Crimean Parliament Opens Its Doors to the Public

Since January 2011, over 1,100 visitors have participated in these tours, gaining insight into the workings of the Crimean parliament. The tours are designed to increase transparency and openness, as stated in the Directive Regulating Guided Tours of the VR ARC, signed by Speaker Volodymyr Konstantynov on December 1, 2011. The tours, developed with the assistance of USAID's Parliamentary Development Program II (PDP II), aim to educate visitors about the history of the parliament, its building, and the work of the VR ARC Secretariat. Participants visit the office of elected members, discuss with members of the Presidium, and learn about the research and analysis support provided to the parliament. The tours are conducted by interns supported through the USAID PDP II program, who lead scheduled tours every Thursday, with flexibility to accommodate other days as needed. The VR ARC promotes its tours on its website, providing information for groups interested in participating. The Ministry of Education and Science of ARC has set a goal of providing over 600 Crimean schools and university excursions to the VR ARC building for pupils and students during 2012, with bookings made up to two months in advance. As a result, nearly 50 excursions for school and university students have been conducted since January 2011, with over 1,100 visitors participating. The initiative to open the parliament to the public was sparked by a comment made by Speaker Konstantynov in April 2010, after a meeting with USAID PDP II consultants. He expressed a desire to see practices similar to those of the Scottish Parliament, where public gallery seats are available and tours and activities promote citizen visits to the legislature. Following a USAID PDP II sponsored UK study tour for VR ARC members and staff in June 2010, participants were impressed by the educational and public outreach efforts of Britain's representative bodies, leading to the implementation of similar programs in Crimea. The VR ARC has taken steps to increase citizens' knowledge of the work of the parliament and the roles that active, engaged citizens can play. Speaker Konstantynov has welcomed feedback, ideas, and criticism from visitors, emphasizing the importance of openness and transparency. The VR ARC Secretariat has created a special excursion program for different groups of visitors, with assistance from USAID PDP II, and is preparing informational brochures to enhance the experience of those visiting the parliament.