VISION BOOKLET
CALL FOR LEADERSHIP Åland 2022 - 28th National Session of EYP Finland
THE SESSION Host city: Mariehamn, Åland Session dates: 2.–7.8.2022 (2.8. being the CMOJ day held in Turku)
ÅLAND The Åland Islands (Åland in Swedish and Ahvenanmaa in Finnish) are a number of smaller islands located between the coast of Finland and Sweden. Although Åland belongs to Finland, its mainland is actually closer in proximity to Sweden. Åland was granted autonomy and declared a demilitarised zone by the League of Nations in 1920. In addition to allowing the citizens of Åland to primarily govern themselves, with little intervention from the Finnish government, Åland also has its own post stamps and anthem. Åland only has one official language, Swedish, as opposed to the Finnish mainland where both Swedish and Finnish are official languages.
The Åland Islands are a largely unexplored region for EYP Finland, which is why Åland 2022 will be the first ever Session to be held on the island. Due to the remote nature of the island, recruiting and establishing a members base on the island is challenging. Åland 2022 - 28th National Session of EYP Finland will allow youth from Åland to more easily take part in the event and engage in the organisation.
This year Åland will celebrate its 100th anniversary between July 9th and 12th.
THE CORE ORGANISER TEAM
Yannika Rönnqvist (FI) Head Organiser
Amanda Häkkinen (FI) Core Organiser
Mira Engström (FI) Core Organiser
Vilhelm Hayen (SE) Core Organiser
THE THEME
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Islands of Peace: Fostering intergovernmental cooperation and maritime sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region
The theme of the session revolves around the Baltic Sea, the unique region around it as well as the cooperation between different states and different actors. The Baltic Sea is the most polluted sea in the world. In addition to an abundance of waste, other key problems include drug and hormone residue as well as blue green algae. In order to tackle these problems the countries in the region have to work together to reach a common solution. Furthermore, the Baltic region has a huge potential for growth, development, and innovation in other areas which can be enhanced by cross-border cooperation.
AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SESSION As the Session theme will highlight the Baltic Sea, one of the most polluted seas in the world, we want to consider our environmental footprint when organising the Session. In order to limit our carbon footprint as much as possible we encourage participants to refrain from any kind of printing and use of paper. To implement this we would wish that the Academic Team would consider executing Committee Work entirely through online tools such as Flinga and Miro. Other measures planned to be taken to limit our carbon footprint during the Session is to only serve vegetarian food, recycle, as well as limit the usage of disposable containers and cups as much as possible.
VISION FOR THE LEADERSHIP Flat leadership For the entire duration of Åland 2022, from preparations prior to the Session to the event itself, we wish to implement a flat leadership structure. This means that no member of the leadership should be above nor below anyone else. We want to build an atmosphere where all members of the leadership can inspire each other as well as give and receive advice and feedback. Furthermore, decisions should be made jointly between all members of the leadership as far as it is possible.
Inclusivity During EYP Sessions, different groups within the Officials Team easily form, be it groups of different teams or levels of experience. At Åland 2022 we want to focus on integrating all Officials with each other and make sure that no one feels left out. This is especially important for the leadership to keep in mind as they usually have a significant influence on how more inexperienced EYPers act and react during a Session.
Welfare EYP sessions are famous (or infamous) for facilitating a stressful and unhealthy environment, often resulting in sleep deprivation and added pressure. We want Åland 2022 to be a Session fostering a healthy environment, limiting stress and pressure for all participants, Officials as well as Delegates. To achieve this, we want to ensure that the schedule is as light as possible, with frequent breaks and ample time for free time. Additionally, we want to implement a “work hard, play hard” mentality, essentially meaning that any breaks and free time in the schedule should be dedicated to just that.
Open communication Having so many different teams and team members work alongside each other before and during an EYP Session, conflicts can easily arise. At Åland 2022, we want to emphasise open and clear communication between all members of the Officials Team. A smaller conflict can easily be blown out of proportion if it is not addressed quickly. What we hope to achieve with this is a more unified Officials Team that will work together rather than against each other.
LEADERSHIP APPLICATION QUESTIONS President 1. The theme of Åland 2022 is “Islands of Peace: Fostering intergovernmental cooperation and maritime sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region”. Please outline your academic vision for the session in light of the session theme. 2. It is common for Academic teams to isolate themselves from the rest of the Officials’ team due to their heavy workload. To prevent this, please outline your vision for interteam cooperation and communication as a member of the session leadership. 3. Please describe your leadership style both in the context of leading your own team and as a part of the leadership.
Editor 1. Based on your previous experiences, what is something you would like to improve in the work of the media team? Furthermore, is there something you would love to incorporate in your work? Please outline your editorial vision for the session. 2. The work of media team members can sometimes be quite independent. Please outline your vision for interteam cooperation and communication as a member of the session leadership. 3. Please describe your leadership style both in the context of leading your own team and as a part of the leadership.
Head of Jury 1. Transparency and delegates’ self-development constitute the cornerstones of EYP Finland’s approach to the jury. How would you ensure these values are realised in your role? 2. What can the jury offer to the rest of the Officials’ team? Please outline your vision for interteam cooperation and communication as a member of the session leadership. 3. Please describe your leadership style both in the context of leading your own team and as a part of the leadership.