Young Pioneer organization of the Soviet Union (Russian: Всесою́зная пионе́рская организа́ция и́мени В.И.Ле́нина), mass youth organization of the USSR for children of age 10-15, that existed in the Soviet Union between 1922 and 1990.

History

The organization was established on May 19 1922 by the 2nd All-Russian Komsomol conference and began to grow rapidly. In the middle of 1923 it had 75 thousand members, in the beginning of 1924 — more than 161 thousand, in 1926 — 2 million, in 1940 — 13,9 million and in 1974 — 25 million. The main it's unit until 1942 was Young Pioneer detachment, which then typically consisted of children belonging to the same secondary school. Since 1942 to the September-October 1990 (when the organization was broken up) the relation was: same school's class — Young Pioneer detachment, school — Young Pioneer group.

Structure

The main governing body was the Central Soviet of the Young Pioneer organization of the Soviet Union, which worked under leadership of the main governing body of Komsomol — it's Central Committee. The 2nd and the main organizational unit was the Young Pioneer group . And the 3rd — Young Pioneer detachment. There was also the age-scale structure: children of 10-11 years (3-4 forms of the secondary school) were called Young Pioneers of the I stage; 11-12 years (5-6 forms) — Young Pioneers of the II stage; 13-15 years (7-8 forms) — Young Pioneers of the III stage. Young Pioneers of 15 years (8 form) could join other youth organization — Komsomol (the recommendation of the Young Pioneer group was necessary to do so).

Its official newspaper was Pionerskaya Pravda.

Main goals and requirements of membership

The main goals and duties of the Young Pioneers and requirements of membership were specified by the Regulations of the Young Pioneer organization of the Soviet Union; by the Solemn Promise (given by each Young Pioneer joining the organization); by the Rules of the Young Pioneers; by the motto.

Symbols, attributes, rituals and traditions

The main symbols of Young Pioneers were the red banner, flag, Young Pioneer's red tie, the badge. The attributes: the bugle, the drum, the uniform (with the badges of rank). Some of the rituals were: salute, Young Pioneer parade, banner bearing, raising of the flag. Most common traditions were the Young Pioneers rally (usually round a bonfire) and festivals.

Awards

The Young Pioneers which were notable for excellent study, work, sports or social activity were elected to the self-governing institutions, were delegates on the Young Pioneers gatherings (including All-Union ones). The most notable were written to the Book of Honor of the organization. During the World War II many Young Pioneers fought against Hitlerites in partisan detachments, which existed near their homes on the territories occupied by Hitlerites. Nearly 30 thousand of them were awarded various orders and medals and 4 Young Pioneers became Heroes of the Soviet Union.

For the Young Pioneers in the Soviet Union were built many Young Pioneer Palaces (with sections for various creative work and sports sections) and Young Pioneer camps (were they had a rest during summer and winter holidays).

See also

• Solemn Promise, Motto and Rules of Young Pioneers
• Young Pioneer camp
• Komsomol
• Little Octobrist

External links

• Young Pioneer organization of the Soviet Union, information in Russian.
• Chronology of the organization (in Russian)
• Schools Hit Books For New Methods, an article about the situation with youth organizations in post-Soviet Russia