The Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Held a Symposium on Youth Work
On the afternoon of June 6, 2024, the Youth Work Symposium of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) was held in Conference Room 1345 of the Institute. The meeting focused on the needs of young scholars and suggestions for youth work. Luo Wendong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies, attended the meeting to deliver a speech and provided guiding opinions and developmental suggestions regarding youth work. The symposium was divided into stages for the opening address, presentations, and concluding remarks, presided over respectively by Researcher Yang Jing, head of the youth work group; Associate Researcher Lei Xiaohuan, deputy head of the youth work group; and Associate Researcher Fang Tao, a youth group leader. Nearly 50 participants, including members of the youth work group and youth representatives from various departments, attended the meeting.
I. Disciplinary Education for Young Party Members and Requirements for Youth Work
During the first stage of the meeting, Secretary Luo Wendong delivered the opening address. In his speech, Secretary Luo mobilized for the study and education of Party discipline among the youth. He pointed out the need to heighten political standing [1], ensure the practical effectiveness of study, and emphasize publicity and guidance. He put forward three requirements for youth work: first, emphasis must be placed on the education and cultivation of young people; second, youth work must be effectively carried out in integration with the construction of the Institute of Marxism Studies; and third, investigative research [2] must be strengthened.
II. Youth Needs and Suggestions for Youth Work
In the second stage of the meeting, 22 youth representatives from the Institute spoke. Their remarks primarily focused on the youth scientific research community, project funding, the publication of papers and "Summary Reports for Decisions" (yaobao) [3], investigative research, the integration of research and education, and physical and mental health. Regarding the youth scientific research community, some young scholars proposed establishing "senior-junior mutual aid groups," a youth mentorship system, and a professional external propaganda team. Concerning project funding, some suggested that project approvals should lean toward supporting youth. Additionally, the young scholars spoke and offered suggestions on issues such as professional title evaluation, the balance between personal and family life, the balance between editorial work and scientific research, and the construction of academic, literary, and professional styles [4] among the youth.
III. Hopes and Suggestions for Youth Development
In the third stage of the meeting, Secretary Luo Wendong expressed his hopes and offered suggestions for youth work based on the needs and recommendations raised:
First, young people must continuously improve their ideological and political quality. Second, young people should engage in "organized scientific research." Third, young people must strive to exert their own subjective initiative. Fourth, young people must "go out" [5] to conduct thorough investigative research and engage in exchange. Fifth, young people should actively participate in national academic societies and social organizations.
In conclusion, he stated that the Party Committee, the leadership team, and the youth work group of the Institute of Marxism Studies would further study the suggestions put forward by the youth. They will implement the instructions of the CASS Party Group through specific measures to provide more support for young scholars and resolve their practical needs and difficulties.
IV. Plans for Youth Work in 2024
In the fourth stage of the meeting, Researcher Yang Jing, head of the youth work group, delivered a concluding speech and outlined the plans for youth work in 2024. Researcher Yang pointed out that under the guidance and support of Secretary Luo Wendong, the youth work group will continuously improve its work based on the needs and suggestions of the youth. It will strive to provide assistance and services in terms of "building ladders, providing platforms, and addressing needs." Regarding the 2024 youth work plan, Researcher Yang noted that the group will:
First, continue to host the "Social Perspectives" youth academic salon to strengthen academic exchange both within and outside the Institute and across departments; second, continue to conduct "Social Perspectives" youth investigative research activities, allowing young scholars to go to the grassroots [6] to gain a "down-to-earth" perspective; and third, launch the "Hand in Hand: Concentric Youth Journey" initiative to jointly promote the growth of young people.