Statement DWARS Limburg - Departmental boundaries & cooperation with JS Limburg

Dear members of DWARS, GroenLinks, and others involved,

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding the proposal for the new ward boundaries of the joint political youth organisation (PJO), created after the merger of DWARS and the JS. This discussion has unfortunately led to tensions and disrupted cooperation between the board of DWARS Limburg and the board of JS Limburg in Limburg. We deeply regret this.

Cooperation with JS Limburg

We regret the loss of contact with the JS Limburg board. Although there is a difference of opinion on the committee's advice from the board, we understand their perspective and emotions in this discussion. At the same time, we believe that a new joint PJO should be a place where we can disagree with each other without putting pressure on cooperation or mutual trust.

It is important to stay engaged with each other, especially when discussions have an emotional charge. An open and safe political youth movement can only exist if we provide space for different opinions, backgrounds and experiences. This is precisely why we want to stress that we understand all the emotions involved in this discussion and want to treat them with respect.

We also want to stress that we as the DWARS Limburg board are not against the JS, this disrupted cooperation is only between the boards of DWARS Limburg and of the JS Limburg. For us, this does not affect how we see the JS and its members in general. We would have liked the situation that has arisen to be different, which is why we from DWARS Limburg will actively look in the coming period at how to restore contact and build a new, constructive cooperation and communication between the boards.

On the opinion for the new ward boundaries

As the board of DWARS Limburg, we have carefully read through the committee document, weighing up the pros and cons of the proposed model. While we understand the considerations of the JS Limburg board, we come to a different conclusion. We have decided to follow the merger commission in their proposal.

For us, the ability for members to switch departments if they feel more at home elsewhere was particularly important. This allows us to fully support our members in border towns. Indeed, this arrangement makes it possible for members to switch departments if they feel more at home in another department. For us: If your municipality is historically, culturally or practically linked to Limburg, you are always welcome to join the Limburg Section.

At the same time, we have received signals from northern Limburg that some members show a preference to join Eindhoven or Nijmegen. We understand this. Limburg is a large, vast province with poor public transport connections, and for many young people the travel distance determines their involvement. This is why we have long stressed that our members in the north are always welcome to join DWARS Gelderland activities, simply because it is often nicer, faster and cheaper.

We also want to be honest: we do not agree with the current proposal on all points. Feelingly, we understand the JS Limburg's reasoning very well, but in practice we see real snags. This is why we do not support the committee's opinion because we see the perfect solution, but because the signals from our supporters and the practical realities of Limburg weigh more heavily for us. Here, the possibility of switching for individual members is the deciding factor for us.

However, we fully agree that we should do more to better involve members from northern Limburg. For us, that means: communicating more clearly that they are welcome at activities throughout Limburg, as well as cooperating more often with neighbourhood departments in border regions. Organising together, learning together, building together.

In conclusion

There is a lot of work to do in the coming period; in the new PJO, in the region, but also in our own chapters. DWARS Limburg remains committed to an open, inclusive and progressive youth movement in which everyone feels welcome and heard. We hope that together with JS Limburg we can again build a good and sustainable collaboration.

If members have any questions, concerns or suggestions, we cordially invite you to contact us. Only together will we ensure that Limburg youth keep a strong voice within the new PJO.

Sincerely,
Board DWARS Limburg

Clara, Nina, Tom, Gus