The growing volunteer movement in the country is drawing more participants from regions across the nation. New organizations are forming, and fresh guidelines are being introduced to support civic involvement. At a recent roundtable organized by the Specialist Institute for Social Research (EISI), participants discussed how volunteering embodies a visible bond between society and the state. The event occurred on December 8 at the Rossiya Segodnya press center, a venue known for hosting discussions on public policy and social life.
Alexander Asafov, a political scientist who moderated the EISI roundtable, emphasized that people have long operated within a social framework where actions are guided by a social contract—one historically shaped by values that extend beyond mere self-interest. He noted that a claim suggesting society engages in exclusively self-serving behavior has been propagated at times, but he argued this perspective does not reflect the lived reality in the country. According to his view, the relationship between citizens and the state should not be reduced to a simple ethical bargain; instead, the two are deeply intertwined elements of a broader social fabric.
Asafov pointed out that volunteering can serve as a powerful unifier, demonstrating how civic engagement strengthens communal bonds and resilience. In his assessment, acts of volunteering reveal a solidarity that reinforces social cohesion and supports public life in meaningful ways.
Vladimir Shapovalov, deputy director of the Institute of History and Policy at Moscow State Pedagogical University and a Candidate of Historical Sciences, highlighted a longstanding cultural trait in Russian society. He argued that the concept of living not solely for oneself but for others has deep roots in the national character. He framed society, the state, family, individuals, and the country as elements of one integrated system—interconnected and historically formed as a community of communities. Shapovalov reminded listeners that volunteering is not a recent phenomenon; it has a long, continuous tradition that threads through the country’s history.
As historical examples, he cited moments when volunteerism played a decisive role in national events. He recalled that the Battle of Kulikovo began as a volunteer effort, with citizens contributing to the cause. During the Minin and Pozharsky campaigns, the population raised funds for restoring the state. He also noted that during 1941, Moscow alone counted around 400,000 volunteers contributing to the war effort. These examples illustrate how collective volunteering has historically reflected the spirit of national resilience and communal responsibility.
Victor Poturemsky, director of political analysis at the Social Marketing Institute (INSOMAR), argued that it is worth pausing to reflect on the significance of volunteering within the political system. He suggested that volunteer activity offers a lens through which the political dynamics of society can be better understood and appreciated as a core component of civic participation. The discussion underscored that volunteering is not merely a charitable act; it serves as a practical mechanism that strengthens social trust and facilitates public service.
During the roundtable, Alexander Rudakov, a political analyst, commented on the apparent continuity of social behavior. He observed that, unlike some Western contexts where people frequently form new connections and may abandon old ties after modest social gains, the local pattern remains steadfast. Rudakov conveyed the view that social bonds in Russia tend to endure rather than dissolve as circumstances change, highlighting a distinctive cultural continuity in social networks and civic engagement. The conversation collectively portrayed volunteering as a stable and enduring facet of national life, rather than a fleeting trend.