2017-19 term

I began my youth council journey at the age of 12, as a sixth grader at Kotimäki School. I joined the activities back then without elections, knowledge of the youth council, or politics—and it didn't matter at all. In fact, my parents encouraged me to join because I had been part of the student parliament (i.e., the student council) at another school, which I had enjoyed. So, I gave my father permission to send a message to the youth council expressing my interest.

The best decision!

Ilman tuota päätöstä, en olisi löytänyt lähimpiä ystäviäni. 

Ilman tuota päätöstä, en olisi koskaan päässyt työllistämään itseäni tällä politiikka/vaikuttamispolulla.

Ilman tuota päätöstä, en olisi muodostunut tällaiseksi kuin olen, enkä myöskään saanut sitä kaikkea ymmärrystä asioista, mitä arvostan. 

During those years

The first meetings—and even the first entire year—were shy and uncertain for me, as I was mainly trying to understand what was being discussed. I also greatly admired our president at the time, Julia Henriksson, and secretary Heini Hautalampi. During that first term, the youth council organized a Independence Day Gala, which I helped plan, as well as a municipal election panel. The youth council also gained representation on municipal boards, which, in hindsight, was one of the most significant steps for young people in Kaarina. This term also saw the creation of the first proper rules of procedure and meeting allowances.

I was appointed or elected as one of the media/communications officers during 2018, during which we established, among other things, our Instagram account. Towards the end of the term, we also prepared for elections, which were successfully held in spring 2019. The elections were conducted using physical ballots.

International Co-operation

One aspect I especially miss from this council term was our close collaboration with young people from Estonia and Latvia. In Finland, we also held a weekend camp in Vuohlahti, where we learned about advocacy and got to know each other. As a counterpart, the youth council visited Jõgeva in Estonia and Riga in Latvia. I myself "had the privilege" of guiding our Estonian guests in Turku and Kaarina.

During the 2017–2019 term, the youth council was chaired by Julia Henriksson, with Tua Halen as vice-chairperson and Heini Hautalampi as secretary.

Eino Koskinen 19.12.2023