Information of the activities of Perm Memorial and its youth organization

Center for the support of democratic initiatives (Youth Memorial)

One aim of the Center is the development of volunteer movement in Perm , surrounding cities and in other regions of Russia . One of our constant partners is the German organization “Aktion Suehnezeichen Friedensdienste” (ASF). The best-known joint project is an international summer-camp, which is usually prepared by both organizations and carried out at the beginning of August. The goal of these camps is to help a number of elderly people (veterans of the Second World War, victims of the genocide, victims of political vengeance and former “Ostarbeiter” (captured people forced to work for Germany during WWII). Since 2002 Memorial and ASF have been arranging joint international summer-camps with in Perm or the Perm region. The volunteers are mostly from Russia , Germany and Belarus but also from other countries.

The task of the summer-camps: The participants decorate the flats of elderly people, who have suffered of the political repression. The work includes painting the walls, ceilings, floors, window frames. As not everyone is familiar with this craft, so the leaders form little teams of 3 or 4 with at least one, who has already gathered some experience in it and can teach them. Thus all the participants need is diligence, responsibility and patience.

In 2004 the volunteers decorated the flats of 6 people in ten days in Berezniki , Perm region. In 2005 they did another 5 in Perm and although for the majority of the volunteers it was the first experience in the art of flat decoration, the flat-owners were happy with the result and welcomed their eagerness.

The framework of the summer-camps: It contains talks with witnesses, meetings with interesting people, discussions about current issues, sightseeing in Perm , visiting its places of interest. The camps celebrate the feeling of friendship, optimism and open mind.

In 2005 the volunteers visited Perm , the nearby monastery of Belogorsky and the museum of political repression Perm 36. After this they spent one night in tents at the bank of the river Chusavaja and had a boat-trip on the river Kama . Apart from that the volunteers watched educational films made by Memorial, met many constant volunteers of Perm and took part in several projects and competitions.

The financial aspect of the summer-camps: Most of the spending (framework, materials, accommodation) is taken over by ASF. A certain part of the transportation and the nourishment costs is carried by Memorial. The participants have to pay for their own arrival and departure and make a contribution to the camp-fund, which is meant for common use.

The participation in the summer-camps: A formal registration as a volunteer is required by ASF ( www.asf-ev.de ). Memorial Perm guarantees a punctual invitation for getting the visa. The journey to Perm can be planned individually or in a group, which depends on everyone's preferences.

Other projects: The Youth Memorial invites volunteers to take part in its other projects:

-Two summer-camp in Perm 36, where the participants help to build the museum in the former political prison (July and August).

-Two search expeditions “Memory Rivers”, in which volunteers travel to the different parts of Perm region, exploring former political prison sites of GULAG and gathering of oral history speaking to witnesses and former detainees (May and July).

Headquarters in Germany : More information is available at our partner's office: Memorial Berlin. Contact person: Manuela Putz (manuska@gmx.net).

Memorial Perm

Center for the Support of Democratic Youth Initiatives (Youth Memorial)

614070 Perm , Russia , Ul. Krupskoy 40

tel/fax (007)342-248-35-96, (007)342-248-35-98,

e-mail: pmem@yandex.ru