Young councillors, new approaches?

Rina HansenCouncil 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

menwomen

Council members elected in 2003 local elections

8,3 % of councillors under 29

60 % between 40 and 60

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)

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?

Challenges (- on how not to be trapped )

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 grown-up trap:

Copying establishment

Dressing, speaking and acting like all other politicians..

- loosing accountability to those you represent.

- Loosing yourself

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

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

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

Recruiting youth

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