Engaging Students from Different Regions of the Russian Federation in Volunteering Activities

Abstract

Volunteering activities are a tool of moral upbringing that may help to develop fundamental values in young people. University students are a social stratum at the stage of active life and professional self-identification. Volunteering activities develop positive attitude in resisting the destructive influence of various socio-economic and political conditions. The article describes the educational potential of volunteering and charity work as a tool of moral development in university students. It identifies the concepts of volunteering activity and educational opportunities of volunteering, as well as describes the history of charity and volunteerism in Russia. The authors systematized modern volunteering activities depending on the educational, cultural, and innovative potential, motivation being the key resource. The case study featured volunteering experience at the Donetsk State Pedagogical University, Gorlovka, and the branch of the Kuzbass State Technical University, Prokopyevsk. The survey involved 200 students (18–25 y.o.) from both universities. Both groups revealed the same trend manifested in adequate understanding of the goals of volunteering and its social significance. Volunteering activities proved to be an effective means of moral upbringing, socialization, and self-identification in university students.

Keywords

• university students
• volunteering activities
• volunteer
• social activity
• charity
• civic stance
• patriotism
• self-expression
• self-realization