DISCUSS in Zoetermeer: Focus on Local Politics

On October 22nd, the Zoetermeer Council Chamber hosted a local participation event as part of the DISCUSS project, a project aimed at empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to engage in debates and advocate for inclusive, green policies. This event provided students with an opportunity to connect directly with local politics and develop their debating skills.
The afternoon session was dedicated to structured debate and interaction with local policymakers. Mayor Michel Bezuijen opened the event by discussing his work and the significance of debate in democratic decision-making. Students had the chance to ask the mayor questions, gaining insight into political processes and local governance. Local levels of government remain most mysterious for young people, but they are the ones that can tangibly shape their living conditions so meetings like this are crucial for their civic education and awareness on how to make most direct changes to their lives.
The students participated in a carousel debate format, ensuring each student took on multiple roles. Every student debated twice, once in favour of a topic and once against it. The important part is that they also served as adjudicators, allowing them to experience both the advocacy and evaluation sides of debate. This ensures that they get a well-rounded perspective on argumentation and decision-making, and see how they are perceived when they argue, making them more aware of their own persuasiveness.
After each debate, student juries voted and explained their decisions, while two city council members and a professional judge from DebatUnie provided valuable feedback to them as well. This expert guidance helped students refine their reasoning skills and improve their ability to construct and present compelling arguments.
The Zoetermeer participation event was a strong example of how structured debate can empower young people to engage with political issues and understand democratic processes. By involving policymakers and providing practical debate experience, DISCUSS continues to create meaningful opportunities for youth involvement in civic life. We look forward to future events that further strengthen the connection between young voices and decision-makers