City bus services and School of Work wages among Youth Council of Reykjavík proposals

Calling for modern civic education

Seven proposals were on the table at this meeting. These proposals address public transit improvements, higher School of Work wages, securing the LGBT+ youth center's future, expanding education for children and teens on current social issues, adding evening hours at the Askja youth center, reversing planned cuts to youth center hours, and increasing consultation with young people on matters affecting them. An overview of the proposals to be presented to the City Council at the meeting is attached.

The council has taken part in many exciting projects

Reykjavík City was one of the first municipalities in Iceland to establish a youth council. The meeting between the Youth Council of Reykjavík and City Council has become an annual event. The City has implemented many proposals from recent youth and City Council meetings, making a positive difference for local young people. This tradition has led to increased emphasis on collaboration with young people within the City administration and on democratic practices in work with children and youth.

Youth Council of Reykjavík representatives tackled a wide range of exciting projects over the past year, meeting weekly throughout the winter.

Meetings with Strætó Public Transport

The council has representatives on the School & Recreation Council and the Children's Culture Festival board. It has followed up on City Council meeting proposals in specialized councils and committees. The council holds an annual consultation meeting with Strætó Public Transport representatives to discuss improving city bus services and to provide feedback on ongoing projects, including the School of Work's structure and educational materials on hate speech and anti-democratic rhetoric. Last fall, council representatives traveled to Norway to study youth democracy initiatives and attended a conference alongside many young Norwegians. Organizers are currently planning a Nordic conference featuring youth from 10 cities across the region. The council also hosts two professional development days annually for representatives from all Reykjavík youth councils.

A forum for younger Reykjavík residents

The Youth Council of Reykjavík serves as a consultation forum for all six neighborhood youth councils, with each nominating representatives to the citywide body. The Youth Council of Reykjavík and the neighborhood youth councils aim to create a platform for people under 18 to express their opinions and suggestions, and to practice democratic processes.

In the photo, top row from left: Andrea, Jökull, Sóley, Eyrún. Bottom row from left: Úlfhildur, Snæ, Karen