Youth-Check Thuringia is trying out a new format to involve young people
The youth-check Thuringia is trying out ways to involve young people in the ongoing process of a youth-check. A new phase is now beginning with the ‘Youth Survey’: young people in Thuringia can share their views on proposed legislation via online surveys.
Over the next few days, 5,000 young people in Thuringia will receive a letter from the Thuringian Ministry of Social Welfare, Health, Labour and Family Affairs (TMSGAF). In it, they will be invited to join the ‘Youth Panel’ for the youth-check Thuringia.
Invitation to participate in the Youth Panel of the youth-check Thuringia
As part of the Youth Panel, young people can advise the Thuringian state government on legislative proposals from their personal perspective. Their views will be taken into account in the youth-check Thuringia. This is done by taking part in the Youth Survey. These are digital surveys, which will be sent to the members of the Youth Panel by the TMSGAF. The anonymous surveys are created and evaluated by the youth-check Thuringia project bureau (ProJCT) at the National Institute for Public Administration Germany (NIPAG).
Youth Minister Schenk: “Democracy begins with participation in everyday life”
Thuringia's Youth Minister Katharina Schenk emphasises the importance of the new initiative: “Democracy thrives on participation, and it begins in the immediate environment of young people. Participation is a fundamental right: children, teenagers and young adults are experts in their own affairs. Formats such as the ‘Youth Survey’ provide them with the chance to take on responsibility, contribute their views constructively and play an active role in political decision-making. This strengthens their ability not only to shape their own futures, but also their sense of belonging to their community. At the same time, we recognise that participation has not yet reached everyone equally. That is why we are committed to making initiatives such as the Youth Panel as inclusive and accessible as possible, so that as many young people as possible – regardless of where they live or their life circumstances – can contribute their perspectives.”
Analysis and publication of the results
The results of the survey complement the regulatory impact assessment. Together with the youth-check they will be forwarded to the state ministry as feedback on the draft legislation. The results will also be published in an analytical report.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply to participate in the Youth Panel as the addresses were randomly selected from the register of residents and weighted according to age, size of residence place and gender.
Related Projects
Implementation of the youth-check in Thuringia (Phase 3)
The youth-check is a regulatory impact assessment tool that analyses the impact of legislation on young people. To raise awareness of young people's concerns early in the legislative process, the youth-check is applied to proposed legislation at the draft law stage. Its purpose is to identify and present the intended and unintended consequences of a draft law on young people. In this way, the perspectives of young people in the legislative process are strengthened and makes policymakers and administrators more aware of the independent life phase of youth.
