10th edition of Volunteer Project Fair
The fair attracted over 110 attendees, who signed up as volunteers, while participants immersed themselves in the atmosphere of active community engagement, learned about existing volunteer initiatives, and selected projects that matched their interests. Everyone had the chance to join a cause that can make a positive impact on lives.
The event, hosted at Naringi Café, featured 35 projects presented by coordinators and co-coordinators from various RVC programs, covering crucial topics such as helping children and the elderly, environmental conservation, and animal protection.
The event’s program kicked off with the project fair at 12:00 PM, followed by the first session at 12:30 PMtitled "Volunteering as a Path to Personal Growth", where psychologist and business coach Lyudmila Semina-Gitsushared how participation in volunteer projects fosters self-confidence and opens new personal and professional horizons.
At 1:30 PM, the second session, "Vintage: Fashion and Conscious Consumption," took place, led by stylist, blogger, and entrepreneur Alexandra Kiseeva. She spoke about how mindful shopping and clothing choices contribute to sustainable development and reduce harm to the environment.
At 2:30 PM, RVC coordinator Ekaterina Labunets hosted a session titled "Social Projects: What Are They?", explaining how volunteer initiatives help solve pressing societal issues and how everyone can contribute to improving the lives of those around them.
The final session of the day started at 3:30 PM—"How Volunteering Opens Educational Horizons"—featuring Anna Manvelova, coordinator of the Call Center, and Maria Russkikh, an employee of American Councils for International Education. They discussed the opportunities volunteering provides for expanding educational prospects, including international programs such as FLEX.
The event emphasized the importance of volunteering for both personal and professional growth. The full program featured discussions on how volunteering contributes to skill development and self-realization, sustainable development through conscious consumption, and the potential for gaining international educational experience. Central themes included modern trends in volunteer activities aimed at addressing current social and environmental challenges. Attendees learned how volunteering can help balance work and studies, as well as participate in family-based initiatives.
This event served as a valuable opportunity to share experiences, explore volunteer initiatives, and see how, over the past 10 years, more than 700 projects and 3,400 volunteers have worked together to create a better future for all of us.