Rather than parachuting in NGO specialists to give seminars on NGO management techniques that are inappropriate to the political and economic context of Russia, grants could instead fund programs to find technologically appropriate means of fundraising. Rather than trying to create Russian NGOs in the image of Western NGOs, funds could be used to help Russian activists develop their own organizational style that reflects the post-totalitarian context in which they work. Optimally, the funding would not enforce hierarchical forms of organization, and would teach collective accountability. Movement groups could benefit from funding designed to increase access to email and the world wide web. Electronic communication enables like-minded activists to hear about each other, to network, and to create joint initiatives, thus contributing to movement building.
Email facilitates rapid communication in an otherwise limited communications environment.
It has also helped increase the fairness of the granting process. Also, groups that do not have fax access and cannot rely on Russia's postal service could apply for such grants via email. Email also facilitates equal access to potential Western partners, as increasing numbers of activists and groups are hooked up to international networks and electronic conferences, some of which are now conducted in both English and Russian. Finally, funding for Russian-language publications on women's issues and the women's movement would also be useful as a means of transforming consciousness, helping to further indigenize the movement, linking its adherents to each other, and familiarizing the broader population with democratic ideas about equal rights and equal opportunities under law.