What do our young people say? New formations in youth governance create space for change

Listening to the incredible ideas of youth is vital, especially in countries like Guatemala that are defined by a high youth population who will be the drivers of future social, political, and economic change. Through the establishment of formalized youth governing bodies in regions of Guatemala, their voices are given form and structure in local communities. The Municipal Youth Council in Guatemala, or COMUJ, plays out locally as the governing body of representation and participation of youth. At the beginning of 2016, the municipality of Cantel in the department of Quetzaltenango witnessed this formation for the first time. COMUJ was established as the governing body of youth in Cantel in January of 2016. The representatives who now form this Municipal Youth Council, some of whom are SERES Ambassadors, were elected on January 4. In attendance during the elections were four of the organizational powers in the field of youth in Guatemala: Paz Jóven (Youth for Peace), Rescate, ADEJUC (Community Youth Development Alliance) and COMUJ. The elections were held freely and democratically as an exercise of a civic process and citizen participation of youth in the region. Formal swearing in and recognition of the Municipal Youth Council proceeded during the inauguration. The participants included the city mayor, city council, the city council of youth, municipal workers, and young members of the assembly of the Municipal Youth Council. The value of establishing this level of youth organization is undoubtedly significant, in that it provides legitimacy, legality, and recognition for young people at a local level. The COMUJ youth council in Cantel is composed of 11 representatives: a mayor, four councilors, three members and three prosecutors. This structure is similar to the organization of a governmental jurisdictional municipal council. Its mission is to empower youth to contribute to their development, encourage participation and organization of the processes of community and municipal development and develop technical capacities and methodologies for advocacy at the community level. Specific activities of the youth council include lobbying and negotiations with municipal authorities. Being the municipal entity representing all youth in Cantel, this drives the local development of the youth through vision and articulation of various youth-led ideas and expressions. It is heartening to see and learn about the achievements of these youth. Being ambassadors in Cantel, their actions demonstrate the organizational capacity that is possible through processes of empowerment. The steps our young people have taken are the beginning of a path full of challenges, which undoubtedly will be difficult. It is with great hope and trust in the power of change that is reflected in this generation of inspirational leaders, that I invite you to join these spaces to say loudly, “we are the change”. Esteban Sacalxot SERES Youth Facilitator