Now that both Russian & USA schools are on summer break, communication is minimal. But, the work with RASIN is getting more hectic by the hour. RASIN just opened its doors in the States on June 20th, or I should say connected to Internet in the States. The response is overwhelming. In a span of just 3 days, 7 universities expressed a desire to establish chapters of RASIN. I believe its realistic to project that we will have nearly 50 USA universities connected to RASIN by the end of this year. (My initial projected was 5 to 10). Originally I wanted to expand the number of Russian Universities to 10-15. It appears that this number will reach at least 25+. A listing of participating schools will be forth coming.
so all I can say is.....H E L P!!!!!
I anticipate the need for help to be solved when school resumes this Fall. from this end. Thanks to Alexei Irodov and many other students in Russia, info continues to flow. Good things continue to happen. Never envisioned what a job this would be? The fact is... we can't read the volumes of info that come from all sources. So we prioritize by first reading info from you and from RASIN (in Russia & the States). After that, we do what we can.
1) Please feel free to send out this RASIN Newsletter to whomever you know by Email or fax.
2) Your comments are appreciated for inclusion in this Newsletter.
3) Donations of computers, modems and other devices are needed to give to students at Russian & USA chapters. Many 286's can be upgraded to 386's & 486's. Personally, I like Macs. I think I hear a door opening for Apple!
4) Get involved in a RASIN project!!!!!!
Projects are ideas that RASIN has developed into REAL business. Projects are designed for chapter participation. Each project is purposely broad in scope to allow unlimited growth possibilities. Most of you will be able to see yourself plugging into one of these slots. If not, we encourage you to create your own. RASIN will help you to develop your good idea.
Members of RASIN can actively participate in one of these projects or connect to others.
Just one more note, a very important note: While RASIN wants to assist in developing new business in Russia, we don't want to loose sight of the fact that RASIN must be a cultural and learning experience. Those of you that are out to make a buck, will be disappointed with RASIN. You won't fit! Those of you that see RASIN as a cultural experience, will not only profit but will enjoy the experiences.
1) ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION: RASIN has opened an architectural office in Ivanovo (190 miles NE of Moscow). Alexei Irodov, a 6th year architectural student at "Ivanovo Institute of Architecture", is heading this project. He is actively pursuing projects for design, construction and provision for selling building materials. Any architects, builders and building material manufacturers out there??? They desperately need product catalogs, samples and videos. We are not talking hand-outs here but real work. There is a big demand for western technology. (There are costs involved to ensure that catalogs get into the hands of these students. Averages about $100+ a book. Hope to reduced these costs.) Would like to help to establish additional offices in other Russian Cities. Initially we are asking manufacturers to supply enough literature to open 10 similar offices.
2) STORES: The Russian owner of a large hardware store has agreed to help RASIN to help establish a "Made in USA Store" in Ivanovo. The store will be operated by RASIN students. The idea of Franchise has indeed crossed our minds. This project was designed for even the smallest manufacturer to export products to Russia and to test market their goods. With minimal risk, essentially... if a manufacturer can afford to send a cubic meter or so of goods to Russia... they can play! Since only the Mafia has cash to put up front, the manufacturer would have to wait for payment of goods. Anticipate payment within 30 days of receipt of goods in Russia. Goods are being containerized in Portland, Oregon for shipment in late Fall. The first "Made in USA" store should open in February 1995. We envision many products eventually spinning off on their own creating many more opportunities in the form of speciality stores.
To those American readers... "The Russian students working with RASIN are the cream of the crop. Am truly amazed with the success that they have displayed".
3) MAGAZINE: RASIN is searching for USA magazines that want to develop a Russian edition. I think RASIN can guarantee distribution of 100,000+ by the first of next year (1995). Am currently talking to 2 magazines (one national and the other local). We need RASIN in Russia to provide translation and assist with securing advertising. If you have ideas for magazines (we are also looking for books & other publications to be translated), tell them about RASIN or send me the name of the "decision maker" of the publication.
4) TRAVEL AGENCY: Every English speaking Russian wants to be a tour guide. Although I have had to tell many of my Russian friends that there is more to the free market economy that being a tour guide, this is an excellent opportunity to support RASIN in Russia. Let RASIN plan your next trip to Russia (business or pleasure). I guarantee Americans a well organized trip, an excellent time, at unbelievable low costs.
5) COMPUTER PROGRAMMING: RASIN has identified several software firms interested in hiring Russian programmers. As a result, RASIN will be establishing a software company in Russia with branches at RASIN chapters. The Ivanovo chapter should be ready for business in October, depending on how quickly we can furnish them with necessary programming tools.
6) BUSINESS SERVICES: There is certainly a need for the complete spectrum of business support services in Russia. Usually, Americans and Russians have different thoughts of what each other needs. What RASIN wants to achieve here is to cooperatively develop support services. As an example: Last week we met with a software company that has a program for writing business plans. RASIN will help them to create a Russian version. A program not only written in Russian but addresses the unique needs of Russian business. We are also pursuing approval of various funding groups in Moscow to use business plans prepared by this program as the acceptable norm. To get involved only takes making a match of same skilled Russian & Americans.
7) TALK TO RUSSIA: RASIN wants to encourage participation by students and businesses. To do so, we are planning to test an Email program in Oregon called "Talk To Russia". What we are planning is to set up booths at appropriate trade shows &fairs, to encourage folks to establish connections with Russians. This can be for friendship or business. Projected costs will run $10 for students and $25 for businesses to send up to 200 words. We will guarantee personal response from Russia within 30 days (hopefully as quick as a few hours). "Talk To" is also created to be a FUND RAISER for chapters. Fees for Russians to respond will run about 1,000 and 20,000 rubles. In Oregon we have the encouragement of "Oregon Telcom" (our source of Internet) We are also seeking support from State economic development & trade organizations, as well as business. Will keep you posted.
8) TOUR USA: We want to do what ever is possible to help you establish chapters in the States. We have a slide show about "Life in Russia & RASIN" that is available for presentation at developing chapters. Corporate sponsors are being sought. This is one of the projects that is NOT intended for profit. We just want to recover travel and administration costs. We don't mind looking like bill boards! Tour will begin in September.
9) TOUR RUSSIA: Similar to "Tour USA". We need Americans (students & business) to participate in establishing chapters in Russia. Duration is for periods of 3 weeks to 6+ months for team leaders. Team leaders will go from city to city. Others will be asked to stay on in cities for a few weeks to work with locals in the formation of chapters. At this time it is expected that participants will pay for airfare but most in-country expenses will be taken care of. Again, we are seeking corporate sponsors. (Sponsors should get involved in both tours). What a means for sponsors to introduce products & services to Russia! Anyone know how to connect with key people at: Kodak? Delta Airlines? Could also use a Van! Tour will begin in October or November.
10) Surely you have some great idea of your own to add to this list?
RASIN administers an electronic Bulletin Board called "Russia" on "Oregon Telcom" (Ortel). We are doing what we can to provide world wide access. (Ortel is being developed as a model for telecommunications and a means of economic development for the State of Oregon).
If you want to participate in any of these projects... e-mail me (rasin@ortel.org).
By now you are probably asking how can RASIN do all these things? The answer is again...H E L P !!!
Each of these and other projects, needs strong leadership and commitment. While RASIN is a non-profit volunteer program, these projects are NOT! Projects are meant to be income producing & profitable.
To some of you that may be purist, I'm not committing blasphemy. As both an entrepreneur and humanitarian, I can testify that if one is to help Russia recover, we need to help them develop "REAL" projects that will make a difference. Through RASIN we want to show Russian Students that there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. There is more to Entrepreneurship than buying and selling. Students MUST get involved in politics. (It is not the intent of RASIN to be political but only to encourage participation in government as students see fit.)
We welcome your questions & suggestions. LETS DO IT!
Jim Dufala Director rasin@ortel.org
P.S. If you have responded to RASIN, you will continue to receive this Newsletter. If we have NOT heard from you, just Email us for continuing updates on RASIN.
P.P.S. The RASIN Newsletter is meant to update you with the latest on RASIN activities. Use RASIN as a forum to solve economic, social and other problems facing Russia.
P.P.P.S. The focus of RASIN has been Russia, but we would like to expand to include the Former Republics if there is sufficient interest.
NEXT RASIN NEWSLETTER..... AUGUST 1, 1994