Future Lab will lift up the voices of young people
Many young people in Norrbotten feel that they lack influence over issues that affect their future. At the same time, the county is facing important societal challenges, where the perspective of young people is needed more than ever. Now Region Norrbotten is taking the next step in its work to strengthen young people's participation – the democracy arena Future Lab.
Future Lab is aimed at people from Norrbotten between the ages of 15 and 25 and starts with a workshop in April where young people and regional politicians work together on various social issues. The aim is to raise young people's voices and give them tools to influence both their own everyday lives and regional development.
– We know that many young people want to be involved and have an impact, but they lack channels and have difficulty knowing where to start. Future Lab gives them a place where their experiences and ideas are taken seriously, says Isa Ponturo, youth consultant at Region Norrbotten.
Two from each municipality
Region Norrbotten is now looking for two young people from Norrbotten from each municipality in the county to join Future Lab. By providing advice, support and encouragement, parents, teachers or adults in associations can help ensure that more young people take the step to apply.
– Young people are both our contemporary and our future. Their competence, their drive and their curiosity are crucial for a strong and sustainable Norrbotten. Future Lab is an important tool for young people to become involved – and for us decision-makers to understand their perspective, says Elisabeth Lindberg (S), chairwoman of the regional council.
Goal: long-term commitment
Future Lab is part of Region Norrbotten's broader work to strengthen young people's participation in areas such as culture, business and community planning. Through the forum, the region also wants to increase young people's trust in democracy and create long-term engagement in the social issues that shape the county's future.
For the young participants, Future Lab is also an opportunity to meet new friends, exchange experiences and build networks with others who share an interest in social issues.
Applications for Future Lab are open now and until March 31. More information and application:developorrbotten.se/futurelab
Connectors
Isa Ponturo
Youth consultant
076-622 48 01
isa.camara-ponturo@norrbotten.se
Elizabeth Lindberg
Chairman of the Regional Council
elisabeth.m.lindberg@norrbotten.se