Youth Engagement Strategies in Mutlangen
In the heart of Ostalbkreis, Germany, the municipality of Mutlangen has made waves in youth participation, earning first place in the Staatsanzeiger Award in the category "Youth & Democracy." This achievement is a testament to Mutlangen's commitment to giving everyone, regardless of age, a voice in community decision-making.
One of the most notable examples of this commitment is the successful redesign of the local skate park. Designed to meet the needs of its young users, the skate park project serves as a shining example of youth participation in practice. This high-quality implementation has not only resulted in a popular recreational space but also increased awareness of the importance of youth involvement in Mutlangen.
The skate park project was part of the "Youth Decides" initiative of the Hertie Foundation, which allows young people to actively participate in the design of community projects. The Youth Council Mutlangen, established in 2018, has been offering an open platform for young people to co-shape communal topics. In the case of the skate park, workshops and planning sessions were held for young people to contribute their ideas to the design.
The success of the skate park project is also reflected in the high turnout for the First Voter Forum, a project aimed at preparing young people for their first vote. Running for four months in 2024, the Forum offered an intensive engagement with democratic processes. The high participation was a result of inviting all first-time voters by letter. The Forum provided open discussion rounds for young people to exchange with political representatives and ask questions, further fostering a culture of democratic engagement.
Mutlangen's commitment to youth participation is not limited to the skate park project. The municipality's Youth Council also undertook another project, but further details about this project were not provided. However, the commitment of the Youth Council became visible through the implementation of the First Voter Forum.
The low-threshold access to political co-determination in Mutlangen, as recognised by the jury of the Staatsanzeiger Award, allows young people in Mutlangen to submit suggestions and engage with the administration without the need for elections or application procedures. This approach sets an example for other municipalities, demonstrating that active youth participation can lead to successful community projects and a more inclusive democratic process.
For those interested in learning more about the six awarded projects, including the skate park project, impulse lectures are available. Registration links are provided for those who wish to attend.
While a comprehensive description of Mutlangen’s specific participation concept that earned the Staatsanzeiger Award requires information from official municipal sources, the Hertie Foundation, or related local government reports, it is clear that Mutlangen is leading the way in youth participation and democratic engagement.
