The Young Council
About this good practice
The Young Council carries out projects independently and works on topics in working groups. Climate issues, environmental protection, education, sport, transport, democracy, digitalisation and social justice are example topics in the working groups and important for children and young people. Schleswig-Holstein was the first federal state to introduce the parliamentary form of participation of children and young people in municipal law.
The members of a district's youth council is determined by the number of eligible voters living in the district. The diversity of young applicants and members of the youth council is of particular importance. This is important for political decision-making processes, but also for the external representation of the youth council.
There are currently 17 members (aged 12-19) from four districts: five members from each East and South, three members (central) and four members (North) form the Young Council. They meet once a month.
The meetings are open to everyone, all children and young people are invited to attend and voice their concerns.
Motions which the council has suggested and also if they were voted for:
• Ecosia as the default search engine on all municipal computers (including school computers) – approved
• Establishment of a youth café in Kiel with its own workspace for the Young Council - approved.
• Strengthening young people in Kiel's districts - youth council meeting once a year in each district council - adopted with amendments
Resources needed
In addition to meeting spaces, financial and human resources are needed. A permanent 39-hour position was created for the Youth Council, handling administrative tasks with a strong focus on educational support. A degree in social pedagogy or social work is required.
Evidence of success
Establishment of the advisory board - Every meeting is published in the digital council system. The guidelines for the participation of children and young people make this an effective tool.
Political education:
• Day event with 120 pupils, teachers & politicians
• Teaching materials
• Panel discussions as part of the local elections
Children's rights:
• Participation in Kiel’s “child-friendly” event
• Campaign with child protection association on children's rights
Potential for learning or transfer
Promoting young people's participation in the community is an essential component of democracy education. It is therefore important that they can and are allowed to do so. The community is the public space in which politics can be experienced and shaped directly. Children and young people should also be given this opportunity to participate and help shape matters. After all, many municipal plans and decisions also affect them and their future. Municipal participation is therefore the supreme discipline when it comes to child and youth participation and democracy education. The Young Council is treated in the same way as other (adult) councils. They have the same rights (attendance fee) and duties and the administration has the same obligations towards them as towards other councils and local politicians. In addition, the Young Council broadens the local political perspective to include youth-specific issues.
Further information
Good practice owner
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