a lot from Galina and other senior members like Eugen, former European Representative and Vice President. Now I plan to continue my ambassadorial mission on a wider scale, representing the voices of members from European countries on the Board.
What has been done in Russia? I continuously informed the local audience about the benefits of IAVE membership by publishing news on the Russian web portal, writing articles about IAVE membership in printed and electronic bulletins on civil society issues, printing and distributing event leaflets, and other promotional materials about IAVE. I conducted meetings in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, Novosibirsk, Izhevsk, and Ryazan specifically to introduce IAVE to local people and promote the values of membership using approved presentations about IAVE.
In fact, volunteering itself, as well as the number of officially counted volunteers, has increased dramatically in Russia in recent years due to many supportive factors, including long-term active promotion of volunteering, success of various international events held in Russia with volunteers, growth of civil society; increased support from the government, which has recognised volunteers as a real force for healthy change and a factor of resilience. I write books and articles on volunteering and give presentations on volunteering almost every day. I feel that I know a lot, and it’s time to invest this knowledge to bring leadership to the development of the IAVE in Europe. Also, I have always shown a diplomatic approach. This is to build new bridges of understanding, peace, and love.