According to its Declaration of Principles, the Young Democrats are a liberal-democratic youth organisation. Its main objective is to contribute to the individual development of every person. Core values of the Young Democrats are liberty, equality, solidarity, sustainability and pragmatism. The JD is also in favour of the radical democratisation of society.
Policies
The Young Democrats advocate preparing the Netherlands for the consequences of an ageing society. They suggest increasing labour participation by reforming social security. JD is in favour of gradually raising the retirement age to 67 years from the current age of 65.
The Young Democrats are in favour of ending the right of faith-based schools to refuse enrolment by pupils on the basis of religion.
The Young Democrats are supporters of gradually phasing out tax breaks for home owners paying interest on a mortgage.
The Young Democrats are staunch defenders of civil liberties. They continue to support liberal reforms attained by D66 in the past in eras such as euthanasia, gay marriage, abortion and the legalisation of prostitution. The JD also wishes to see the production of softdrugs legalised.
The Young Democrats oppose counter-terrorism measures that are neither proportional nor have proven effective. In particular, JD opposes current legislation obliging citizens to be able to prove their identity at any time. JD rejects a ban on the wearing of the burqa in public spaces.
The Young Democrats are in favour of more direct democracy in the form of referendums and direct elections for the offices of Prime Minister and mayor.
Within the Young Democrats power lies with the members. The Congress is the sovereign body of the Young Democrats and meets three times a year. During the Congress members of the National Board are elected individually and JD policy is decided through resolutions, amendments and motions. All members have equal say through the one man, one vote system.
National Board
The day-to-day management of the Young Democrats is in the hands of the National Board, the members of which are:
President: Floris van der Valk
Secretary-General: Julia van Herpen
Treasurer: Manish Jhinkoe-Rai
Political Officer: Elise Stroop
External Affairs Officer: Evert Manders
Marketing Officer: Joanne Verkerk
Internal Affairs Officer: Lennart Droppert
Local branches
Currently the Young Democrats have eight local branches, most of which are based in university cities, such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Leiden. Every branch has a local board and organises regular general meetings where local board members are elected and policy is decided. Every local member has the right to vote at the local general meetings.
The local branches are:
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