Since the advent of a new era, the Party Central Committee—with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—has, from the strategic perspective of the overall development of the Party and the country, made a series of major decisions and deployments, vigorously promoting innovation in social work practice, theory, and institutions. As a result, social work in the new era is advancing toward high-quality development, and the advantages and effectiveness of socialist governance with Chinese characteristics continue to be highlighted.

“Social work must be strengthened.”

　　In the proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan, the call to "pursue the path of social governance with Chinese characteristics under socialism" has drawn widespread public attention.

　　This is not merely a target task—it is also a path that carries the mission of our times and leads to a bright future.

　　Development and security, vitality and order have always been dialectically unified and cannot be neglected. To advance Chinese-style modernization, we need a social environment that is both vibrant and well-organized.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: “Looking at governance practices across various countries, if social governance fails to keep pace with economic development and various social conflicts and problems remain unresolved, not only will economic development become unsustainable, but society as a whole could also plunge into turmoil.” This important statement is both strikingly resonant and deeply thought-provoking.

　　Since the advent of the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has traveled extensively across the country, always deeply concerned about social security and stability and constantly mindful of the people’s well-being and peaceful lives. “Cities should not only have height but also warmth,” and “Let communities become the safest and most reassuring havens for residents”... These heartfelt instructions embody a strong sense of mission and responsibility.

　　The Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party reviewed and approved the “Plan for Reform of Party and State Institutions,” deciding to establish a Central Department of Social Work and to set up social work departments within party committees at the provincial, municipal, and county levels. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party made specific arrangements for “improving the institutional mechanisms for social work.”

　　From November 5 to 6 last year, the Central Conference on Social Work was held—the first of its kind in the history of our Party. Social work has been elevated to an unprecedented strategic height.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping issued important instructions emphasizing that “social work is an important component of the Party and the state’s work,” “social work faces new situations and new tasks, and must demonstrate new responsibilities and new achievements,” and “doing a good job in social work is a shared responsibility of the entire Party.”

　　The key to taking on new responsibilities and achieving new accomplishments lies in “unswervingly following the path of social governance with Chinese characteristics under socialism.” General Secretary Xi Jinping not only points out the direction but also provides practical methods:

　　“Good at transforming the Party’s leadership and the advantages of our socialist system into advantages in social governance”;

　　“Based on China’s actual conditions, following the laws of governance, grasping the characteristics of our times, and strengthening and innovating social governance.”

　　“We must better unite to serve the people, improve mechanisms for coordinating public interests, raise the standard of public services, and address the urgent, difficult, and troubling issues that the people care about with dedication and heartfelt concern.”

　　“We must improve the social governance system and refine the mechanisms and institutions for social work.”

　　…………

　　“The people’s hearts are the greatest politics.” Social work is carried out in the broadest social sectors, the most extensive grassroots organizations, and among the largest numbers of ordinary people; therefore, it must be firmly grasped, thoroughly implemented, and meticulously put into practice.

　　On March 5 this year, during the deliberations of the Jiangsu delegation at the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress, a heartwarming dialogue took place—

　　“How many people live in your community?”

　　“7,266 people, comprising five residential communities. When I first arrived, there were just over 3,000 residents—now the population has doubled.”

　　“In the past, neighborhood committees were generally quite small. The community secretary was often referred to as the ‘prime minister of the alleyways,’ handling an enormous variety of tasks—no easy job at all.”

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping also expressed particular concern for the newly emerging workforce: “Our social groups are becoming increasingly diversified and segmented. We need to keep pace with the management and services required for groups that have emerged in recent years—such as delivery couriers, ride-hailing drivers, and e-commerce workers—and fill this gap effectively. We must strike a balance between effective management and attentive service.”

　　“Social work must be strengthened.” Simple yet powerful words, spoken with conviction.

　　The Party-building-led coordination mechanisms for grassroots governance, the coordination mechanisms for Party building in emerging fields, the joint meetings on letters and visits work, the joint meetings on the reform and development of industry associations and chambers of commerce, the coordination groups for volunteer service—these social work systems and mechanisms are continuously being improved and perfected, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of social work.

　　The newly revised Organic Law of Village Committees and the newly amended Organic Law of Urban Residents Committees have been officially promulgated. Efforts are being stepped up to strengthen the building of community worker teams, improve the volunteer service system for the new era, promote the rule of law in petitioning and complaint handling, enhance the spiritual civilization construction of national industry associations and chambers of commerce, and strengthen the service management of delivery personnel and online ride-hailing delivery workers... Social work laws, regulations, and policies have been successively introduced.

　　Today in China, social work has reached a new stage, with a clear and firm goal: “Chinese-style modernization should and can achieve a dynamic equilibrium—lively yet orderly, vibrant yet stable.”

　　The dream is ahead; the path is under your feet.

　　“We must work together to continuously enhance our social development and governance capabilities, consistently foster a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and effectively address both big and small issues in the lives of ordinary people, so that everyone can smile more often and feel warmer in their hearts.” These heartwarming words from General Secretary Xi Jinping in his 2025 New Year’s message inspire us to keep striving relentlessly and forging ahead with determination.

Continuously enhance the Party’s appeal, cohesion, and influence in emerging fields.

　　“I came specifically to see you.”

　　On the eve of the 2019 Spring Festival, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited a courier service point in Shitou Hutong, Qianmen, Beijing. A warm and friendly greeting touched the hearts of the busy “little bees” working hard in the cold winter.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “‘Delivery couriers’ have a very hard job—they rise early and stay up late, braving all kinds of weather. The busier they are during holidays, the more they resemble diligent little bees—truly the hardest-working laborers who bring convenience to everyone’s life.”

　　The wheels of history keep rolling forward, and the socialist market economy continues to develop vigorously, giving rise to a growing number of new economic and social organizations. In particular, new business models—especially those represented by the platform economy—are flourishing. Today, China has approximately 84 million workers engaged in new forms of employment. No longer confined to traditional offices or factories, these workers now shuttle between buildings and alleyways, “roaming” freely on the information superhighway.

　　Wherever there is a mass base, there is Party work; wherever there are Party members, there is a Party organization; and wherever there is a Party organization, the role of the Party organization can be fully brought into play. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, “We must place particular emphasis on strengthening Party building in new economic organizations, new social organizations, and new groups of employed people, continuously enhancing the Party’s appeal, cohesion, and influence in emerging fields.”

　　The social work department has earnestly studied and understood the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping. Together with relevant departments, and in accordance with the arrangements made at the symposium on Party building in emerging fields, we are conducting in-depth research to identify precisely where the “newness,” “difficulties,” and “implementation gaps” lie in Party building within these emerging fields.

　　From expanding the Party’s organizational and work coverage to organically integrating Party work with production and operations, innovation and entrepreneurship, social services, and grassroots governance—thus fostering “strong Party building leads to strong development”—to consolidating and enhancing Party building in non-public-owned enterprises and deepening Party building in new types of social organizations; from strengthening Party building among emerging business models and new employment groups to improving service and management for these new employment groups—these solid and pragmatic measures are driving Party building in emerging fields to go deeper, become more substantive, and yield tangible results.

　　Industry associations and chambers of commerce serve as an important bridge connecting the Party and the government with the market and society. In recent years, localities have continuously strengthened Party building within industry associations and chambers of commerce, improved their organizational structures, and deepened efforts to uphold strict governance over the Party in all respects. Adhering to the principle of "managing the industry also means managing Party building," various departments have fully leveraged their respective functions and worked together to promote the healthy development of industry associations and chambers of commerce. Industry associations and chambers of commerce place great emphasis on standardizing internal management, strengthening professional ethics, and proactively taking initiative, thereby continuously demonstrating their roles in serving the industry, society, and the public.

　　At the end of the day, Party building is all about working with people.

　　In February 2021, the 19th Central Political Bureau conducted a group study on improving the social security system to provide coverage for all citizens. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that “some groups—such as migrant workers, flexibly employed personnel, and workers in new forms of employment—have not been included in the social security system, resulting in situations of ‘undercoverage,’ ‘loss of coverage,’ and ‘interruption of coverage.’” Regarding these issues, “we must attach great importance to them and take concrete measures to address them effectively.”

　　All departments have taken proactive measures and successively introduced initiatives aimed at safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of new employment groups and fostering harmonious labor relations. These initiatives set forth clear requirements in areas such as wages, reasonable rest periods, social insurance, and workplace safety.

　　The warmth of policies is continuously translated into tangible and accessible happiness for the masses. In recent years, localities have vigorously promoted the development of friendly environments, addressing the urgent, difficult, and troubling concerns of newly employed groups: establishing heartwarming service stations where workers can rest when tired and confide in others when troubled, thereby enhancing their sense of fulfillment; rectifying illegally installed road height and width restrictions and building “Drivers’ Homes” to bolster their sense of security; providing career planning, vocational training, and other services to help them feel more integrated; and issuing calls for nominations of “the Most Beautiful,” recognizing and celebrating the “most admirable delivery riders,” “most exemplary drivers,” and others, thus fostering a strong sense of honor.

　　This warmth is inspiring. Today, in Xicheng District, Beijing, Communist Party member delivery workers have become the familiar “red vests” among neighbors and residents; in Yangpu District, Shanghai, Party-member riders actively participate in activities such as promoting civility, conducting safety patrols, and providing emergency volunteer services... An increasing number of delivery workers, online ride-hailing delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, and truck drivers are joining Party organizations, becoming a valuable “increment” for urban governance.

“We must build grassroots Party organizations into strong and solid fighting fortresses.”

　　With a blue sky and crystal-clear seas, and pristine shores with white sand, Aojiao Village quietly stands at the southeastern tip of Dongshan Island in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province.

　　Last autumn, General Secretary Xi Jinping once again set foot on this land. After 23 years, the fishing village has taken on a brand-new look. General Secretary Xi Jinping expressed great satisfaction: “The Party organizations at the village level must play the role of the ‘locomotive,’ leading our fellow villagers to make the most of our ‘sea’ resources and forging ahead unswervingly on the path toward rural revitalization and common prosperity.”

　　In rural areas, the village Party organization serves as the “locomotive” leading the way to prosperity and beauty; in urban areas, the community Party organization likewise must be the “backbone” ensuring that residents live peacefully and prosperously.

　　In June 2021, stepping into the Comprehensive Service Center of Wenting Lane Community on Wenhui Road in Xining City, Qinghai Province, one is greeted by melodious singing and the fragrant aroma of calligraphy and ink. The center boasts fully equipped facilities—including a calligraphy and painting studio, a dance studio, a reading room, and a rehabilitation room—where residents enjoy themselves in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping told everyone: “For a community to thrive, it must have a strong grassroots organization led by a robust Party organization. We need to provide comprehensive and thoughtful services in all aspects of the community and effectively organize self-governance activities undertaken by the residents.”

　　When General Secretary Xi Jinping visits local areas for inspection, he often goes to rural areas and urban communities. Party building leading grassroots governance is a task he has repeatedly emphasized—

　　“Regard strengthening Party building at the grassroots level and consolidating the Party’s governing foundation as a guiding red line running through social governance and grassroots development.”

　　“We must build grassroots Party organizations into strong and solid fighting fortresses, transform the major tasks proposed by the Party Central Committee into concrete work at the grassroots level, and ensure that these tasks are firmly grasped, effectively implemented, and yield tangible results.”

　　…………

　　If the foundation is unstable, even mountains and rivers will shake. The grassroots level is the cornerstone of the Party’s governance and the source of its strength.

　　All regions and departments should firmly uphold the clear orientation of focusing strongly on the grassroots level, continuously improve institutional mechanisms, innovate governance approaches, and promote the comprehensive advancement and strengthening of grassroots Party organizations.

　　Reducing burdens and empowering grassroots workers, allowing them to move forward with lighter loads—The issuance of the "Several Provisions on Rectifying Formalism and Reducing Burdens at the Grassroots Level" feels like a breath of fresh spring air. Meeting documents have been streamlined, supervision, inspection, and assessment procedures have been standardized, and an increasing number of resources and personnel are being directed toward the grassroots level. As a result, grassroots cadres now have more time and energy to focus on implementation and getting things done.

　　Clarify responsibilities and focus on practical action. We have proposed 20 measures under the slogan “Strong Horses, Light Vehicles, Smooth Roads, and Concentrated Efforts,” formulated and implemented a list of duties for townships (subdistricts), and established and improved a system for vetting and approving work items at the village (community) level. These measures collectively encourage grassroots-level officials to concentrate on what they should and can do, cultivate their “fields of responsibility” diligently, and perform their assigned tasks effectively.

　　The integration of “three governance approaches” sparks vibrant vitality. In Jinniu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, Party branches are established within grid units; “red property management” teams collaborate closely with Party groups in residential buildings, enabling residents to have their issues resolved right at their doorstep. In Anqiu City, Weifang, Shandong, grassroots Party organizations have innovatively launched “Maza Deliberation Meetings,” where Party members and cadres go deep into the front lines to coordinate and resolve issues affecting people’s livelihoods, turning residents’ worries into peace of mind... A grassroots governance system that combines self-governance, rule of law, and moral governance under the leadership of Party organizations has been steadily established and improved. As a result, the socialization, rule-of-law orientation, intelligence, and professionalism of social governance continue to rise.

　　In March of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, where he sat down with village officials and representatives of villagers to have an open and candid conversation.

　　The first secretary stationed in the village is spearheading construction efforts; retired veteran Party members are participating in mediation; college students returning home to start businesses are establishing cooperatives... Amidst laughter and cheerful chatter, the vibrant energy of the Dong ethnic minority village’s all-round revitalization is palpable—and this vividly underscores a truth: “To do a good job serving the people, the key lies in strengthening the building of grassroots Party organizations in rural areas.”

　　A fortress of combat, strong and powerful. Grassroots governance brims with vitality and diversity. The Party’s political and organizational strengths continuously translate into enhanced effectiveness in grassroots governance.

Let the wisdom and creativity of the masses become an inexhaustible source of innovation in social governance.

　　The autumn breeze carries a refreshing coolness, and the fragrance of torreya trees fills the air as the Fengxi River flows through the thousand-year-old town of Fengqiao in Zhuji City, Zhejiang Province. The “Fengqiao Experience,” born right here, remains fresh and relevant even today.

　　In September 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping made a special visit to this place and toured the Fengqiao Experience Exhibition Hall. He profoundly pointed out: “This embodies our Party’s policies and strategies for addressing issues and resolving conflicts—namely, following the mass line, closely relying on the people, and resolving problems at the grassroots level and nipping conflicts in the bud.”

　　While the times are changing, the situation is evolving, and the nature of social contradictions is also shifting, the approach of relying on the masses to properly handle internal contradictions among the people has remained unchanged. Today, localities are upholding and developing the “Fengqiao Experience” for the new era, making good use of the “Four Approaches to the Grassroots” system, strengthening and improving the work of handling public complaints and petitions, promoting source-based governance of petitioning issues and resolving long-standing cases, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the masses, and fostering social harmony and stability.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping has set an exemplary example by thoroughly practicing the Party’s mass line and has repeatedly made clear demands: “We must pay attention to publicizing to and educating the masses, carrying out our work in ways that the masses enjoy and readily accept, thereby raising their ideological awareness and inspiring them to become enthusiastic and take action.” “We must harness the wisdom and creativity of the masses as an inexhaustible source of innovation in social governance…”

　　The “Old Yang Tree Lecture Series” is a group organization composed of retired cadres, veteran soldiers, senior experts, veteran teachers, and role models from Yangpu District, Shanghai. Dedicated to promoting the Party’s innovative theories and the concept of a people-centered city, the group conducts extensive lecture activities through a combination of online and offline approaches.

　　Last November, General Secretary Xi Jinping wrote back to all members of the “Old Poplar Lecture Group,” emphasizing that “A city built by the people is for the people,” and calling on everyone to “jointly build a harmonious and beautiful city and jointly create a happy and fulfilling life.”

　　Today, whole-process people’s democracy has been deeply integrated into Shanghai’s urban governance. By listening to the voices of the masses, responding to their concerns, and addressing practical problems... here, the people themselves take center stage.

　　It’s not an isolated case. The Beizhan Community in Minzhi Subdistrict, Longhua District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, is a high-density community in a megacity with a diverse structure and varied demands, making governance quite challenging.

　　As early as October 2018, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited this place and explicitly pointed out: “We must uphold the principle of relying on residents and organizing community governance in a lawful and orderly manner with the active participation of residents, so that everyone can take part, contribute their utmost, and share the benefits together.”

　　Today, in the community, volunteers are guiding electric vehicles to park in an orderly manner. At the small square tables in the Party-Mass Service Center, community officials and residents are jointly discussing the issue of childcare for children of out-of-town residents... Both community officials and residents deeply realize: “When everyone deliberates together and everyone pitches in, that’s the key to solving even the toughest problems.”

　　Social work, to a large extent, is about working with the masses. Better uniting and serving the people is not only an inherent responsibility of our work but also the fundamental approach for carrying it out. By closely relying on the people and organizing and mobilizing them, social work can become more grounded, more vibrant, and more effective.

　　Listening to public opinion, pooling collective wisdom, and widely soliciting diverse viewpoints have become important channels for advancing the modernization of social governance. Social work departments should do a good job in collecting people’s suggestions, continuously improve institutional mechanisms, and make coordinated use of both online and offline platforms, ensuring that the collection of social conditions and public opinions becomes smoother and more efficient.

　　Excellent traditional culture continues to deeply resonate with people's hearts. In vast rural areas, communities have formulated and refined village rules and covenants, established organizations such as Red and White Affairs Committees and Moral Review Committees, and engaged in self-management and self-supervision, consciously promoting the transformation of customs and practices—emphasizing civility over extravagance, and fostering a new ethos that values virtue and champions frugality.

　　Volunteer service is an important indicator of social civilization and progress. Currently, the number of registered volunteers nationwide has reached 237 million, and there are 1.35 million volunteer teams of various types. “If you have time, be a volunteer; if you’re in trouble, turn to a volunteer”—and “I give, and I feel happy”—have become new trends in social civility.

　　Everything is for the people, and everything relies on the people. The wisdom and strength of hundreds of millions of people continuously strengthen the foundation of social work.

　　On this new journey, let us unite even more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, unswervingly follow the path of socialist social governance with Chinese characteristics, and continuously promote the high-quality development of social work in the new era. By doing so, we will ensure that our society remains both vibrant and well-organized as it advances along the path of modernization.