IRI Holds Youth Forum

May 14, 2005

May 14-15 – IRI conducted a youth forum in the city of Perm together with leading pro-democracy parties to encourage political activism among youth. Approximately 300 Russian university students attended the event where they received training on topics including:

• How to become an elected official
• How to understand political opposition
• How government works
• How young people can be involved in decision-making
• How to develop volunteer organizations
• How to start a business
• How to become a good journalist and
• How to protect the environment

Leaders of political party youth, student groups, and human rights movements shared their experiences of successful organization building. Local leaders of youth organizations in Perm also shared insights on how today's youth can become active citizens to improve life in Perm.

The forum was attended by the vice governor of Perm and future head of the Union of Right Forces National Party, Nikita Belykh. Many participants formed informal working groups to continue projects conceived during the event. Representatives of youth organizations and political parties recruited new members and students learned they were not alone in their efforts to protect democratic ideals in Russia.

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