Union of Polish Youth | |
Native Name: | Związek Młodzieży Polskiej |
Founded: | 1948 |
Dissolved: | 1956 |
International: | WFDY |
National: | National Front |
Mother Party: | Polish United Workers' Party |
Związek Młodzieży Polskiej (Union or Association of Polish Youth, abbr. ZMP) was a Polish communist youth organization, existing from 1948 to 1956. It was subordinated to Polish United Workers' Party
It was formed from the Union of Youth Struggle (Związek Walki Młodych) and several other organizations.
For several years it supervised Polish scouting. Membership in it was often obligatory (officially or unofficially) for various purposes, such as being able to attend the universities. Membership was refused to those who were deemed "unsuitable" - due to non-worker/peasant family background, or their ties with the pro-West World War II-era Polish forces or resistance.
Its membership grew from almost 0.5 million in 1948, to over 1 million in 1951 and over 2 million in 1955.
The uniform of a ZMP member consisted of a green shirt and red tie.