Rethinking Youth Participation: The Youth Forum Bad Münstereifel

Strengthening the Inclusion of Youth – The Youth Forum Bad Münstereifel

In Bad Münstereifel, youth participation has gained increasing importance in recent years. However, with budgetary measures and the suspension of the elected youth advisory board, the opportunities for engaging young people came under scrutiny. In April 2026, the Education and Social Committee will address a new approach: the "Youth Forum Bad Münstereifel." It is intended to serve as a cost-neutral tool for youth participation and will temporarily replace the elected youth advisory board.

Concept and Structure of the Youth Forum

The Youth Forum will be based at the children and youth center "ERFTWERK4," a facility of the Child Protection Association. The administration has approved this, as the premises already exist and no additional costs will be incurred. Organizationally, the forum will consist of 3 to 4 volunteer adults who will moderate and provide pedagogical support to the youth. In addition, students from relevant degree programs will be involved to support and professionalize the project.

Participation will be through the student councils of the secondary and primary schools. The administration has already received written confirmation that all student council teachers have pledged their support. The youth will not be elected but will be actively integrated into a structured forum. This model enables youth participation to be implemented without financial risk.

Rights and Responsibilities of the Youth Forum

A central aspect of the Youth Forum is the granting of a fixed right to speak in the city's specialist committees. Youth representatives can speak in committees such as Education and Social Affairs, Urban Development, or Construction and Environment, provided the topics concern their interests – for example, in the design of parks or mobility options. This promotes democratic participation and strengthens awareness of political processes.

Another pilot project is the development of a concept for "Legal Walls" – officially approved graffiti areas. The goal is to prevent vandalism and provide a legal platform for youthful creativity. The project highlights the connection between prevention and youth participation and shows how political measures can address social challenges.

Financial Neutrality and Long-Term Perspectives

Financial neutrality is a key advantage of the Youth Forum. By using existing premises, civic engagement, and the inclusion of students, no additional costs for elections, compensation, or new positions will arise. At the same time, the forum offers a long-term perspective for youth participation in Bad Münstereifel.

The SPD faction, which submitted the proposal, emphasizes that young people are often underrepresented in political decision-making processes. The Youth Forum aims to close this gap and also serve as a test run for future youth participation models.

Conclusion: Rethinking Youth Participation

With the Youth Forum Bad Münstereifel, the city is sending an important signal for the inclusion of young people in political and social processes. It is a model that combines civic engagement with political responsibility. Whether the forum will continue in the long term or remain a pilot project will become clear in the coming months. One thing is certain: The future of the city will not be planned without the voices of the youth.