The Young Democrats (Dutch: Jonge Democraten; JD) is a social-liberalyouth organisation in the Netherlands, founded in 1984. Although independent, it is affiliated with the social-liberalDemocrats 66 party. With over 5,000 members, it is the largest political youth organisation of the Netherlands.
Principles
According to its Declaration of Principles, the Young Democrats are a liberal-democratic youth organisation. Its main objective is to contribute to the individual development of every person. Core values of the Young Democrats are liberty, equality, solidarity, sustainability and pragmatism. The JD is also in favour of the radical democratisation of society.
Policies
The Young Democrats advocate reforming social security to increase labour participation. JD is in favour of gradually raising the retirement age to 67 years from the current age of 65.
The Young Democrats oppose counter-terrorism measures that are neither proportional nor have proven effective. In particular, JD opposes current legislation obliging citizens to be able to prove their identity at any time. JD rejects a ban on the wearing of the burqa in public spaces.
The Young Democrats are in favour of more direct democracy in the form of referendums and direct elections for the offices of Prime Minister and mayor.
The Congress is the sovereign body of the Young Democrats and meets three times a year. During the Congress members of the National Board are elected individually and JD policy is decided through resolutions, amendments and motions. All members have equal say through the one man, one vote system.
National Board
The day-to-day management of the Young Democrats is in the hands of the National Board, the members of which are:
President: Rachelle Smook
Secretary-General: Johan Edward
Treasurer: Merel Warmerdam
Political Officer: Rune Oomen
Organisation Officer: Shaniqua Monsels
Internal Affairs Officer: Douwe Brandenburg
External Affairs Officer: Yarnick Pander
Local branches
Currently, the Young Democrats have eight local branches, most of which are based in university cities, such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Leiden. Every branch has a local board and organises regular general meetings where local board members are elected and policy is decided. Every local member has the right to vote at the local general meetings.
The local branches are:
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