Im Seonghwa of Gwangju Seo-gu Council Calls for Institutionalizing Youth Voices

Appointment of Youth Members to Resident Autonomy Committees and More

Im Seonghwa, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, recently called for "exploring diversity in resident autonomy, including the appointment of youth members to resident autonomy committees," during a five-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the 332nd extraordinary meeting.

Seonghwa Lim, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, is delivering a '5-minute free speech' at the 2nd plenary session of the 332nd extraordinary meeting. Photo by Seonghwa Lim's office

Councilor Im stated, "With the expansion of the scope and authority of resident autonomy, we must create channels and opportunities for various residents?including seniors, women, youth, and people with disabilities?to participate." She added, "One specific measure is to seek concrete ways to connect and invigorate resident autonomy with student self-governance activities."

She continued, "Students who experience self-governance activities grow up to become members of a democratic society. Youth should have a strong interest in and opinions about a wide range of issues closely related to their daily lives, such as the climate crisis, safety, transportation, and cultural spaces." She emphasized, "We need to establish a structure that can institutionally accommodate the voices of youth."

She then introduced related cases, including: expanding student participation in village assemblies in Sinyong-dong, Buk-gu; middle school students in Geon-guk-dong creating a 'local trash map'; the 'Safe Village Campaign' in Pungdeok-dong, Suncheon, where youth check in on seniors; the Chiepyeong-dong Youth Village Design Team's creation of an 'environmental board game'; and the stipulation of youth committee participation in ordinances in places such as Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and Sejong City.

She further proposed, "Seo-gu should also pilot the appointment of youth as resident autonomy committee members in one or two neighborhoods where it is easy to coordinate with schools and youth facilities." She added, "This is necessary to create a process that helps youth grow into 'self-governing citizens.'"

Councilor Im concluded, "From student to citizen! From classroom to community! Student self-governance must expand beyond the school." She urged, "Seo-gu, as a child-friendly city, should actively consider creating a new model of autonomy together with youth."

Meanwhile, Councilor Im, who has been actively engaged in legislative activities to promote youth participation?such as the Seo-gu Youth Day Ordinance and the Seo-gu Youth Activity Promotion Ordinance?proposed the 'Seo-gu Ordinance on Improving the Treatment and Status of Youth Leaders,' which passed the plenary session.