Will you be the new children’s mayor?
Hi, do you live in the municipality of Opsterland and would you like to become the children’s mayor? Then this is your chance! For the coming school year, we’re looking for a successor to Liz van Es, who has served as Opsterland’s children’s mayor since September 2025.
Who are you?
- You are in 7th or 8th grade in elementary school.
- You live in Opsterland.
- You're interested in what's going on in the community.
- You are spontaneous, enthusiastic, and curious.
- You enjoy being the center of attention and you enjoy speaking in front of an audience.
What will you do?
- You regularly accompany the mayor, for example to welcome Sinterklaas or to open the carnival. But you are also present at more serious events, such as the New Year's reception or a commemoration ceremony to lay a wreath.
- Organizations may also invite you to open the swimming season, for example. We will decide together what you will be doing. We will draw up an annual schedule of activities that you could attend.
What are you committed to?
- As a children’s mayor, your role isn’t just ceremonial. You serve as children’s mayor for all the children in Opsterland from September through June. This gives you time to advocate for or bring attention to issues you believe are important for children—and where the municipality might be able to take action. We’re more than happy to help you with that.
In short:
- Being a child mayor is of course a lot of fun, but it also takes time. All activities are always discussed in advance and must be compatible with school.
- Your parents must, of course, agree to your application and appointment and must be willing to support you (including with transportation).
Application procedure:
- If you want to become the children’s mayor, we’d love to hear, read, and/or see why we should choose you. You can write a letter, create a PowerPoint presentation, or—of course—make a video.
- We look forward to receiving your application by June 22, 2026. Please mail or email your application to bestuurssecretariaat@opsterland.nl or to the Municipality of Opsterland, Attn: Administrative Secretariat, Postbus .000, 9244 ZP Beetsterzwaag. You will be notified by June 23 at the latest if we would like to meet with you in person.
- The introductory interviews will be held on June 25 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. We will let you know who the new children’s mayor will be by July 1 at the latest. The inauguration will take place during the first council meeting after the summer break.
