Volunteer movement in Russia gains official legal status
26 January 2018 will become a significant date in the history of the volunteer movement in Russia — on this date the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted in its third reading the Federal Act "On amendments in certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation on volunteering issues". The legislation aimed to regulate the volunteering movement in Russia was developed by order of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
"The adoption of the federal law on volunteering is a significant milestone in the history of this movement and an important step in development of the Russian civil society. We are pleased the impressive experience in the field of volunteering gained over the past decade is translated in the legislative. I am glad to represent the Tatarstan team with whom we've been working closely on development of the volunteering movement since 2009. Our experience is translated into the present amendments, which means that the best practices will be shared across the country. We couldn't think of a better start of the Year of Volunteers! I am sure that during this year, a number of opportunities will be created in our country to enable everyone not only become a volunteer but also realize how important, popular and respected today those who are ready to sincerely help their country," noted Deputy Director General of the Directorate for Sports and Social Projects, member of Coordinating Commission on volunteering development of the Russian Federation Public Chamber, Alexander Karpov.
The main purpose of the law is to create a unique legislation approach in volunteering regulation. Introducing of amendments will provide clear and precise mechanisms of interaction between volunteers, organizers of volunteer activities, beneficiaries, federal and regional executive authorities, and bodies of municipal self-governments. it will also assure the legal protection of the volunteers including non-material needs and additional garantees. For instance, now the general requirements of contract with a volunteer are set: food and water supply, life and health insurance, equipment, uniform, items of individual protection and other provisions are established on a legal level.
A notion of "volunteering", general legal status of volunteers, and volunteer organizations are now officially determined. General rights and obligations of volunteer movement members are identified in a special paragraph.
In addition, extended powers were given to authorities in the field of volunteering which creates legal grounds for funds allocations, projects delivery, and creation of State programmes supporting volunteering movement. For further implementation, the Regulation of the interaction between government authorities and volunteer organizations will be created on both federal and government levels.
We recall that in accordance with the Presidential Decree №583 of 6 December 2017, the year 2018 has been declared the Year of Volunteers. A number of events aimed to enhance and support volunteering will be organised during this year across all the regions of the Russian Federation.