10.03.2020
Entry into the Russian Geographical Society. Russian Geographical Society. How to join it? How to join the Russian Geographical Society
Celebrated its 170th anniversary. Founded in the first half of the century before last, it is a unique phenomenon, since it has never ceased its functions during all this time. Thus, it is a kind of connecting link between Tsarist Russia, Soviet Union and modern Russia.
Mission of the Society
Since its founding in 1845, the Russian Geographical Society, which, by the way, anyone can join, has had as its task “to gather and direct the best young forces of the country to a comprehensive study of their native land.” Therefore, any adult person who has such an aspiration as the goal of his life can join the ranks of this worthy organization. We’ll talk about the conditions for entry in the article, but a little later.
Story
First, let's take a look at the historical perspective that led the Society to its milestone anniversary. Immediately at the base it launched a stormy research activities throughout our vast country. This was accompanied by numerous expeditions to the most remote corners Russian Empire, extensive educational activities, since its members were the most famous travelers of that time. Among them are such pillars as Przhevalsky, Semenov-Tien-Shansky, Obruchev, Miklouho-Maclay, Berg and many others.
Another important part of the Society’s activities was cooperation with navy Russia. By the way, it included many famous admirals of that time. Not to mention such creators as Aivazovsky and Vereshchagin. As a result, the Society began to have divisions in many remote regions, for example, the Caucasus, Siberian, Amur, Northwestern and many others were formed. Each of them was active in their assigned regions. This is how the Russian Geographical Society steadily developed and grew.
Festival
It is impossible not to say a few words about an interesting phenomenon associated with the development of the Society. The fact is that in 2014 the Russian Geographical Society festival was held in Moscow. His main task was to show all facets of the Society’s activities. Considering that there are branches of the Russian Geographical Society in eighty-five constituent entities Russian Federation, and each of them is engaged in various projects dedicated to the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage of the regions in which it is represented, it should be said that there was plenty of information presented at the festival. Modern technologies allowed us to show the public such interesting aspects of the work as traveling on North Pole, diving to the bottom of the famous Baikal, studying the remains of mammoths and many other areas of activity for which the Russian Geographical Society is responsible. In the end, the festival was a great success.
And finally, let's return to the question raised by the title of the article. Obviously, it is not necessary to be a professional traveler or geographer if someone is thinking about how to join the Russian Geographical Society.
How to join
In fact, as already mentioned, you don't have to be anything out of the ordinary to do this. A member of the Society must be at least 18 years old and can be a citizen of any country, regardless of nationality or religion. The most important thing is to study and recognize its charter, as well as contribute to the implementation of its objectives. This, in fact, is all that the Russian Geographical Society requires. How to join, by the way, is described in detail in the corresponding section of the Russian Geographical Society website.
Entry procedure
Let's consider the procedure for joining general outline. After familiarizing yourself with the charter and regulations of the Society, you should select a regional branch, contact its chairman or the person who represents the Russian Geographical Society. How to join it? You can also get answers to questions related to this by calling the all-Russian number 8-800-700-1845.
Next, you need to fill out an application, to which you should attach color photo 3 by 4 centimeters. It is submitted to the selected regional office. After which the future member of the Society becomes a candidate. Now you need to wait six months to receive confirmation of admission. Finally, when a person is admitted to the Society, he must pay a membership fee in the amount of one thousand rubles, for which he is issued a ticket of the established form.
Subsequently, it must be extended by paying three hundred rubles per year. This procedure is proposed by the Russian Geographical Society. We figured out how to join. At this point, our acquaintance with the Russian Geographical Society can be considered complete. Next, apparently, you should think about how you can express yourself as a member of this unusual and long-existing community. We wish success in this, dear readers!
The Russian Humanist Society has opened an account in the Yandex-Money payment system to collect membership fees and donations. Our Yandex wallet number:
410011691260251
Money is needed, at a minimum, for the annual fee for membership in the International Humanistic and Ethical Union, for maintaining the RGS websites and for holding summer events: RGS conferences and celebrations world day humanism. The annual membership fee is 1000 rubles or 100 rubles per month.
Those wishing to join the Russian Geographical Society can view or download the attached sample application. Please send the completed application form to or This address Email protected from spam bots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sample application for membership in the Russian Humanist Society:
To the Interregional public organization for promoting the development of humanism “Russian Humanistic Society”
From_____________________________________________________________________________
(full full name)
residing at_______________________________________________________
address with postal code, telephone number, email address
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-
STATEMENT
I ask you to accept me as a member of the Interregional public organization for promoting the development of humanism “Russian Humanistic Society”. I share the basic principles and statutory goals of the Organization.
1. Place of work and position__________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. I share the principles of the “Manifesto of Russian Humanists”.
3. I undertake to pay regularly membership fee.
_________________ _________________ signature date
1. Interregional public organization promoting the development of humanism “Russian Humanistic Society”, hereinafter referred to as the “Organization”, is a membership-based voluntary, self-governing, non-profit organization created on the initiative of citizens united on the basis of common interests to realize common goals defined by this Charter.
II. Goals and subject of the Organization’s activities
9. The goals of creating the Organization are:
Promoting the development of humanism, including the development, dissemination and approval in Russian society of the ideas of secular, civil humanism, and free-thinking;
Promoting the study of the principles of scientific-atheistic and other forms of non-religious worldview (rationalism, skepticism, agnosticism, indifferentism towards religion).
10. To achieve the statutory goals, the Organization, in accordance with the current legislation of the Russian Federation:
1) carries out educational activities on its topic;
2) promotes the dissemination and protection of the values of humanism - freedom, non-violence, human dignity, mercy, equality and social justice;
3) promotes the unification of people who share the ideas and principles of humanism;
4) promotes the development of educational and educational programs that cultivate thinking and psychology common sense, scientific character, objectivity and humanity;
5) promotes scientific research various forms fanaticism, mysticism, traditional and non-traditional forms of religious worldview, superstition, other unscientific or anti-scientific ideology and practice;
6) organizes the holding scientific study and independent examination of statements about paranormal, mysterious and mystical phenomena in order to determine their real reliability;
7) organizes and conducts conferences and seminars on its topics;
8) interacts with interested funds mass media for the purpose of promoting the values of secular, civil humanism;
9) establishes contacts with interested state and non-state institutions and organizations on their topics;
10) establishes and develops cooperation with interested Russian and international public associations, sharing the ideas of secular, civil and secular humanism...
As an amateur local historian and travel blogger, I regularly monitor the Internet for materials on the history and geography of the Irtysh region. And I somehow came across the website of the Omsk department of the Russian Geographical Society. I came across it a long time ago, but it was one thing or another, so I only got acquainted with its contents today.
And I felt somehow sad and despondent.
In chapter "About the department" I read: “Today the members of the branch are 220 people. These are geographers, historians, ethnographers, archaeologists, hydrologists, climatologists, doctors, zoologists, botanists, soil scientists, economists, journalists, engineers, teachers, geologists, museum workers, etc. Among them are students more than 70 doctors and candidates of science, more than 30 geography teachers, deputy ministers, ministers, Prime Minister Omsk region, State Duma deputy".
Impressive, right? 220 people and the entire Chairman of the Government of the Omsk Region. Two companies of geographers and an attached field marshal general. What does this community of famous and respected people, most of whom are burdened with academic degrees and titles, do? Expeditions? Filming documentaries? Publishing fascinating books and colorful magazines? Seems Yes. Or not?
I quote: “This composition allows us to consider a variety of problems in the field of environmental management, nature conservation, economics, history and culture. Members of the Branch make presentations and annually submit a report on their activities. Every year the department holds 8–9 meetings and sessions, at each of which several problems are considered, both from the field of geography and from related ones scientific disciplines. The topics of meetings and reports are formed according to the principle of relevance.”
No, it's not National Geographic, it's much worse. No, the Omsk department of the Russian Geographical Society produces books and films, but of such quality and such a circulation that it doesn’t even occur to us to talk about it seriously. It is clear that the Russian Geographical Society has no money, no appropriate equipment, no intelligent operators and photographers (by the way, why?). But, in my opinion, the Russian Geographical Society also has no desire to release a product that is even remotely similar to the work of their colleagues from the decaying West. So, judging by the website, the main activity of Omsk geographers is participation in get-togethers, which we don’t understand where they take place and we don’t understand who needs them.
I open the section "Expeditions" . Do you know how many expeditions under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society were carried out over last years? 8! Letters – eight! No, there were probably more such expeditions, but only eight are mentioned on the site (why?). And the expeditions themselves are described rather strangely. Most of the reports are just some terrible three-paragraph trash written by rural schoolchildren, with one or two muddy photographs attached. Here, for example, “Summer expedition of young geologists to the Irtysh-Om canal” - it’s impossible to read this without tears. “The expedition participants also noted positive aspects”, “The expedition participants unanimously came to the conclusion” and other similar nightmares. I won’t even write anything about the quality and quantity of photographs, I’ll just show two pictures for comparison.
Here is a typical photo from the National Geographic website (Boris Kassal cries burning tears of envy):
And here is a typical photo from the website of Omsk geographers:
Guys, but you can’t do that! This is not a report on the expedition, this is a note for the school wall newspaper. Moreover, not in modern times, but in the Soviet period.
Chapter "Cases and Projects" . Who can guess the number? Okay, I won't play comrade omchanin with its mysteries. The Omsk department of the Russian Geographical Society has as many as 4 (four) projects. Although, to be fair, the projects are not bad - here you have the installation of the sign “Geographical center of the Omsk region” in the Kolosovsky district, and the concept of creating National Park in Muromtsevo, and survey of Lake Ebeity. All of this, without a doubt, is useful and necessary. But why are there so few of them? And how many people actually made them? 10? 20? 50? Where are the other 200 geographers? Where are these doctors and candidates of science, journalists, ethnographers, archaeologists and other lovers of their native land?
Chapter "Publications" – 6 (six!) books. Some are interesting. I was especially interested in the work entitled “I’ll Get Off at Mangut Station” - “The authors managed to create a warm, lovingly written story about native land. In August 2010, a presentation of the book took place in the local library, where fellow villagers, characters of the book, authors, guests, representatives of local and district administrations gathered. The presentation was led by F.I. Novikov, Deputy Chairman of the Omsk regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society. Those present expressed sincere words gratitude to the initiator and organizer of the publication of the book, Lidia Dmitrievna Malkovich. She was presented with certificates of honor from the Omsk regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society and from the Public Chamber of the Omsk Region.”
Why do I, an ordinary amateur, need this information? Blah blah blah and blah blah blah. I am only interested in mice, their cost and where to buy two things - where the said book is sold and how much it costs. Although no, I’m still interested in why this book is not on the Internet in electronic form and freely available? And why isn’t an electronic copy of the “Encyclopedia of the Omsk Region” freely available? paper version sold for 2,700 rubles? And anyway - why only 6 books? Doesn’t it seem to the Omsk department of the Russian Geographical Society that this is not enough?
It's sad, girls. At the oldest public scientific organization Omsk, with which such greats as Przhevalsky and Semyonov-Tyan-Shansky, Potanin and Yadrintsev, Valikhanov and Pevtsov, Obruchev and Dokuchaev collaborated, has neither a normal website, nor visible results of work, nor a desire to change anything. There are only meaningless meetings, presentations certificates of honor and reports “on current topics.”
Every person has heard at least once about the activities of the Russian Geographical Society, but not everyone is interested in it. It seems very in vain. Chairman of the Krasnodar regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society, deputy and member of the UNESCO center Ivan Chaika told our magazine about rich history And modern capabilities Society.
Ivan, tell us how the history of the Russian Geographical Society began?
The Russian Geographical Society is the oldest public organization in Russia and one of the oldest geographical societies in the world. On August 18, 1845, the decree on its creation was signed by Emperor Nicholas I, and headed by Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich Romanov. IN different time the trustees and members of the Russian Geographical Society were representatives of the most eminent families of Russia and foreign countries. Thanks to them active participation In his activities, unique expeditions were organized and important discoveries were made.
But the actual leaders of the organization were famous researchers such as P.P. Semenov, F.P. Litke and many other glorious sons of our Fatherland. In general, the origins of the Russian Geographical Society were the most leading military admirals and sailors, scientists, intellectuals, public figures, who understood that for the development of our country it is necessary to conduct research on its vast expanses and resources, it is necessary to create our own cartography and navigation system.
And what is the Society doing now?
Today, the Russian Geographical Society is a powerful and authoritative organization that is known not only in Russia, but also far beyond its borders. The main goal of the Society today is to study and popularize the natural and historical heritage of Russia and consolidate social forces in this direction. Branches of the Russian Geographical Society operate in almost all regions of our country. The Society is headed by Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu, and the board of trustees is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
What is your assessment of the activities of the modern Russian Geographical Society?
Very positive. In fact, the Society in Lately a lot has been done. This includes the reconstruction of the historical building of the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg, and the restoration of the unique library and museum exhibits of the Russian Geographical Society. A single website was launched and informational portal organization and all regional divisions. The Board of Trustees was revived and a wide variety of projects were implemented, which received the support of the Russian Geographical Society. Regional branches began to develop. All this gives us the right to claim that we have achieved high quality new stage in the life of the Russian Geographical Society and, of course, this became possible largely thanks to the efforts of the leadership of our organization.
As far as I know, you are the youngest head of the regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society?
This is true. But this does not interfere with work in any way, and the energy of youth only serves as a good help for knowledge and acquired experience.
How long have you been with the Society? When and why were you elected chairman of the Krasnodar regional branch?
I have been a member of the Russian Geographical Society for 11 years. I joined the organization back in student years. I was very interested in the activities of the Society, especially expeditions, hikes, and social events. He got to work fairly quickly.
In 2002, on my initiative, the Apsheronsk regional branch of the Krasnodar regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society was created on the basis of my home school in Khadyzhensk. A year later, the local history museum of the Russian Geographical Society was organized there. They literally collected exhibits bit by bit, organized expeditions to their native places, brought personal collections of minerals and other interesting things. On the basis of the museum, we began to work with young people, organize meetings and events with scientists, travelers, writers, just interesting people, make new expeditions, hikes, and, accordingly, create museum exhibitions. We actively engaged in program activities; over the course of several years, the Absheronsky district became the venue for regional, all-Russian and international volunteer projects, tournaments, competitions, and expeditions. Volunteers came to us from France, the Czech Republic, Germany, South Korea and even Africa.
And in October 2010, the chairman of the regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society, Yuri Efremov, and the academic council of the Russian Geographical Society proposed my candidacy as the new chairman to the general meeting and my colleagues supported this decision with an absolute majority of votes.
How is it working in your new capacity?
Fine. The main thing is to define goals and objectives and implement them step by step, to build a working system. Well, the most important thing is to unite people into one family, into one community, to help them implement various projects. And our people are talented, unique, they are the main asset of the Russian Geographical Society.
Do you travel yourself?
I really like to travel around the world, our country, the region, to learn and discover something new. Especially the nature, traditions, culture and history of various peoples and states. Regional studies and local history are special areas for me. And of course I love the mountains, especially the North-West Caucasus. Every year I choose the opportunity to travel to my native and familiar places.
It would be interesting to know what projects your department organized?
Our department is one of the most active. We carry out and implement a large number of completely different projects. For example, in the past anniversary year, the Krasnodar regional branch organized several large expeditions: the international expedition “Ararat-2011”, led by Andrei Zimnitsky, an expedition dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Russian cosmonautics, “Around the Earth - 2011”, led by Valentin Matrokhin and “Fiery belt of the earth" under the leadership of Konstantin Merzhoev.
I heard briefly about the “Fire Belt of the Earth” project. What will happen during this expedition?
This large-scale project will last 900 days. Its essence is to explore all the volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The expedition members have already passed Alaska, Northern and South America, New Zealand, now in Australia. They visit all extinct and active volcanoes and conduct research. This is a unique project; there have never been similar projects before.
As I understand it, Russian Geographical Society expeditions are conducted all over the world. What projects outside of Russia can you tell us about?
Many geographical discoveries and research back in the 19th century were made by the Russian Geographical Society. The first permanent polar expedition in the Arctic and Antarctic was established by the Russian Geographical Society. And today expeditions are carried out in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Arctic forums are also held with the participation of top officials of all Arctic states. Now we are preparing interesting project to Ethiopia, let's make a film about it. This year there will be an expedition to the countries of the Caspian Sea. In 2011, under the leadership of Artur Chilingarov, an expedition of the Russian Geographical Society explored the scale and consequences of the disaster in Japan. This is only a small part of the various international projects of the Russian Geographical Society.
Do you make films?
Yes. We make a lot of films based on materials from expeditions. One of the latest films is an expedition to all the cosmodromes of the USSR. We presented it in December.
This is interesting. Where can I watch your films?
We present some of the films at meetings and lectures, some can be watched on YouTube, on the Internet. We try to popularize all our expeditions and events as much as possible. Meetings are held with young people, with people who are interested in this. Educational work– one of the main activities of the Russian Geographical Society. Unfortunately, recently we know more about some sights of Turkey or Egypt and may not know at all about the natural, historical and cultural sites of our country, region, or hometown. But love for the Motherland begins precisely with knowledge of native places, their history and natural wealth, careful attitude these objects. So we are trying to popularize them as much as possible among the population of our country and region, we publish a large number of books on local history, we even created our own publishing center in Krasnodar.
How often do such meetings take place? How can you get to them?
Quite a lot of events are carried out: scientific, expeditionary, publishing, educational. Everyone can take part in them. We have an active website (http://www.rgo.ru/rgo/) and an information portal (http://www.rgo.ru/). As a rule, announcements of events are posted there and there are contact numbers.
How can you become a member of the Russian Geographical Society?
Very simple. You need to fill out a form on the Russian Geographical Society website or come to the regional office. The most important thing is a person’s motivation, why and why he wants to become a member of a geographical society. You need to prove that you are not random person and will actively work in the organization, promoting its goals and objectives. And the candidate term will be the best confirmation of your intentions.
A person who came to the Russian Geographical Society for the first time, what will he do?
Here everyone finds their own direction of activity. Scientific research, expeditions, hikes, tourism, volunteer projects, social events, publishing activities, archaeological excavations and a large number of other directions. The main thing is your desire to work and be useful.
Do many young people come to you?
In 2011 alone, more than 200 applications were submitted to the Krasnodar regional branch to join the Russian Geographical Society. As a rule, the main part are young people. Although there are people in the organization who are not at all far from the centennial anniversary.
For what reasons can you refuse a person when he tries to join the Russian Geographical Society?
There are no serious reasons for refusal. The main thing is that a person can say why he comes to the Society. If a person is really interested in this and will actively work in the organization, then there are no problems for him to join the Russian Geographical Society.
Do you do anything besides the Russian Geographical Society? Would you like to share?
Yes it is. I've been doing it for quite a long time political activity. I have been a deputy of the Council of the Absheronsk District Municipal District for eight years now. Krasnodar region. I head the parliamentary commission on issues of legality, local government, information policy and interaction with parties and public associations.
Youth parliamentarism occupies a special place in my activities. Since 2004 I have been the first deputy chairman of the Youth parliamentary assembly under the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and vice-president of the center for the development of youth parliamentarism in Russia. Together with a team of like-minded people, more than 10 years ago we began to develop this public institution, held forums and events, developed recommendations and teaching materials on the creation and activities of youth parliamentary structures in regions and municipalities. Back in 2006, he became a participant in the Russian-German youth parliament in Dresden with the participation of Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel, and was even elected speaker of the plenary part.
Just recently I became a member of the UNESCO center, and we are preparing joint projects.
It is interesting to work in two councils under the governor - the Environmental Council and the Council for the Development of Civil Society Institutions and Human Rights. I actively participate in international projects, forums, and parliaments. This is a very interesting line of work.
AND last question. What can you say about 2012 and the many rumors about the end of the world?
We've already had so many ends of the world that it's not worth taking seriously. It is clear that some processes are taking place, the climate is changing. Scientists argue about this. There are different versions of global cooling and warming. It’s hard to say what exactly will happen, but I think it’s definitely not the end of the world.
You calmed me down! Thanks for the interview!
Alina Ainetdinova
Yesterday I gave a speech at the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg.
Each member of society must speak publicly at least once a year and thereby show his vigorous activity in the development of geographical science.
I read the report about last year's expedition to Mountain Altai to the Shavlinsky lakes and the Maashey valley.
Since I am not a scientist, but a traveler, I chose a more free and interesting form of presenting the material than is done by pundits at conferences.
A lot of beautiful photos, factual material, and most importantly, own observations and notes about the local population, nature, the special atmosphere of Altai, demonstration of playing the komus - a national Altai instrument.
An interesting conversation ensued with the audience about radon sources and their healing and harmful properties. People were really interested in learning as much as possible about nature and interesting places Altai. They asked a lot of questions. It was great!
I am a member of the scientific tourism commission (they came up with a name!), and essentially I need to study places of power, unusual phenomena and other interesting and unusual things. Pundits consider this to be pseudoscience, which is why some scientists actually left the Russian Geographical Society.
Although, if we remember, great travelers such as Sapozhnikov, Przhevalsky, Kozlov and many others were members of the Russian Geographical Society. And it was an honor. And they were proud of it. By the way, it is an honor to be a member of the National Geographic Society. He is respected. He is recognized all over the world.
I personally feel very ashamed and sad about our society. There are no talented managers who would restore order to it and elevate it to the status it had in ancient times.
Now the building of the Russian Geographical Society in St. Petersburg has been closed for renovation by order of Putin. The building is beautiful and ancient, located on Grivtsova, 10. Now lectures are held in a small room on the Petrograd side on the territory of the wretched building of the Printing House. The library and archive are not working. Employees say that the Russian Geographical Society may never see its historical building again. The repairs will drag on for an indefinite period of time, and then the building will be taken over by one of the government agencies. But this is all just speculation and rumors.
In reality, the Russian Geographical Society today has neither a positioning nor conducts vigorous activity that the public knows about. There is no powerful RGO brand. And everything inside the Russian Geographical Society is quite strange. There is an announcement about the distribution of grants. But no one knows the provisions of the grants, the amounts, or the conditions. The last time such a situation came from Moscow, the grants had already been distributed in a strange way. As a young, inquisitive mind, I am interested in winning a grant, given the experience of receiving them from foreign foundations. But in this situation, it is easier to turn to the West again, rather than think that our bureaucracy is capable of correctly distributing funds.
Recently, the Russian Geographical Society in Moscow required a PR specialist for the press service. The announcement on Headhunter made me very happy. Well, finally, the Russian Geographical Society has a press service and needs employees. They have finally become modern. But either an employee could not be found, or had not yet begun to perform direct duties.
Despite the fact that the members of the Russian Geographical Society, my senior comrades, are eager to pass on their knowledge to young people. Indeed, the members of the Russian Geographical Society today are predominantly middle-aged and very experienced people. Young people do not aspire to join the Russian Geographical Society.
Traveling friends came to my lecture. Young guys, well-read and enthusiastic, who know the Leningrad region well, travel a lot and outside it, did not understand why they needed to join the Russian Geographical Society, and even pay membership fees. And really WHAT does the Russian Geographical Society give to its members today?
Are any of you, readers, members of the Russian Geographical Society? Planning to join the Russian Geographical Society? Does he know what the Russian Geographical Society does? Does anyone even know what the Russian Geographical Society is?
