State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Field of Volunteerism: Institutional Foundations

Abstract

The article reveals essential characteristics and results of institutional foundations evolution of the Russian Federation public policy in the field of volunteering. The authors identify four stages in formation and development of institutional framework for regulation of the institution of volunteerism: the stage of implementation of Western norms and experiences (1990-1995); the stage of creating of legal norms for regulation of volunteering and orientation of volunteerism to the performance of significant social functions (1995-2005); the stage of integrating volunteering into long-term state development programs and expanding the practice of volunteer activity (2006-2018); the stage of consolidating national priorities in the field of volunteerism and formalizing it as a unified system of civic activities and intersectoral interaction (2018 - to date). The authors conclude that a national model for development of volunteerism has been already created in modern Russia. This model integrates ideological, legal, social, political, managerial and economic components; ensures close interaction between volunteer structures and public authorities. Prospects for institutional development of volunteerism are associated with formalization and generalization of practices that take shape in conditions of socio-political crises based on Russian civic identity. They are focused on mass participation of citizens of various ages, motivated by humanistic and civic motives.