We present to you a new section in which we will publish interviews with employees of departments of universities implementing the direction "Organization of youth work", experts in the field of youth policy.
This section opens with an interview with Svetlana Danshina, Head of the Department of History, Theory and Practice of Social Communications at the Institute of Social Communications of UdSU, Candidate of Historical Sciences.
Svetlana Anatolyevna's entire academic career is connected with Udmurt State University.
In an interview she spoke about the Resource Center for Volunteering and Mentoring, other projects of the department as well as about her academic path from a student of the Faculty of History to the head of the department.
1. You are the head of the Department of History, Theory and Practice of Social Communications at the Institute of Social Communications of Udmurt State University. How many years have you been in this position? How did your academic career go from a student of the Faculty of History to the head of the department?
Since 2003 the Department of History, Theory and Practice of Social Communications at Udmurt State University has been training in the field of "Organization of youth work". In the status of a young scientist I have supervised the direction "Organization of youth work" from the very beginning. I have been holding the position of head of the Department for seven years. The path from student to head includes several stages. I can recommend to students effective steps that are usually included in this process: obtaining higher education and scientific degrees, acquisition of work experience in their field starting with student projects and practices, participation in research projects, advanced training courses, improvement of administrative skills, and development of their scientific and professional reputation. In the process of moving from a student to the head of the department the key factors are hard work, scientific activity, mentoring, proof of their expertise in the chosen field. The main thing, of course, is to love your team of teachers and students.
2. You teach such disciplines as "Patriotic education of youth", "Project activities in advertising and public relations", "Project Management" and "Prevention of extremism among youth". In your opinion, how has the approach to teaching these disciplines changed over the past 5–10 years?
Over the past 5–10 years there have been major changes in the teaching of project activities, patriotic education, and the prevention of extremism among young people. The courses have become more practical and focused on developing the skills necessary for successful work with modern youth. Here are a few changes that I would like to draw attention to:
- An interdisciplinary approach. Considering the wide range of aspects related to youth policy, interdisciplinary projects are being implemented, students get a better understanding of the complexity and importance of work in this field. The inclusion of elements of history, philosophy, sociology, political science, economics and other relevant disciplines helps to develop a deep understanding of youth politics. Today, education focuses on the development of values related to patriotism such as love for the Motherland, traditions, culture and national dignity.
- The use of digital technologies and online learning. The introduction of artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and online learning allows students to access up-to-date information, resources and various tools. The use of online platforms, webinars, forums and other forms of e-learning allows you to study disciplines flexibly and effectively. Thanks to forum campaigns and grants from Rosmolodezh, students are immersed in the topics of preserving historical memory, developing intercultural communications, and creating startups through projects.
- Cooperation with practicing professionals. More reliance on real cases and situations in youth policy, the opportunity to conduct research in practice, work with youth organizations and authorities. We actively cooperate with the professionals of the Agency for Youth Policy of the Udmurt Republic. The introduction of innovations helps to prepare students for real challenges and needs. It is important to create an environment in which students feel part of their country.
3. Your department is actively developing projects such as "Runway", "Media Generation", "Professional Training". Why was the emphasis placed on such topics?
The emphasis on these projects was made considering current trends in the development of education and the needs of students. "Runway" is a project aimed at preparing students for a successful career, providing them with all the necessary skills and knowledge for their future professional activities. The "Media Generation" project reflects the relevance of modern digital technologies and their impact on modern society. The project is aimed at developing students' creative and communicative, entrepreneurial skills. "Professional Training" is a project designed to broaden professional horizons and allow students to gain practical experience working in real conditions.
4. The Institute of Social Communications includes a Resource Center for Volunteering and Mentoring. Today the issue of the development of volunteer activity is especially relevant. In the CIS the current year 2024 has been declared the Year of the Volunteer Movement. How has the Resource Center for Volunteering and Mentoring been established?
In 2014 teachers and students of the department took the initiative to create a Resource Center. In the early year students acted as assistants in organizing city events and actions. With the growth of the volunteer movement in the country the nature of participation began to expand.
5. Tell us about the participation of students of your department in the activities of this center.
We actively participate in All-Russian forum campaigns, promotions and projects of Rosmolodezh. The students of our department are the core of the activists of the volunteer movement of the Udmurt Republic. They help with the organization of charity events, work at major events and provide assistance to those in need.
6. Are volunteer-related projects being implemented jointly with colleagues from the CIS?
Cooperation with colleagues from the CIS countries in the field of volunteering is one of the priorities of the Department. Within the framework of international projects and programs, joint events are regularly held, and experience is exchanged with the Republic of Belarus. In particular, with the Belarusian State University of Economics we are holding an International scientific and practical conference "Current trends of social communications: history and contemporaneity", online meetings, research. I would like to express my gratitude to the team of the e-library "Youth of the CIS" for the opportunity to expand the information base and participate in international scientific projects!
7. What role, in your opinion, does volunteering play in the implementation of modern state youth policy in Russia?
Volunteering plays a key role in the implementation of modern youth policy in Russia. It promotes the inclusion of young people in public life, develops civic engagement and social responsibility. Volunteering also promotes leadership, communication, and creativity, which is an important contribution to the personal development of young people.
