YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS IN BELARUS

In conformity with Article 36 of the Constitution of Belarus youth public associations may be organized by citizens of the Republic who have attained to the age of 16. Public associations may found unions of public associations.

There are a lot of youth organizations in Belarus. The most authoritative of them are: the Belarusian Patriotic Union of Youth (BPUY), the Belarusian Union of Youth (BUY), Belarusian Republican Pioneer Organization, the Association of Belarusian Scouts, the Belarusian Organizations of Falcons, the Belarusian Patriotic Union of Youth, the Belarusian National Scout Organization, the Association of Belarusian Guides, etc. The mentioned organizations take an active part in the formation of the basis and implementation of the state policy in respect of youth, these activities are managed and directed by the State Committee on the Affairs of Youth.

The most numerous youth organizations are the Belarusian Patriotic Union of Youth and the Belarusian Union of Youth.

The BPUY was formed in 1997. It has the status of a public union. This organization works in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. It should be mentioned that in conformity with Article 9 of the Law of the republic of Belarus "On Public Associations" membership in public organizations is allowed for children at the age of 16, So every young person at the age of 16 can join the BPUY.

The main goal of the BPUY is to unite patriotically thinking young people for active participation in the construction of a society of social justice and progress. The main objectives of the organization are as follows:

- to express, defend and realize the rights and legal interests of its members;

- to form the world outlook, based on moral and spiritual, as well as Christian, values;

- to foster patriotism as the main spiritual and social value;

- to express devotion to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, to the country, its people and its state symbols;

- to give assistance to every member of the organization in his spiritual, intellectual and physical development and in realization of his abilities and creative potential;

- to take part in preparation of young people for the defence of their motherland.

The Belarusian Patriotic Union of Youth and its members accomplish their goals and objectives in the following activities:

- they participate in formation of youth policy and put it into practice;

- they support the initiatives of the youth, directed at self-perfection and all-round development of their individual abilities;

- they help young people to become integrated members of society;

- they elaborate and accomplish different educational, social and other youth programmes which do not contradict the present legislation of the republic of Belarus;

- they render assistance in finding employment;

- they promote international youth co-operation;

- they attract the attention of the mass media and the bodies of state power to the problems and initiatives of the youth;

- they organize conferences, meetings, lectures, exhibitions, concerts for young people; etc.

Members of the BPUY have certain rights and duties and they can leave the organization at their own free will.

The goals and objectives of another mass youth organization - the Belarusian Union of Youth - coincide with those of the BPUY. That's why they have decided to consolidate into a single organization. On September, 5, 2002 the Congresses of the BPUY and BUY took place, and on September, 6, 2002 the uniting congress of these two organizations was held at the concert hall "Minsk". The working group of the organising committee submitted for consideration of the delegates 3 main documents; the draft set of rules of the new organization, the conception of its development and the appeal to the youth of the Republic of Belarus. In the draft set of rules they propose to prolongate membership in the new organization from 14 to 31, which will help to pass on experience from generation to generation. On July, 19, 2002 the organising committee announced a competition for the best name of the new organization and its symbols.

No wonder that the process of uniting was widely supported by the youth. Its aim is quite noble: to create conditions for all-round development of young people and to contribute to creation of a civil society in Belarus.

IX. Answer the questions:

1. Are there many youth organizations in Belarus? 2. When was the Belarusian Patriotic Union of Youth organized? 3. What is the goal of the organization? 4. What are the main objectives of the BPUY? 5. How does the BPUY accomplish its goals and objectives? 6. Does the BPUY help young people to become intergrated members of society? 7. Do the members of the BPUY have rights and duties? 8. Why have the BPUY and the BUY decided to consolidate into a single organization? 9. When and where did the uniting congress take place? 10. What documents were submitted for consideration? 11. What is the name of the new organization? 12. Does it have any symbols?

X. Fill in the table:

The Belarusian Patriotic Union of Youth

XI. Work in groups. Find out from your partners:

- what youth organizations they know in Belarus;

- whether they belong/belonged to any of them;

- if it is necessary to have such organizations;

- what they think about the process of uniting of the BPUY and the BUY;

- whether they can suggest a name and symbols for the new youth organization;

- whether they would like to join this organization and why.

XII. Comment on:

- the objectives of the BPUY;

- the activities of the BPUY;

- the project to unite the BPUY and the BUY.

XIII. Imagine that:

- you are elected a delegate of the uniting congress. Role-play your speech;

- your English pen-friend knows nothing about youth organizations in Belarus. What are you going to write to him?

- you've just returned from the uniting congress of the BPUY and the BUY. Share your impressions with your classmates.