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Young councillors, new approaches?

Young councillors, new approaches?. Rina Hansen Council Member, City of Oslo, Norway. Introduction to Oslo. Capital of Norway Population : 550 000 Total area 454 km2 City Council of Oslo: 59 Members Elections every 4th year 5 standing commitees. Norwegian municipal councils.

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Young councillors, new approaches?

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  1. Young councillors, new approaches? Rina Hansen Council Member, City of Oslo, Norway

  2. Introduction to Oslo • Capital of Norway • Population : 550 000 • Total area 454 km2 • City Council of Oslo: 59 Members • Elections every 4th year • 5 standing commitees

  3. Norwegian municipal councils Council members elected in 2003 local elections men women 8,3 % of councillors under 29 60 % between 40 and 60

  4. City Council of Oslo • 15 % under 29 (2003) (of this 2/3 women) • 42 % under 40 (2003) • Average age of councillers :47 (2007) • Some young chairs of committees and party spokespersons • Labour party mayor candidate 2007: 34 years old • But…. Research shows that young councillers do not get or do not want re-election… (1999-2003)

  5. A challenge to democracy • Young people are directly affected by politics and decisions • Education • Transport • Recreation and sports • Housing • Kindergartens • Employment opportunities • Etc • Democracy: representation of all parts of society • New approaches, new experiences, new spheres of interest, more long term thinking?

  6. Challenges (- on how not to be trapped ) The grown-up trap: Copying establishment Dressing, speaking and acting like all other politicians.. - loosing accountability to those you represent. - Loosing yourself The youth trap: Only working on ”youth issues” Too many .. ”as a young person I know…” Undermines you for the future. Being young is good. Being only young will not get you re-elected The authority trap: Becoming an alibi, not actually having influence Other people will be the ones actually deciding Young people are easily deprived of authority

  7. Making it easier.. • Being accountable • Knowing the issues and facts • Remaining in contact with youth • .. but still having responsibilities as the other councillors • Networking • Listen to the what young council members want / need • Who is responsible for having more young councillors? And for making it liveable? • Colleagues • Your self • The party / group chairperson

  8. Why is it fun? • Influencing the outcomes • Putting important issues on the agenda • Being listened to • Putting your knowledge and experience into practise • Becoming spokesperson on issues • Changing the manner of politics • You can make an impact

  9. Recruiting youth • Youth organisations • Youth branches of parties • What demands are put on the candidates? • Training of young councillors • Party culture • Council culture

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