Social potential for the development of volunteer activities in the adolescent and youth environment of the region

The article presents the results of theoretical analysis and empirical research (sociological survey, N = 19,109 respondents studying in educational institutions of the Stavropol Krai, of which 43.4 % are male and 56.6 % are female) of the social potential for the development of volunteer activities among adolescents and young people in the region. A brief review of scientific publications on the issues of volunteering and volunteer activities allowed to identify the features of its organization and revealed the high relevance of the chosen research topic. Theoretical review of scientific publications formed the basis for developing the program and tools for the empirical research. Based on the analysis of the data from the study, the author proposed methodological recommendations for improving the effectiveness of youth volunteer projects and programs and “road maps” for the formation of optimal scenarios for the “transition” of volunteer activities of young people in the Stavropol Krai into social and political activity, as well as tools for preventing the involvement of young people in destructive communities, addressed to the organizers of volunteer activities and youth activity, as well as the leaders of youth public organizations and associations.