Hilden Youth Parliament
+ + + + + + New Elections in September 2026 + + + + + +
Join us! New elections for the Youth Parliament will take place in September 2026, and you can run for office! To be eligible, you must be between 14 and 21 years old and either live in Hilden or have your primary residence here—meaning you go to school or work here.
How does it work? If you go to school in Hilden, you can get the nomination form from your teachers (homeroom teacher or guidance counselor) and turn it in to them as well. If you don’t go to school in Hilden but live here, you can either download the nomination form directly from here and send the completed form to gianna.gardeweg@hilden.de, or you can go to one of the polling places and ask for a nomination form there.
Please submit the candidacy form by September 5 at the latest, or email it to gianna.gardeweg@hilden.de!
Of course, you can alsoparticipate in the election without running for office: Cast your vote at your school (ask your teachers for details) or, if you don’t attend school here, visit one of the polling places between September 14 and 24 to cast your vote!
Polling places: Area51, Campus OT, Weidenweg Youth Center, Evangelical Hilden Youth Center, SPE Mühle Youth Club, Adventure Playground (AWO)
Who are we?
The Hilden Youth Parliament (JuPa) is the voice of young people in our city. We advocate for your interests and bring your ideas into the political arena!
How do we do that?
As an elected body, we can bring our ideas, wishes, and concerns into local politics and play an active role in shaping Hilden. We plan our own projects on topics that matter to us. We contribute to political awareness and education. We engage with local initiatives and various experts, and exchange ideas with other youth parliaments in our region. We go on field trips, are invited to events, or organize our own. We serve on various specialized committees and advise policymakers. We submit proposals to implement our own ideas and bring the perspectives of our city’s youth to the table wherever possible!
What have we done so far?
Our most recent successful initiatives include:
- an eco-flea market on the last Sustainability Day in August 2025, to raise awareness among Hilden residents about sustainable consumption
- an exhibition on Germany's queer history that has already been on display at several locations, including the city library and the Theresienschule
- Our commitment to Area51, so that we young people can continue to have a central gathering place.
On which standing committees do we currently hold permanent seats?
- Youth Welfare Committee
- Committee on Education and Sports
- Committee on Culture and Heritage Preservation
Who can participate?
All young people between the ages of 14 and 21 who either live in Hilden or have their primary place of residence in Hilden (e.g., attend school here). If you’re between 12 and 14 years old and find our work interesting, you’re welcome to join us as a trial member—that means you can participate in everything, but you don’t (yet) have voting rights and can’t (yet) hold offices such as the presidency.
Which organization are we affiliated with?
We are supported by the City of Hilden’s Department of Children and Youth Services.
What else is important?
The Hilden Youth Parliament operates on a volunteer basis, is nonpartisan and non-denominational, and operates with respect, solidarity, and inclusivity. Mutual appreciation and respect are therefore essential to us.
You can find more information in the documents section of our bylaws.
Would you like to help shape Hilden? Then join us—because your voice matters!