It’s not just about money: Educating the generations as another side to business

 

12.11.2024

 

Article published on the Russian Federation’s Civic Chamber website

 

A corporate social programme competition has been launched in the Civic Chamber.

 

The relationship between business and the social sector was highlighted during a presentation and launch of a corporate social programme competition “Adult businesses: The role of business in education” in the Civic Chamber on 5 November.

 

Business is not just about making money but also an important part of the education process, said Elena Rodionova, First Deputy Chair of the Federation’s Civic Chamber Commission on Volunteerism and Youth Policy.

 

She explained that the contest was held for the first time last year when 40 finalists presented their project ideas to the Civic Chamber. This year, leading public figures, major CSO representatives, the Immortal Regiment of Russia, Volunteers of Victory and Opora Rossii (The All-Russian CSO of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) have been invited to help with the evaluation of competition entries.

 

“In launching the contest, we are emphasising the very thin line that exists between the social and business sectors. Yes, the goals are different but the skill sets are the same. This is a very exciting endeavour – not so much a business initiative but one that involves real social responsibility”, said Rodionova.

 

The involvement of business in the education of younger people is a job for the older generation, said Yuri Krivov, Director of Regional and Social Projects at the TVEL Joint Stock Company. He hopes that businesses will help in creating an environment in which the skills and experience of older people are valued by both children and young people alike.

 

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be the subjects that usually crop up in career advice discussions, which we are very familiar with and always pursue for obvious reasons. But they can also be special projects that involve working with children of our own employees – both long-term and on a systematic basis. There are many such precedents in this country. I’d like to summarise and generalise them as examples of best practice, then disseminate them among colleagues from the entrepreneur sector”, said Krivov.

 

Krivov also suggested the possibility of setting up social partnership projects that involve businesses, CSOs, local communities and local autonomous organisations.

 

Natalya Shadrina, Chair of the Immortal Regiment of Russia’s Executive Committee, acknowledged the involvement of companies in preserving historical memories. For example, enthusiastic young employees continue to carry out their companies’ civil society activities with the help of trade unions and community organisations. In her view, attitudes towards a worker are changing which can be seen in company museums that highlight their employees’ achievements.

 

“In the past, young people only wanted to be lawyers or economists but now, as the President has said, all this is changing. An image of a worker is being created which can act as the benchmark for all young employees”, said Shadrina.

 

Referring to the involvement of businesses in the Immortal Regiment of Russia CSO, Shadrina quoted the example of placing banners depicting people who participated in the Great Patriotic War on public transport.

 

“The traffic police, emergency and municipal services, the Federal Inspectorate of Road Safety, water and air transport all took part in this initiative. Having these heroes shown on our banners will help attract new members to our movement”, she said.

 

A community of entrepreneurs has grown in Opora Rossii, said Sergey Golubev, Chair of the organisation’s Commission on Social Entrepreneurship. “Its creation is important as money shows just how effective you are. Our main objective is doing business. And in this context, of course, having goals and values is necessary because we do other things as well as making money”, he said.

 

“An example of the contribution made by business is the work of a number of developers who have built neighbourhoods and associated educational infrastructure, right down to providing regular school routes and building children’s playgrounds that are handy, enjoyable and beneficial”, said Golubev.

 

Golubev also said that a young employee in his company would have its values explained to him or her. “Being brought up to suit yourself cannot be seen as nurturing. The way a business conducts itself is also important – if an enterprise doesn’t start educating by promoting true values, it won’t be around for long”, he said.

 

Volunteers of Victory are often company employees, said its deputy director Valeria Revyakina. “Teams from city businesses often come to our centres to offer help to the Immortal Regiment and are also involved in activities such as distributing St George’s ribbons”, she said.

 

Companies also help with volunteer visits to veterans and provide the former with transport and gifts.

 

Source: https://www.oprf.ru/news/ne-pro-dengi-vospitanie-pokoleniy-kak-obratnaya-storona-biznesa