JOVD Talent Management

Our biggest strength is our membership and what they do with their lives. As described in our vision statement, our members need to be equipped with all the tools possible in order for them to have a meaningful career. We believe that young political engagement thrives when members are supported not only through training, but through clear growth paths and mentorship. To this end, JOVD has built a structured talent development framework with both local and national elements, offering opportunities at every stage of a member’s journey.

Every JOVD chapter has a dedicated Talent Manager responsible for tracking and encouraging the development of local members. These coordinators identify promising individuals, advise them on relevant training paths, and support their progression toward national roles or public office. A talent manager is usually a local chapter board member with regular responsibilities, too.

This decentralized approach ensures that talent development is not limited to the national level but is embedded in the local culture of each chapter.

The Raadslidtraject (“Council Member Track”) is a targeted development programme for members preparing to run in Dutch municipal elections. The goal is to prepare future candidates for local council through a focused and practical approach.

Key features:

• A short-term, high-impact format spread across two training days and a mentoring session with current municipal councillors.
• Training modules on public speaking, personal presence, and strategic positioning in local politics.
• Selection based on demonstrated interest in candidacy and prior political engagement.

This programme offers a clear example of how youth organizations can actively prepare their members for real political responsibilities at the local level.

Generatie JOVD is JOVD’s flagship national talent programme, aimed at members who are nearing the end of their youth political journey and are ready to prepare for leadership in politics, public service, or business.

Programme components:

• Five intensive training days spread across several months, with sessions focused on leadership, self-reflection, and professional development.
• Each participant is matched with a personal coach—someone with substantial experience in national politics or the corporate world.
• Participants form a close-knit cohort and gain access to a lasting alumni network.
• The programme is recognized by our mother party, the VVD, as equivalent to their regional masterclasses—allowing graduates to enter high-level training tracks and political opportunities.

Target group:

• Highly active members with experience in national committees, project teams, or local boards.
• Individuals who are nearly “fully developed” within the youth organization and ready to transition into public life or their professional careers.

Generatie JOVD exists for less than 10 years, but the impact is already there. Please reach out to us if you have a similar programme or would like to create one.