Youth Work Symposium Held by the Academy of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
On the afternoon of June 6, 2024, the Youth Work Symposium of the Institute of Marxism Studies (IMS) of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) was held in Conference Room 1345. The meeting focused on the needs of young scholars and suggestions for youth work. Luo Wendong, Secretary of the IMS Party Committee, 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, speeches, and concluding remarks, presided over respectively by Research Fellow Yang Jing, Leader of the Youth Work Group; Associate Research Fellow Lei Xiaohuan, Deputy Leader of the Youth Work Group; and Associate Research Fellow Fang Tao, a Youth Group leader. Nearly 50 representatives of the Youth Work Group and young staff 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 carried out a mobilization for the study and education of Party discipline [1] among young people. He pointed out that it is necessary to raise political standing [2], ensure the actual 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, the practice of investigation and research [3] must be strengthened.
II. Youth Needs and Suggestions for Youth Work
During the second stage of the meeting, 22 youth representatives from the IMS spoke, focusing primarily on the youth scientific research community, project funding, the publication of papers and "reports on essential information" (yaobao) [4], investigation and research, the integration of research and education, and physical and mental health. Regarding the youth research community, some young scholars suggested establishing "senior-junior mutual aid groups," a youth mentorship system, and professional external propaganda teams. Regarding project funding, some suggested that project approvals should lean toward young scholars. Additionally, young scholars offered remarks and suggestions on issues such as professional title evaluation, the balance between work and family, the balance between editorial work and scientific research, and the construction of academic, writing, and work styles [5] among the youth.
III. Hopes and Suggestions for Youth Development
In the third stage of the meeting, based on the needs and suggestions of the youth, Secretary Luo Wendong expressed his hopes and offered suggestions for youth work:
First, young people must continuously improve their ideological and political quality; second, young people should conduct "organized scientific research"; third, young people must strive to give full play to their own subjective initiative; fourth, young people must "go out" to conduct quality investigations and exchanges; fifth, young people should actively participate in national academic societies and social organizations.
He concluded by stating that the IMS Party Committee, the IMS leadership team, and the IMS Youth Work Group will further study the suggestions put forward by the young scholars. They will implement the instructions of the CASS Party Membership Group through concrete measures to provide more support for young people and resolve their practical needs and difficulties.
IV. Ideas for Youth Work in 2024
During the fourth stage of the meeting, Research Fellow Yang Jing, Leader of the Youth Work Group, gave a concluding speech and proposed ideas for youth work in 2024. Research Fellow 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, performing well in its support services by "building ladders, providing platforms, and addressing needs." Regarding the 2024 youth work plan, Research Fellow Yang noted:
In 2024, the group will: first, continue to hold the "Social Perspectives" youth academic salon to strengthen academic exchanges both within and outside the Academy and across departments; second, continue to carry out "Social Perspectives" youth investigation and research activities, allowing young people to go to the grassroots to "gain a sense of the ground" (jie diqi) [6]; and third, establish the "Concentric·Youth Action" initiative to jointly promote the growth of young people.