The Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI) has run complex, multi-year programs between the US and the former USSR since 1983. Weathering border searches, visa denials, and interrogations by the KGB in the early '80s, CCI leaders continued to pursue their mission to establish citizen-to-citizen networks in Russia and the US. CCI believes that if you want a job done well, ask the citizens to do it! All CCI programs empower ordinary people to take responsibility for societal change. American citizens want to help Russians develop a flourishing democracy - but seldom are they offered a way to participate. CCI provides terrific opportunities to influence Russia's historic transition without ever leaving our own communities.

Through the years, CCI has relied heavily on American volunteerism and in-kind contributions to implement all of its programs. Volunteers in 50 states have provided pro bono business management training to Russians and Ukrainians. Thousands of families have opened their homes and hearts to Russian visitors for more than a decade. CCI's volunteer business consultants have donated on-site management consulting in Russia since 1993. Leading US seed companies have donated 106 tons of vegetable seeds to CCI, which have been distributed to disadvantaged people across Russia. CCI currently operates several programs dedicated to economic reform in Russia.

Thanks to generous financial assistance and in-kind contributions from US citizens, American foundations, USAID and the US State Department, CCI continues to design and run innovative programs which will help shape Russia's future. CCI is well known for its cost effective programs which are not only made possible by the enormous contributions of in-kind services from American volunteers but are also cost-shared by Russian participants.