Youth councils

Illustration of a man singing.

The youth councils provide a forum for adolescents under 18 years of age to actively participate in community development and influence their local environment.

Six youth councils operate in the city's neighborhoods. Their term is one year at a time, and the working year begins Oct. 1 each year.

The youth councils share a consultation and collaboration platform called the Youth Council of Reykjavík.

Purpose

To provide young people under 18 with a platform to actively participate and make a difference in their community, even though they don't have voting eligibility. Youth council activities give teenagers opportunities to make their voices heard, submit proposals to the City Council, and address youth issues in different ways.

Objective

  • To create platforms and pathways that allow those under 18 to share their views and proposals with the proper parties.
  • To provide participants with education and training in democratic processes and a platform where they can practice these skills.

Introduced to teenagers

Council activities are presented to teenagers in Reykjavík each fall by either youth council representatives or council staff. The council's work is also presented based on the specific circumstances and needs of each neighborhood. Open informational meetings are held where guests learn about the councils' work and what they've accomplished.

Planning

Youth councils are an open platform for interested young people; participants don't need to be elected or nominated by a school or community center to take part. The councils organize their work in whatever way they believe will best achieve their current goals. Each neighborhood's youth council nominates two to four representatives to serve on the Youth Council of Reykjavík.

Main tasks

Youth council projects are shaped by current issues and the tasks that come to each council at any given time. Youth councils receive suggestions from youth about issues to examine, as well as from others who want to work with the councils or seek their input. Youth councils work to bring suggestions for improvements to the proper parties.

Illustration of two people writing on post-it notes on a wall.

Staff

Youth council staff are typically employees of the relevant neighborhood's recreation center. Most neighborhoods have two staff members working with the youth council. Youth council staff provide support and guidance to youth council representatives and have experience working with young people, in addition to knowledge of democracy and Reykjavík City's development.

Group of people welcoming a new employee.

Youth Council of Reykjavík

Two to four representatives from each youth council hold seats on the Youth Council of Reykjavík. The council has 16 representatives ages 13-18. The Youth Council of Reykjavík meets regularly and decides which topics and projects it works on at any given time.

Each year, Youth Council of Reykjavík representatives meet with the City Council and present proposals for improvements on issues that affect them. The Youth Council of Reykjavík has an observer on the School & Recreation Council and a representative on the children's cultural festival board. Youth Council of Reykjavík representatives have participated from the beginning in conferences, forums, workshops, and other diverse projects organized by Reykjavík City, the Ministry of Education and Children, the Ombudsman for Children and others.

Youth Council of Reykjavík staff members are Hulda Valdís Valdimarsdóttir and Ása Kristín Einarsdóttir

Questions and answers about youth councils

What is a youth council?

Youth councils are for those who want to make a difference in their community. You don't need to be elected or nominated by a school or youth center to participate.

How can I participate?

You can send an email to ungmennarad@reykjavik.is and let us know you're interested. You can also contact your local youth center for more information about the youth council in your neighborhood.

What is the Youth Council of Reykjavík?

It includes representatives from all youth councils in Reykjavík. The Youth Council of Reykjavík meets with City Council, proposes improvements, and has an observer on the School & Recreation Council and a representative on the Children's Culture Festival board. Youth Council of Reykjavík representatives have participated from the beginning in conferences, forums, workshops, and other diverse projects organized by Reykjavík City, the Ministry of Education and Children, the Ombudsman for Children and others.

What's the difference between youth councils and the Youth Council of Reykjavík?

Youth councils operate within neighborhoods and they select their representatives to serve on the Youth Council of Reykjavík.

What are the goals of youth councils?

  • To create platforms and pathways that allow those under 18 to share their views and proposals with the proper parties.
  • To provide participants with education and training in democratic processes and a platform where they can practice these skills.

Can everyone participate in a youth council?

If you're 13-18 years old and live in Reykjavík, you can participate.
Everyone is welcome!

How long can you be on a youth council?

You can be on a youth council as long as you're 13-18 years old and want to be actively involved.

Youth councils choose their representatives to the Youth Council of Reykjavík once a year.