Socio-Political Center of Samara

The center was founded in 1992 and provides office space and support services to political parties, social organizations, ethno-cultural centers, and other NGOs, working with an average of 30 organizations per year. It also acts as a referral service to groups requesting legal advice, program development, and technical consultation. The center gathers and distributes information about political and social organizations in the city and region and prepares analyses of the local political situation.

A recent study conducted by the center examined the behavioral patterns of various social sectors and age groups during a political campaign. The center has concluded from this study that reforms instituted "top-down," from government levels to the general public, are slow and insufficient. Its main goal, therefore, is to support and encourage "bottom-up" informational and educational activities that help society gain an awareness and appreciation of democratic institutions.

The center is currently developing a human rights education program for high school students and adults and is drafting new legislation on self-government in the Samara region, which it will propose to the regional administration. It has also developed a leadership training program on self-government, and established a leadership program for women in order to encourage their political activity.

Last updated:    February 1999

A print version of much of the information contained in this NIS Third Sector Organizations section can be found in the The Post-Soviet Handbook (Seattle and London: University of Washington Press, 1999).

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