This spring, the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee is stepping up its efforts to engage residents with politics by hosting the "Politiek Actief" course. This program is particularly targeted at individuals considering taking on roles within local politics, such as becoming council members, or simply those who want to learn more about how political systems operate at the local level.
According to Bert Brand, the council registrar, “It is intended for the residents of Goeree-Overflakkee who have an interest in politics and perhaps even wish to become council members in the future.” This initiative serves not just as educational outreach but also as a proactive way for the municipality to scout potential candidates for the municipal elections scheduled for March 2026, addressing current challenges faced in finding willing participants for council roles.
Brand elaborates, “It’s not so easy for factions to find council members nowadays. The work can be quite intensive. So, if we want to encourage people to become involved politically, it’s great to offer them this kind of introduction.” The "Politiek Actief" course will run for six Wednesday evenings throughout March and April, and it’s free of charge for participants.
Throughout the course, attendees will cover various topics related to local governance, such as municipal structures, council functions, and municipal finances. They will also gain practical skills like debating and lobbying techniques. An important feature of the course includes sitting in on a municipal council meeting to see the political process firsthand and talking with local officials.
Ellen Nijssen, who transitioned to the VKGO group after participating in this course back in 2017, recalls, “I remembered quite a large group, very diverse with various backgrounds. Some were truly interested in becoming politically active, but others just wanted to know more about politics as residents.”
Erwin Guijt, who has been serving on the council for the SGP since December and took the course alongside his studies on public administration, shared his insights: “I certainly gained practical tips from the course. For example, learning how to ask council questions. The most important takeaway I learned is the tendency within politics to do a lot of talking when it’s equally important to listen to what the real problem is before working toward solutions.”
Tim Jochems, another council member, took the course when he was involved in his party's administration because he felt the need to grasp practical intricacies like how motions are proposed and processed. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “Just do it. Especially if you have ambitions to get involved or assert your role within politics. Even if you just want to be more informed about politics, it could still be interesting.”
With the start date of February 24, 2025, approaching, potential participants are encouraged to register soon, as spaces for the course are limited. Information on how to sign up and the scope of the curriculum is available on the municipality's website. To obtain certification of participation, attendees must be present for all five sessions.
The program has also made strides to be accessible to all, including individuals with physical disabilities, ensuring inclusivity within the local community's political engagement efforts.
Such initiatives highlight not only the importance of grassroots political education but also encourage civic responsibility among residents of Goeree-Overflakkee. The municipality looks forward to fostering more active involvement within local governance through efforts like the "Politiek Actief" course.