At the beginning of the evening, Mayor Mark Verheijen welcomed everyone to Wijdemeren town hall. Then, under the inspiring leadership of Astrid Nienhuis, the participants got to work. The first evening covered the Dutch administrative levels, from water boards and municipalities to Europe.
The second evening, in Hilversum, attendees delved into municipal politics. What does a mayor do, what does a clerk do? How do the mayor and aldermen collaborate with the municipal council, and sometimes not? Two council members came to explain their practical experience and why they chose to serve on the council.
Examples
After this introduction, the following evening became even more concrete. How do you, as a council member, ensure your ideas are translated into concrete action? Council members also shared practical experience that evening. This clarified for the participants what constitutes an amendment and what constitutes a motion, including several engaging examples.
The evening concluded with political speed dating. Council members from both municipal councils took ample time to talk with the participants. At the end of the evening, there was time for a chat over drinks. On October 28th, the group debated, and on the final evening, they attended a council meeting in Wijdemeren. Finally, there was an introduction to municipal finances, and the participants received their well-deserved certificates, signed by two mayors.
Participate
Please register with the registry office via griffie@hilversum.nl We will then keep you informed about the start of the next course.
