The past, present, and future of the volunteer movement in Russia

the study examines the phenomenon of the volunteer movement in modern Russia as a key element of civil society and an indicator of the level of social consolidation. The purpose of the work is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the historical, institutional, and sociocultural aspects of the development of volunteering in Russia, to identify the factors that determine its dynamics, and to outline the prospects for its further development. The research objectives included studying the stages of formation of the volunteer movement, analyzing its legal and organizational foundations, and exploring the motivational and value-based characteristics of citizens’ participation in volunteer activities. The methodological framework is based on historical-comparative, institutional, and sociocultural approaches, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, and forecasting, which made it possible to capture the multilayered nature of volunteering. The results of the study show that the volunteer movement in Russia has evolved from religious and moral charity and ideologically driven Soviet voluntarism to a modern, institutionalized form of civic engagement. The practical significance of the work lies in the potential application of its conclusions to improve state policies supporting volunteerism, to develop educational programs that encourage youth involvement, and to strengthen mechanisms of cooperation between the state, society, and business. The study emphasizes the role of volunteering as an instrument of social stability, the development of civic responsibility, and the consolidation of Russian society.

volunteering, civil society, social activity, voluntarism, institutionalization, social consolidation