Young Hoyerswerda residents demand co-determination – wake up, politicians!

Young Hoyerswerda residents demand co-determination – wake up, politicians!

In Hoyerswerda, young people are becoming more and more involved in shaping their city. Henriette Meixner from the Poko youth club sums it up: “We are part of society and have the right to take part in shaping it.” But what does it look like in reality?

One hurdle is the insufficient promotion of participatory budgeting in schools, as Meixner notes. A simple call could encourage many young people to take part. Korina Jenßen from the city administration emphasizes the need to involve students aged 16 and over more closely. “We would like more ideas and suggestions,” she says, to encourage youth participation.

Participatory budgeting – an opportunity for everyone

The participatory budget in Hoyerswerda actually offers a platform: citizens can suggest projects that may then be implemented. This direct participation in public funds is already a biggest step towards the participation of the population hoyerswerda.de.

Cindy Paulick from the Partnership for Democracy also emphasizes how important it is to make better use of existing resources to strengthen democratic coexistence. During the successful collaboration in the “Green Saum” project, for example, older adults were able to help design a barbecue area, while young people were allowed to contribute their own meeting point at the Black Elster.

Youth City Council – raise voices

In the last two years, the youth city council (Justra) in Hoyerswerda has not only organized a soccer tournament, but also launched a garbage collection campaign. Nevertheless, outgoing chairman Franz Bleck sees a need for action: "It is incomprehensible that we have no voting rights in the city council. After all, it is the young people who have to live with the decisions for the longest time."

The social worker Nancy Hauke ​​points out that many young people do not immediately express their ideas and wishes about a good coexistence. The key is to promote open communication structures and create a fair framework for their ideas.

A look beyond the city limits

But what is the general situation regarding the participation of young people in local decisions in Germany? An investigation of the bpb shows that this is not yet widespread, but offers enormous opportunities for the future of municipalities. Initial approaches in other cities such as Steglitz-Zehlendorf and Marzahn-Hellersdorf show that up to 25% of suggestions come from young people through targeted youth budgets.

In order to support the participation of young people, targeted communication strategies and the creation of supportive framework conditions are necessary. The call for participation is also a way to seriously involve young people in decision-making processes. “We have to reduce the complexity of political processes in order to make it easier for young people to participate,” was the common tenor.

Hoyerswerda therefore has the opportunity to enable real participation through stronger youth work. A good knack for future cooperation with young people could put the city on a promising course.