What DWARSers do: interview with a new member

You have just joined DWARS and would like to become active. How do you do that? Kübra Erkoca joined DWARS recently and would like to become active. We asked her how she joined DWARS, what she wants to do here and what she would like to pass on to other new members.

Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, where are you from and what do you do in daily life?

"Hi all, I am Kübra, 21 years young, born and raised in Leiden. In daily life, I am a (committed) student at social studies teacher training at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam. At the HvA, I am active in a number of participation councils. I also have an internship at a very nice secondary school in Leiden and a part-time job. As of recently, I would like to become an active member at GroenLinks and DWARS!"

Why did you decide to become a member of GroenLinks/DWARS?

"I joined GroenLinks and DWARS because my green and social values matched those of GroenLinks and DWARS. If we want future generations to be able to continue living on this earth without it going to waste, we have to start greening the Netherlands now. I also think my membership will contribute to making the Netherlands work in this direction.

Also, I had similarities with the leftist values of DWARS/GroenLinks. I am in favour of reducing inequality in society. I think wealth should be distributed fairly and fair opportunities in education play an important role in that. Finally, I attended a GroenLinks meetup in February and after that meetup, I was 100% sure of my choice!"

Which political topics do you find most interesting?

"I find this quite a difficult question, because basically I find everything related to politics interesting. If I had to choose, I would go for the following political topics: climate, emancipation(lgbt+/women), social inequality.

One of the political topics I find most interesting is climate. During my transition to veganism, I learned that our diet has a big impact on climate. Therefore, I find it extra important to follow political topics based on climate.

In addition, political issues concerning social inequality (to be specific in education) are close to my heart. This interest was partly triggered by my current education (social studies teacher training). In the annual State of Education report, it was concluded that with equal intelligence, it becomes increasingly important what family you come from and what education your parents did for your school choice and school career. My parents were not born in the Netherlands and had not completed any education at all until recently. The setbacks I had as a pupil/student during my school career only made me work harder! I therefore hope to later be able to ensure that students can pursue their own dreams!

Finally, political topics concerning emancipation have my interest. By emancipation, I refer to the progress of the position of women and LGBT+ people in the Netherlands. Even though much progress has been made in both women's and LGBT+ emancipation, there is still inequality. For instance, violence against LGBT+ members still takes place and few women have jobs in leadership positions. There could still be more respect and acceptance for women and LGBT+ members."

What impression did you get from DWARS so far?

"The first meeting I attended was the new members' evening of DWARS. I was very impressed with the organisation of the new evening. The presentations made were very clear. In addition, I enjoyed speaking to so many like-minded people! I felt in a very open, friendly atmosphere, which made it easy for me to address others from the Leiden-Haaglanden region!"

In what ways do you hope to become active within DWARS?

"I hope to become active within DWARS after the summer holidays, but which committees I want to be active in I don't know yet. In any case, I want to join the following committees: Integration, Emancipation & Diversity, Environment & Food and Education."

Which GroenLinkser did you vote for in March and why?

"In March, I voted for Nevin Özütok because I thought it was important during the elections to vote for a woman and ideally I would also like the Lower House to better reflect pluralistic society. That is why I voted for a Dutch with a migration background. Nevin's ambitions combined with her background show that she is a tremendous hard worker and I find this inspiring. Since I come from a similar background, I could relate well to her story."

What message would you like to give other new members who are not yet active?

Just do it! Taking the first step is usually difficult, but once you do it and become an active member you really won't regret it. You will be welcomed with open arms and if you are still unsure about what you want to do, you can always ask questions and get your bearings. Everyone is willing to lend you a helping hand.

Is there anything else you want to say?

I wanted to thank DWARS for this opportunity and the open reception. I look forward to a learning, interesting period with you. I hope we can achieve a lot together!