Meerssen launches Youth Ribbon to honor young community heroes
The municipality of Meerssen is calling on residents to nominate young people aged 23 or under who make a difference in their community. Winners will receive a Youth Ribbon in recognition of their voluntary contributions, fostering social cohesion and innovation.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Youth Ribbon |
| Eligibility Age | 23 years or younger |
| Residency Requirement | Must live in Meerssen |
| Nomination Deadline | 22 March 2026 |
| Presentation Date | 23 April 2026 |
| Awarded By | Mayor Jacques Niederer and Alderman for Social Domain/Youth |
| Nomination Form Availability | Online or at Meerssen’s Customer Contact Centre (Markt 50) |
| Contact for Information | Municipal secretariat: 14 043 or via email |
The municipality of Meerssen plays a key role in recognizing and encouraging civic engagement among its residents, particularly young people. By introducing the Youth Ribbon, the local government aims to highlight and reward the often-overlooked contributions of youth to community well-being and social cohesion.
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Municipality of Meerssen | Who Deserves a Youth Ribbon?
Who Deserves a Youth Ribbon?
The municipality of Meerssen is pleased to express its appreciation for young people who selflessly contribute to our society. To this end, the 'Youth Ribbon' has been created. Who deserves a Youth Ribbon? Nominations for the Youth Ribbon can be submitted until 22 March 2026.
Governments award municipal and Royal honours to recognise the achievements of adults. To qualify for such an honour, a person typically needs to have made a long-term commitment to society, which is why these distinctions are often awarded to older individuals.
Many young people in our municipality actively contribute to society. As a municipality, we greatly value this and wish to encourage it further. We are extremely proud of these young people and believe they deserve recognition.
What is the Youth Ribbon?
The Youth Ribbon is intended for young people who make an exceptional contribution to our society. This could be a one-off remarkable achievement or, for example, long-term helpfulness. The ribbon can be awarded to an individual young person or a group of young people (such as an entire school class). There is no need for the contribution to be heroic in nature.
Who is eligible for the Youth Ribbon?
A young person is eligible if they:
- are no older than 23;
- live in the municipality of Meerssen;
- have voluntarily and selflessly contributed or are contributing to someone else (in principle outside the family circle), an association, volunteer organisation, social organisation, charity or (part of) the municipality of Meerssen;
- have made an exceptional achievement and have not previously been rewarded for their contribution through another project or prize.
It is a plus if the achievement or activity:
- is innovative;
- encourages other young people;
- contributes to social cohesion within the municipality or between target groups;
- helps create a pleasant living environment.
Do you know someone you would like to nominate?
Do you know someone you would like to nominate for a Youth Ribbon? You can put them forward using the 'Nomination Form for the Youth Ribbon'. You can download the form below.
A paper copy of the form is available at the municipal Customer Contact Centre (KCC), Markt 50 in Meerssen.
When can you nominate someone for a Youth Ribbon?
Nominations must be submitted by no later than 22 March 2026.
Presentation
The Youth Ribbon will be presented on Thursday, 23 April 2026. The ribbon will be presented by Mayor Jacques Niederer and the Alderman for Social Domain/Youth.
Want to know more?
For more information, please contact the municipal secretariat of the municipality of Meerssen, telephone 14 043. Email: