DWARSers in the states: Luuk Voncken

Young people are incredibly important for the province. That is why we let all DWARSe candidates of GroenLinks Zuid-Holland have their say with an interview! This time, you can read the interesting story of DWARSer Luuk Voncken (spot 19).

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Luuk, born in Eindhoven, aged 22. I have been dedicating myself to different causes at FNV and DWARS for a few years now, with different social causes. This is also how I came across GroenLinks. Within DWARS, I have been working on international issues. Roughly speaking, I usually dedicate myself to social issues; that's where my passion is, and I dedicate myself to it with a lot of love.

Can you tell something about your history at DWARS?

I became a member in January 2016. It's not too bad how long ago that was, but I voted for GroenLinks before that. I had also joined activities with some other DWARSers I knew, which I really enjoyed. Once, at the New Year drinks of political youth organisations in The Hague, someone asked about my PJO. I was not yet a member of DWARS at the time, and actually did so immediately on my mobile. Within a month I was at committee international, and after six months I became chairman of this, because the former chairman left.

Then the big Jesse wave of the elections just about blew in, giving us a lot of new members. That was very interesting and special to experience - that so many young people wanted to become active! When I had already been chairman of the international committee for more than half a year, I joined DWARS Leiden-Haaglanden as a general board member. For a year I had the opportunity to sit on a very nice board of a beautiful department. We started fun ideas that are still being done today, like the pre-congress activity. Then there was a small gap in my DWARS life. I did nothing planned for six months because I was busy with my internship at ProDemos. I found that very unfortunate in retrospect, I was missing something. So I applied to the CoE, and last winter congress I became a member -and chairman! - of it. I enjoy doing that!

Why did you run for the Provincial Assembly?

I thought I could have a voice, especially on social issues, even if that is less important in the Provincial Council. I went in mainly with the idea that I don't necessarily want to be in the States, but that I want to make a very strong left-wing noise for young people and students specifically. That's what I want to work for, and that's why I stood for election.

What would you do if elected?

Spot 19 does not have the greatest chance of course, but who knows. I would really push for a good housing plan, especially for students, so that there is enough housing. After all, especially in the cities of South Holland, there is a severe shortage. For the rest, we really need to look at strong infrastructure, especially investment in public transport. Especially for young people without the luxury or ability to own a car, public transport is important. That is what we as GroenLinks must stand up for, despite having the metropolitan region; the Provincial Councils can (perhaps in concert) play a role in local and regional public transport.

Got a great quote or one-liner?

Always commit to what you believe in!

https://www.facebook.com/DWARSRotterdamRijnmond/videos/vl.1947303242059184/611560379274778/