Marion Geomini Named New Chair of the WMO Advisory Council
Marion Geomini recently succeeded Marleen van den Heuvel as chair of the WMO Advisory Council of Geldrop-Mierlo. Van den Heuvel has completed two four-year terms—the second of which was as chair—and must step down. Geomini—who has a background as a staff member and policy officer in elder care—considers it an honor to chair the advisory board for the coming term.
When asked about the successes of the WMO Advisory Council, Marleen van den Heuvel responds mainly in general terms: “We have a great team of fourteen motivated volunteers. We have an efficient and pleasant consultation structure with our liaison officer and hold regular meetings with the relevant Alderman. Every year, we conduct a consultation with our constituents, and the results have led to practical follow-up actions, such as the semi-annual technical maintenance of mobility scooters.”
Marion Geomini joined the advisory board a year ago. “I had stopped working and was thinking about what I wanted to do next. I came across a call for members from the WMO Advisory Board. That really appealed to me. I’m familiar with the WMO from my work, and I believe that with my background and experience, I can make a meaningful contribution to this board. “The WMO Advisory Board is a wonderful group of people to work with, with a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding the target groups,” said Geomini.
Marion Geomini believes it is important that the WMO is and remains accessible to the residents of Geldrop and Mierlo. “This requires good communication with the municipality, so that we are informed and involved in a timely manner and our recommendations are taken seriously. We are currently evaluating our position and aim to expand into a broader advisory council for the social domain. Because of this ambition—and because some members are stepping down this year—we are looking for new members.” Marleen van den Heuvel has one message for her successor: “The advisory board must continue to make its voice heard!”
Dutch municipalities are legally required to involve residents in policy development and the implementation of programs based on the Social Support Act (WMO), the Youth Act, and the Participation Act. For the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo, the official advisory role has been largely fulfilled by the WMO Advisory Council since 2007. The manner in which the municipality and the WMO Advisory Council collaborate is set forth in a covenant.
The Advisory Council provides the Municipal Executive with both solicited and unsolicited advice regarding the implementation of legislation through regulations and ordinances, monitors developments in society, identifies bottlenecks in the delivery of care services, and makes proposals for municipal policy. In doing so, the Council acts in the public interest and does not mediate in individual disputes between residents and the municipality.
Since several long-standing members of the WMO Advisory Council will be stepping down soon, the council is looking for new members. The council meets once every four weeks on Friday mornings. Members receive an expense allowance. On average, a member spends two to three half-days per month on council business. For more information, please contact the secretary, Dorine Coolen, at 06-25109130 or via secretaris@wmoraadg-m.nl.