Recruiting young people for Meppel politics can begin: the adult politicians have decided to establish a youth council.
“The Youth Council is extremely important because it generates new ideas, shares diverse opinions and actively involves young people in shaping the future of Meppel,” says 21-year-old Liselot Raat (VVD), the youngest city council member.
Together with Ina Booij of the Christian Union, she campaigned for more influence for young people on Meppel politics. The two parties even speak of a historic moment for Meppel. CDA and SP were the only ones to vote against the arrival of the youth council, the parties doubt whether the youth council (in this form) is the right form to involve youth in politics.
The youth council will have an advisory role and must form the bridge between the municipality and the youth. In the coming weeks, two or three city council members will talk to young people to set up a plan to recruit young people. The topics on which the youth council will work are then determined.
Every year, 5,000 euros are made available to the youth council. “With this amount they can, for example, follow a training course, invite a speaker or cover communication costs,” say the initiators.