Young Democrats

The Young Democrats (in Dutch: Jonge Democraten; JD) are the Dutch social-liberal political youth organisation, founded in 1984. With over 2800 members, the Young Democrats is one of the largest political youth organisations of the Netherlands.

Although fully independent, the Young Democrats are affiliated with the Dutch social-liberal party Democrats 66. D66 is currently in opposition against the centre-left coalition government of the Christian-Democrats (CDA), Labour (PvdA) and Orthodox-Christians (CU).

In recent history D66 was the junior partner in three coalitions. In government, D66 increased investments in education and the environment, reformed the welfare state and introduced liberal policies on gay marriage, abortion, euthanasia and prostitution. Also, the party propagated further European integration, opposed the invasion of Iraq and defended basic civil liberties.

The rights and freedoms of an individual are of the highest concern to JD. A social-liberal attitude towards society, however, also requires the individual to be able to grasp the opportunities to fully develop her- or himself. JD has an open mind towards the future, where reform of Dutch democratic institutions plays a key-role. The Dutch welfare state needs radical improvement to be sustainable in the long run, demanding reform of and more extensive investment in education and innovation, and an emphasis on sustainable development.

Everyone between the age of 12 and 30 can become a member of the Young Democrats. Our organisation currently has 11 local branches, spread across the country but mainly based in university cities. The highest statutory body is the Congress. The Congress is open to all individual members, where among other things they vote on amendments, resolutions and elect the members of the National Board. Please contact our International Officer if you would like more information or would like to attend this national event.

Over the years, JD has organized a wide variety of projects that put international exchange of experiences between politically engaged youth at the centre. Think for example of a series of seminars in Eastern Europe in close collaboration with another Dutch political youth organisation, summer schools in the Netherlands for political youth from around Europe, and three separate projects with a Colombian political youth organisation, even resulting in a series of internships for 12 JD members in Colombia.

JD is a very internationally-oriented organization with a lot of attention for European integration and international relations, cooperation and development. Its campaign to promote a 'yes'-vote for the European Constitution in 2005 even reached international news-media like the BBC. JD promotes a strong European Union and stresses the importance of multilateral approaches to international issues like trade and sustainable development.

International cooperation is therefore a cornerstone of JD's activities. It greatly adds to the experience of its members and gives them a broader understanding of both political ideas as well as the role of political youth in other countries and circumstances. There are also many positive effects on partner organizations in other countries, like interesting experiences for its members, developing organizational skills and languages, and getting a view of politics beyond their national borders as well.

The JD is a member of both the European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) and the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY). For international issues, the official representative is International Officer Erik van der Meij. The International Committee (INCO), open to every member of JD and presided over by a board elected by congress, is the main body taking care of international politics and projects.

Download our Declaration of Principles (PDF-file) here

Become part of our Facebook group here.

National Board

Members of the National Board are elected individually by the Congress, the highest statutory body of the Young Democrats. Currently the National Board consists of nine members:

President: Thomas Bakker
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Secretary General: Joyce Baars
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Treasurer: Wouter Verhaak
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Press Officer: Carola Zandbergen
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Political Officer: Jolien van Hooff

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Education and Training Officer: Eva Kunst

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Organization Officer: vacant

Promotions Officer: vacant

International Officer: Erik van der Meij
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Queries

In case you have any queries we kindly ask you to contact our International Officer at Dit e-mailadres is beschermd tegen spambots. U heeft Javascript nodig om het te kunnen zien.