Torsello, Davide - Pappová, Melinda: Social Networks in Movement. Time, interaction and interethnic spaces in Central Eastern Europe - Nostra Tempora 8. (Somorja-Dunaszerdahely, 2003)

Interaction, migration and change

264 Melissa L. Caldwell

recipients for analogous reasons grounded in stereotypes about Russian culture. During my fieldwork, a frequent topic of conversation among volunteers, both African and North American, was the “uncivilized” mentality and lifestyle of Muscovites.

Nevertheless, although these mutually constituted acts of "Othering” have the potential to disrupt the organizational structure and overall success of the CCM soup kitchen program, they are exceptions to the ways in which social relations between recipients and volunteers have evolved. Over the ten years that the CCM soup kitchens have been in operation, recipients and volunteers have, through their daily interactions, constructed reciprocal relationships built on mutual understanding and trust. As a result, a sense of social solidarity has emerged from these contacts, so that volunteers and recipients see each other as members of a shared community with common interests and needs. In the following section I examine the benefits that volunteers and recipients receive through their participation in soup kitchen activities and how these resources foster a sense of social cohesion.

Fostering a social community

African volunteers identify several reasons to explain why they offer their time and services to the soup kitchen program. On a material level, the CCM program offers volunteers a free meal after the serving period has ended. Although this remuneration is available to all volunteers, regardless of nationality, CCM church staff acknowledge that their primary intent is to supplement the minimal resources of African volunteers; and, in fact, few non-African volunteers take advantage of the free meals. Moreover, those African volunteers who serve most consistently and reliably receive additional benefits such as transportation passes or eligibility for periodic supplemental food packages offered by the church. Nevertheless, although these material benefits are certainly important incentives, it is inaccurate to conclude that African vol-