EYP Finland's strategy 2015–2017

Strategy 2015–2017 European Youth Parliament Finland

Approved by the board of EYP Finland on 20 November 2014.

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Table of content 1. Foreword – 3 2. Past and present of EYP Finland – 4 2.1. History of EYP Finland – 4 2.2. EYP Finland today – 5 3. Mission, aims and values of EYP Finland – 6 European Youth Parliament Finland (EYP-Finland ry) Uudenmaankatu 15 A 5 00120 Helsinki http://www.eypfinland.org info@eypfinland.org

3.1. Mission and aims of EYP Finland – 6 3.2. Values of EYP Finland – 7 4. EYP Finland and the Long-Term Strategy of the EYP – 9 4.1. “Developing” – 10 4.2. “Inspiring” – 14 4.3. “Achieving” – 18 5. Vision for 2017 – 24 5.1. Going forward – 24 5.2. Vision for 2017 – 26 5.3. Vision for 2017, part 1 – 28 5.4. Vision for 2017, part 2 – 32 5.5. Vision for 2017, part 3 – 36 6. Implementation and renewal – 40 7. Conclusion – 41

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1. Foreword The first Long-Term Strategy of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) was adopted

Strategy: timeline internation-

in spring 2013. It had been drafted by a strategy working group and approved by the

ally and in Finland

EYP’s Governing Body, National Committees and alumni, as well as the Schwarzkopf Foundation, the EYP’s international umbrella organisation. The strategy was de-

2009: An international strategy

signed for 2–3 years, and it was built around three focus areas: improving the EYP’s

summit is held in Berlin. Strate-

inclusivity, increasing its academic professionalism and developing the international

gy is discussed at the meeting of

EYP network. For each of these areas, means and success indicators were defined.

the Board of National Committees in Helsinki. The so-called

EYP Finland, the EYP’s National Committee in Finland, has also lacked a proper

strategy cycle is established.

strategy for some years now. Its activities are annually planned and supervised by its

2011: The strategy working

board, but for a variety of reasons, there has recently been no proper long-term strat-

group is established. The group

egy. For this reason, the board of EYP Finland established a strategy working group in

meets in Paris and consults the

spring 2014. In May, the working group studied the current state of EYP Finland and

EYP’s stakeholders.

discussed avenues for its further development, both in relation to the international

2013: The Long-Term Strategy is

Long-Term Strategy and independent of it. The board of EYP Finland then carried the

approved by the EYP’s stake-

work forward in consultation with Jari Marjelund, former president of EYP Finland.

holders.

2014: The board of EYP Finland

EYP Finland wishes to be on the forefront of development by ensuring that the Long-

establishes a strategy working

Term Strategy is fully implemented in Finland. Chapter 4 of this document covers

group. The strategy is approved

this aspect. The international strategy, however, largely relates to the international

by the board and presented for

level of the EYP, and we have thus focused on exploring specific ways for EYP Finland

the autumn general meeting of

to develop. The general vision and the more specific aims, measures and success

EYP Finland.

indicators for EYP Finland in 2015–2017 are elaborated on in chapter 5.

2015–2017: The long-term strategy of EYP Finland will be

The board of EYP Finland hopes that this strategy will be welcomed by the members

implemented.

of EYP Finland, as the responsibility of implementing it and following strategic think-

2017: Preparations for the next

ing lies with all of us. EYP Finland is a wonderful organisation, and we have achieved

long-term strategy of EYP Fin-

a great deal over our 13-year-history. However, more can and must be done to ensure

land are set to start.

that EYP Finland will have an ever brighter future.

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2. Past and present of EYP Finland National Sessions of EYP

2.1. History of EYP Finland

Finland EYP Finland in its current form was established in 2001. From very modest origins, 2001: Espoo

it has developed into a well run organisation with a high number of annual activities.

2002: Helsinki

By the end of 2014, EYP Finland had organised one International Session, 13 National

2003: Espoo

Sessions, 23 Regional Sessions and numerous other events. EYP Finland has sent

2004: Helsinki

some 250 young people to attend International Sessions of the EYP and hundreds of

2005: Oulu

people to attend other EYP events abroad.

2006: Tampere 2007: Helsinki

For years, most of the active members of EYP Finland were also part of its board,

2009: Naantali

and EYP Finland’s activities were focused in Helsinki. That is now history. The first

2010: Tampere

Regional Committees were established in Helsinki, Tampere and Turku in 2007–2008,

2011: Helsinki

and EYP Finland has since expanded to include Regional Committees in both Eastern

2012: Tampere

and Northern Finland. Regional Sessions have been taking place since 2008 and have

2013: Joensuu

recently been part of EYP Finland’s annual “Your European Citizenship” campaign.

2014: Vantaa

The “EU – Take Part and Learn!” campaign, consisting of EYP-style parliament simulations at schools, has also been organised on most years since 2008.

More history EYP Finland and its members have been active internationally, for instance by orWe welcome you to read more

ganising the 62nd International Session in Helsinki in October 2009. There has been

about the history of EYP Finland

a Finnish member on the Governing Body of the EYP for a number of years now, and

in its History 2001–2011, prepared

the previous two Executive Directors have been Finnish. Two Finns have also presided

for the organisation’s 10th an-

International Sessions, in 2010 and 2013.

niversary in 2011. The document is available at http://issuu.com/

EYP Finland has been on the foreront when it comes to promoting training in the EYP.

eypfinland/docs/eypfi_history.

First weekend-long training courses for session officials were organised almost ten years ago, and these courses continue to this day. EYP Finland also hosted the first Training for EYP Trainers in 2010. EYP Finland’s alumni events include the Annual Ball, organised since 2005, and other social gatherings and events.

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2.2. EYP Finland today

EYP Finland’s expenditure in 2013

Today’s EYP Finland is a “small big organisation”. Its resources can still be considered small in relation to the scope of its activities: annually, EYP Finland organises

Expenses in total:

five sessions, 2–3 weekend-long training events and 1–2 campaigns entirely on a

73,187.65 EUR

voluntary basis. It has had a permanent office in Helsinki since spring 2013 but is still lacking permanent support staff, which is evident when one observes the board and

Active citizenship:

other key volunteers’ workload in the busiest seasons of EYP Finland’s work year.

44,702.68 EUR –61 %

Each Regional Session reaches 60–100 new delegates; National Sessions have

International activities:

recently had around 120 delegates from Finland and abroad. With the young peo-

9,350.30 EUR – 13 %

ple taking part in the school tour of the “Your European Citizenship” campaign and parliament simulations of the “EU – Take Part and Learn!” campaign, EYP Finland

Training activities:

reaches around 500–800 new people each year (around 400–600 of whom take part

1,656.04 EUR – 2 %

in the basic “EYP experience”, i.e. attend a session or a parliament simulation). The total number of participants in all of EYP Finland’s activities has recently been around

Other projects:

1,200 per year. In October 2014, EYP Finland had some 1,300 members.

3,388.53 EUR – 5 %

EYP Finland’s total annual expenditure has recently been around 70,000 EUR. A grant

Alumni and local activities:

by the Ministry of Education and Culture (9,000 EUR in 2014) provides EYP Finland

1,940.40 EUR – 3 %

with its basic annual funding. Most of EYP Finland’s funding, however, is project- or event-related. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has in previous years supported EYP

Administration:

Finland’s campaigns with 5,000–10,000 EUR, and other public and private part-

12,149.70 EUR –17 %

ners provide the rest of the funding. In the past few years, EYP Finland has become increasingly good in attracting private funding and prominent partners, such as the Academy of Finland.

Members of EYP Finland attended EYP events abroad some 130 times in 2013. Most delegates at our National Session get the chance to attend an event abroad.

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3. Mission, aims and values of EYP Finland Why should we think about our

3.1. Mission and aims of EYP Finland

mission, aims and values?

The mission of the European Youth Parliament is “to support the development of It is fairly simple to describe

young people into politically aware and responsible citizens by involving them in

what the EYP does. However, we

European political thinking and promoting intercultural understanding.” The EYP also

often struggle with the question

has four aims, listed on its Charter. The EYP aims to:

why – why does the EYP exist?.

1. “raise awareness of European issues and encourage active European citizenship, “Why?” is the crucial question;

and to motivate students to get engaged in European politics;

the who, the what and the how

2. promote international understanding, intercultural dialogue and diversity of ideas

only follow it. Answering the why

and practices;

is important for “selling” the

3. contribute to the personal skills development of European youth;

EYP to potential participants and

4. provide a forum in which young people of Europe can express and debate their own

partners, for instance, as they

opinions, without reverting to role-play”.

want to know why they should invest their time or money in

As a National Committee of the EYP, EYP Finland also abides by this mission and

EYP – what aims does their time

these aims, and we acknowledge that they closely correspond with how EYP has

and money help us pursue?

traditionally been viewed in Finland. However, all National Committees have evolved in different environments, and their philosophies and activities have always varied to

Understanding the why is also

some extent. Thus, we wish to elaborate on some of the aspects of the EYP’s mission

important for organisational de-

and aims in relation to EYP Finland.

velopment. As will be discussed below, the EYP’s mission doesn’t

In general, the personal development aspect (aim 3) has always had a strong role in

limit us to organising parlia-

Finland. EYP Finland has, for instance, been active in developing the training aspect

mentary simulations – they are

of the EYP. Using a traditional EYP trichotomy, it could be argued that the “people”

merely one means, though an

and the “process” have mattered more than the “product”. The quality of resolutions

important one. Keeping the why

at our sessions, for instance, is not as important as the overall learning experience

in mind will allow us to expand

the participants are provided with. “Academic quality” has become a popular theme in

our activities meaningfully.

the EYP network in the recent years, and though EYP Finland is generally interested

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in ensuring the academic quality of its events, we believe the central focus should be in ensuring and further developing the educational value of the EYP experience. We would also like to highlight a broad interpreration of “citizenship”: for EYP Finland, it doesn’t only relate to participation in the political process but all forms of social activity. These are all issues EYP Finland must also better communicate to outside observes in the future, as they often see the EYP as an overly EU-related, political organisation.

At the same time, we believe that in EYP Finland and the wider EYP network, different opinions on the EYP’s mission and aims can co-exist – and that an active debate between these opinions is beneficial for the development of our organisation. Thus, the views expressed in this chapter shouldn’t be understood as a straightjacket for the members of EYP Finland. Understanding EYP Finland’s history and traditional preferences, however, helps us better steer the organisation forward.

3.2. Values of EYP Finland

Though political affairs and debate are often in the core of

The international EYP currently has no explicitly stated values, though they may be

the EYP experience, we believe

discussed in the near future by the international bodies. Should this discussion take

that EYP is by no means a mere

place, we recommend EYP Finland to actively contribute to it, and we have already

debate competition. Rather, it is

had some discussions about what might be the core values of EYP Finland and the

possible for our participants to

EYP more generally. The list has five items:

develop a wide variety of skills and knowledge, such as leader-

1. Democracy: The EYP promotes active citizenship and participation in the demo-

ship, teambuilding, training, pro-

cratic process. Democracy, transparency and “power of the strongest argument”

ject and NGO management and

should also apply to the way EYP Finland functions, i.e. how the organisation and its

intercultural communication.

events are run. EYP Finland cannot be a closed club; for the development of a strong organisational culture, it is important that the decision-making is brought close to the members and that they can feel ownership of EYP Finland.

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Does EYP Finland compete with

2. Belief in personal potential: Our participants should be challenged and given the

other Finnish youth organisa-

chance to gradually develop themselves to take more and more responsibility in the

tions?

EYP and elsewhere. Importantly, EYP Finland should be a place for both thinkers and doers – and cooperation between them. As an organisation, we must ensure that all

EYP Finland doesn’t seek to

sorts of talents are recognised and used. Our approach is also meritocratic: positions

compete with any other youth

at our events, for instance, should be given out in a fair and transparent manner.

organisation as such, as the field of non-formal political education

3. Volunteerism: We are proud of the things we achieve on a voluntary basis. Though

in Finland is not exactly filled

one of the key objectives of this strategy is for EYP Finland to hire permanent support

with actors. However, the pool

staff, this must not be understood as a move away from a strong belief in the power

of available (public) funding for

and importance of volunteer work. Our members should understand that the EYP

youth organisations is more or

needs active volunteers to function. We believe that volunteers with a powerful cause

less the same, and maintaining

can achieve great things and, in the process, greatly benefit from it themselves.

the high quality of our activities is essential for us to remain suc-

4. Internationalism: While the EYP doesn’t nominally promote further integration in

cessful in this competition.

Europe, for instance, interest in other cultures and a belief in peaceful intercultural cooperation are strong in our culture. EYP Finland shouldn’t be a closed national

EYP Finland also needs to com-

club, either, but actively cooperate with other National Committees, participate in the

pete with other youth organisa-

international governance of the EYP, send participants to events abroad – and espe-

tions for active members, as

cially welcome foreign participants to its events. In the near future, special emphasis

many organisations target young

should be put on reaching out to National Committees previously less familiar to us,

people with similar interests. Too

such as the recently established ones in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, and both

many of our members seem to

support their development and benefit from their fresh approaches to the EYP.

lose their interest in EYP Finland after they have started studying

5. Fun: In EYP, we often seem to take many things fairly seriously, but we also consid-

in university, and we should be

er fun an integral part of the EYP experience. EYP shouldn’t only be about challenges

better at making our activities

and hard work but also celebrating the successes and taking it easy every once in a

attractive to people over 20 years

while. EYP Finland and its members shouldn’t take themselves too seriously – EYP is,

of age.

after all, a youth parliament.

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4. EYP Finland and the LongTerm Strategy of the EYP The Long-Term Strategy of the EYP was adopted in 2013 for 2–3 years. Thus, we are

The Long-Term Strategy

now approaching the half-way mark in its implementation. (The first implementation report, based on the National Committees’ reports from 2013, was published in 2014.)

The Long-Term Strategy of the

EYP Finland wishes to be on the forefront of development in the international EYP,

EYP can be read at http://eyp.

and we have carefully studied the Long-Term Strategy and how it relates to EYP Fin-

org/gb/LongTermStrategyEYP.

land. National Committees are responsible for organising most of the EYP’s activities,

pdf.

and many of the objectives, means and success indicators in the strategy are their responsibility. Others, on the other hand, are the international bodies’ responsibility.

Abbreviations

In this chapter, we go through each of the three key focus areas of the Long-Term

NC = The National Committees,

Strategy. First, we discuss each section in general terms. Second, we study the

the EYP’s independent national

specific means and success indicators and whether EYP Finland fulfills them. (For

chapters.

clarity and ease, most of the strategy is quoted verbatim.) In general, we believe EYP Finland is on track implementing the Long-Term Strategy. The second section, “In-

GB = The Governing Body,

spiring”, is where the whole EYP is falling behind, and EYP Finland also needs to take

the EYP’s international board,

action on the field. The first section, “Developing”, closely relates to the second part

responsible for its strategic

of the vision presented in chapter 5. There, EYP Finland generally fulfills the success

development.

indicators, but there are many EYP Finland-specific areas for development that will be further elaborated on in chapter 5. The third section, “Achieving”, we find the least

BNC = The Board of National

meaningful, though academic quality at our events is generally sufficient.

Committees, the assembly and “voice” of the National Commit-

While the “means” on the Long-Term Strategy are rather broad and could inspire a

tees.

variety of supporting measures by EYP Finland, we have decided to focus on fulfilling the immediate success indicators. Otherwise, this strategy would have become

For more information on the

too wide. However, many of the measures in chapter 5 can be considered supporting

EYP’s structure, please see

measures, and there is overlap between the two strategies. Many of the means are

http://eyp.org/about/organisa-

actually rather trivial, and the overall success shouldn’t be measured by simply list-

tion/.

ing the fulfilled objectives. It is much more important – and difficult – to increase our outreach than to, say, start using position papers at our sessions.

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4.1. “Developing” Participation in international

Vision

governance “To build a stronger EYP network in order to allow further development in terms of In connection to the adoption of

quality and quantity and thus realise EYP’s full potential.”

the Long-Term Strategy, a thorough governance reform took

Aim

place on the international level of the EYP in 2013. The most

“The European Youth Parliament has National Committees (NC) in almost 40 Euro-

important change was for the

pean countries – from Russia to Portugal, from Norway to Turkey – and thus it seems

Board of National Committees

the geographical limits of the EYP network have almost been reached. While we

to become an equal decision-

already involve thousands of young people annually, there is still a lot of potential for

maker with the Governing Body

the further development of this network in terms of both quantity and quality.

in almost all issues.

While many of our well-established National Committees are successful and thriving This change has put increased

non-profit organisations, we see other National Committees struggling to move for-

pressure on the BNC as a

ward or even continue their current level of activities – often they are facing similar

decision-making body and

challenges that other National Committees have managed to overcome. We believe

National Committees’ partici-

the support and coordination structures within our EYP network should be strength-

pation in it. EYP Finland must

ened to allow further development in terms of quality and quantity of our activities.

take this increased responsibility more seriously: efficient

We believe that EYP should aim at building international level structures that are

decision-making on the BNC

engines for the future development of the whole EYP. At the same time, National

level requires active participation

Committees should increase their engagement on the international level of the EYP,

by the National Committees on

since so far involvement on the international level is too often put aside in favour of

all relevant issues.

national matters. EYP needs to create a framework that facilitates and stimulates international involvement of National Committees.

Until now our activities and sessions are almost always based on the same principle: one National Committee organises an activity and other National Committees send

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participants there. We believe that there is room for increased ‘multilateral’ coopera-

Cooperation with other Nation-

tion between National Committees, where different groups of National Committees

al Committees

organise common activities and projects.”

The board of EYP Finland has EYP Finland

often discussed cooperation with other National Committees,

While EYP Finland can be considered an “established” National Committee, it also

especially EYP Estonia, to the

often struggles with its administration and activities. In general, we are running on

south, and EYP Sweden, to the

the edge of our resources. EYP Finland doesn’t need particular support from the

west. The ideas have varied from

international bodies or other National Committees, but it must focus on consolidating

joint International Sessions to

its resources and the scope of its activities. We will return to this theme in chapter 5.

smaller alumni gatherings, but in the end, most of them have

EYP Finland and its members should be more active on the international level. While

led to nothing.

there has been a Finnish member on the Governing Body for years now and the previous two Executive Directors have been Finnish, no Finns are currently active in the

We believe such cooperation can

Alumni Councils, and EYP Finland has recently not been a driving force on any issue

be beneficial, but the National

internationally. It is the established National Committees that can be expected to car-

Committees need to think care-

ry the EYP network forward, and while focusing on national matters is understand-

fully what goals they are trying to

able, EYP Finland shouldn’t have excuses for not taking an active role internationally.

meet through it: cooperation for cooperation’s sake is usually not

The board of EYP Finland should focus more on international governance, for in-

productive. There is, however,

stance by properly discussing the agenda of each meeting of the Board of National

some potential in cooperation

Committees and then more forcefully promoting its positions at the meetings. The

in the Baltic Sea region, at least

board member for international affairs is in key position to ensure this by following

with smaller gatherings and

international developments and discussions and acting as the voice of EYP Finland

sending more participants to

internationally. At the same time, the whole board can benefit from staying up to date

each others’ events – our mem-

on these developments and discussions, and it should indeed do so. International is-

bers are at times surprisingly

sues must be adequately covered at all board training weekends and meetings. These

hesitant to take the trip “across

issues will also be covered more extensively in chapter 5.

the pond”.

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DEVELOPING TO BUILD A STRONGER EYP NETWORK IN ORDER TO ALLOW FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN TERMS OF QUALITY AND QUANTITY AND THUS REALISE EYP’S FULL POTENTIAL.

Means

Success indicators

EYP Finland

Strengthening the basic

At least 40 National Com-

Fulfilled: EYP Finland or-

activities of the National

mittees organise a National

ganises a National Session

Committees.

Session and send delegates

and sends delegates to three

to at least two International

International Sessions each

Supporting measures

Sessions a year.

year.

Assuring the continued

EYP reaches 30,000 young

Lacking: EYP Finland reaches

EYP Finland expands its

growth of the EYP network.

people every year.

around 400–600 new people

reach by organising addi-

each year.

tional Regional Sessions and expanding its campaigns.

EYP organises 300 events

Fulfilled: EYP Finland or-

every year.

ganises five sessions, 2–3 weekend-long training events and multiple other events every year.

Improving best practise shar-

Organising at least one event

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland sends repre-

ing and developing solutions

every year where National

plicable.)

sentatives to all events where

to common challenges.

Committees come together

best practices are shared.

and share best practices.

Organising at least one

(Success indicator not ap-

training event on National

plicable.)

Committee Management and Development annually.

Involving the National Com-

All biannual meetings of the

Fulfilled: at least one rep-

EYP Finland prepares its

mittees on the international

Board of National Commit-

resentative of EYP Finland

positions better and argues

level on a more regular basis.

tees attended by at least one

attends each BNC meeting.

them more forcefully at BNC

representative of every Na-

meetings.

tional Committee or Initiative.

Improving and increasing

Every National Commit-

Fulfilled: EYP Finland organ-

training given to alumni on

tee organises at least one

ises 2–3 international training Committees organise 10–20

the national level.

training event for EYP alumni

events, an alumni train-

smaller training events each

annually.

ing weekend and multiple

year.

smaller training events each year.

Developing a strategic culture EYP implements an interna-

Fulfilled: EYP Finland has a

throughout the EYP network.

tional long-term strategy and

strategy developed in relation

updates it regularly.

to the long-term strategy.

All National Committees and Initiatives implement a long-term strategy, which is updated regularly.

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EYP Finland and its Regional

Increasing the recognition

Creating and implementing a

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland creates a na-

of EYP’s activities among

public relations strategy for

plicable.)

tional PR strategy based on

decision-makers.

the EYP.

the international strategy.

At least 50 Members of the

Fulfilled: 1–3 Members of the

European Parliament and

European Parliament attend

three European Commission-

EYP Finland’s events each

ers attend EYP events every

year.

year.

Improving the support given

One third of the National

Fulfilled: EYP Finland has a

EYP Finland employs a full-

to volunteers on a daily basis.

Committees have an office

permanent office.

time secretary general.

with permanent support staff to assist them in their work.

Lacking: EYP Finland has no permanent staff.

Increasing the visibility of EYP EYP is covered in major

Fulfilled: EYP Finland is

towards the general public.

regional and national printed

covered in local or national

and online press five times

media 5–10 times each year.

per year in each active country.

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4.2. “Inspiring” Vision “Our vision is that EYP shall become a truly open and inclusive youth organisation, involving all young people who wish to take part in our activities.”

Aim “The EYP is not an organisation that is made to deal with social emergences or disabilities, but it can open new perspectives to young people that would not have otherwise had these opportunities due to their social, economic or educational situation.

We have identified a range of obstacles that could prevent a youngster from taking part in our activities – note that these will probably vary according to the National Committee – including: social obstacles, disabilities, economic obstacles, educational difficulties, geographic obstacles and cultural differences.

Though we are seeing how more and more National Committees have been organising inclusivity projects during the last years, we have identified two reasons to explain why EYP is not as inclusive as it could be. Firstly, EYP lacks the information to evaluate the state of the EYP network in terms of inclusivity. Hence why we should thoroughly evaluate and research the profile and background of EYP participants, something we have not done before. It is time for EYP to develop outreach methods tailored to our projects and goals, using external information, but also sharing the already available knowledge which some National Committees have built up.

Secondly, the very nature of EYP could hold some young people back from taking part in our activities. Some youngsters might be scared by their initial limited knowledge of politics, the high academic level, participation costs or even be hesitant of speaking a foreign language or travelling abroad. To deal with this, we need a two-branch 14

approach. For one, we need to work on including so-far-excluded youth into our already existing events, while also further build our range of activities in order to offer educational events to all young Europeans.

We realise that outreach and inclusivity projects will often be even more resourceintensive (HR, time-wise, costs) than some of our other events, but feel that in order to fulfil our mission statement, EYP needs to increase its inclusiveness on all levels.”

EYP Finland Finland has a relatively equalitarian school system, and our participants generally come from fairly varied backgrounds, though certain “better schools” have always been over-represented in our activities. It is obvious, however, that more should be done.

First, we believe there is great potential in outreach. EYP Finland still reaches relatively few new people each year – in 2013, we had participants from around 60 schools, and the majority of youth in Finland will currently never even hear about the EYP. We must thus work to increase our visibility and reach, e.g. by organising 5–6 Regional Sessions and a more extensive school tour each year. These measures will be discussed more extensively in chapter 5.

Second, we believe that the international strategy’s point about expanding the range of our activities to offer educational experiences to all young Europeans is very valid, and as we state below, EYP Finland should also seek to organise activities that correspond to a broader interpretation of the EYP’s mission. EYP Finland’s parliament simulations, where the treshold for participation is lower (the simulations are done in Finnish and organised at schools), are a step towards the right direction, but EYP Finland can still go further.

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INSPIRING OUR VISION IS THAT EYP SHALL BECOME A TRULY OPEN AND INCLUSIVE YOUTH ORGANISATION, INVOLVING ALL YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN OUR ACTIVITIES.

Means

Success indicators

EYP Finland

Supporting measures

Evaluating EYP’s state of in-

At least three reports on the

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland evaluates its

clusiveness, aimed at identi-

state of EYP’s inclusiveness

plicable.)

state of inclusiveness in its

fying barriers to inclusiveness have been published and inside National Committees.

annual work reports.

presented at meetings of the Board of National Committees.

Writing a toolbox for National

A first version of a toolbox

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland evaluates its

Committees on how to devel-

for National Committees is

plicable.)

activities on the basis of the

op and strengthen inclusivity

finished and spread around

programmes.

the EYP network.

Looking for outside expertise,

At least two international

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland contacts relevant

involving teachers and other

events have been organised

plicable.)

national organisations to

non-governmental organisa-

at developing EYP-specific

develop its outreach and

tions.

outreach and inclusivity

inclusivity.

toolbox once it is finished.

methods.

Supporting international

At least 15 training events on

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland sends represent-

training events on outreach

inclusivity methods have been plicable.)

atives to one or more such

and inclusivity methods.

organised by the National

training events.

Committees.

National Committees develop

Two thirds of the National

Partly fulfilled: EYP Finland’s

EYP Finland expands its

their own outreach and inclu-

Committeess should have

annual campaigns aim at

campaigns.

sivity programmes.

a country-specific outreach

outreach.

programme.

Coordinating a European

At least two long-term part-

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland takes part in

project and accessory fund

nerships have been set up

plicable.)

planning and implementing

for National Committees with

to run an international EYP

inclusivity programmes.

outreach programme.

Strengthening our human re-

The international EYP office

(Success indicator not ap-

sources to develop outreach

in Berlin has hired a Project

plicable.)

and inclusivity methods.

Manager to work on outreach

international projects.

and inclusivity programmes.

16

Every National Committee

Lacking: EYP Finland has no

The board of EYP Finland

board has at least one board

board member with out-

includes outreach and inclu-

member with outreach and

reach and inclusivity in their

sivity in one of the existing

inclusivity in their portfolio.

portfolio.

portfolios.

Obstacles to EYP Finland’s outreach and inclusiveness Already, the board is to include inclusiveness in one of its portHigh costs and geography: Even though the participation

folios, and the board member with the portfolio in question

fees to EYP Finland’s sessions and training events are usually

should examine the redesigned “Your European Citizenship”

only in the range of 15–30 EUR, attending EYP events can get

campaign from the inclusiveness perspective and explore new

rather expensive with the travel costs in a large country like

ways of cooperation with relevant national organisations, for

Finland. As J. K. Paasikivi said, “we cannot do anything about

instance. EYP Finland should be a welcoming environment for

geography”, but EYP Finland can mitigate the problem by

all kinds of young people.

spreading its sessions as wide as possible every year. Organising a Regional Session in Oulu for the past two years has been

Educational background: While EYP Finland seeks to involve

an important step forward, but in fact, about half of Finland

students from select vocational schools in its sessions and

is still north of Oulu. Thus, organising a Regional Session in

parliamentary simulations, it is likely to remain an organisa-

Rovaniemi, for instance, could be an option in the near future.

tion mostly run by upper secondary school students. However,

In this respect, the National Session will remain the most

it should be remembered and communicated externally that

problematic event, as it naturally cannot be spread around.

there are absolutely no obstacles for vocational school students to attend EYP Finland’s events, and EYP Finland should

Unfortunately, EYP Finland cannot currently reimburse any

pay more attention to young people who may not study social

travel costs to its sessions – this could easily amount to

studies in school but are socially active and responsible. Deep

thousands of euros each year. It should, however, always seek

knowledge of or even particular interest in European politi-

to keep the participation fees to a minimum. Participation

cal affairs is, a bit surprisingly, not a prerequisite for taking

fees of our alumni events are already very low, and key events

part in EYP – contrary to a typical stereotype, a majority of our

are organised in different cities each year. Luckily, schools or

members are not “EU nerds”.

school-affiliated foundations are generally also rather keen to support their students’ participation in EYP events.

Language skills: EYP Finland’s parliamentary simulations are usually done in Finnish or Swedish, which lowers the thresh-

In addition to spreading its sessions as wide as possible, EYP

old of participation. When it comes to the sessions, we believe

Finland will aim to organise 30–50 parliamentary simula-

that communicating in a foreign language is a key part of the

tions in schools each year – essentially, to bring EYP to the

experience, and there is little space for the use of the partici-

students, rather than expect the students to come to EYP. This

pants’ native languages – also because a full fourth or third of

will be a relatively cost-efficient way to bring the EYP experi-

each session’s participants are other than Finnish. However,

ence to hundreds of young people each year.

the participants’ English doesn’t need to be perfect in any way.

An EYP session is first and foremost a chance to practice your

Disabilities: Unfortunately, while occasional accusations of

English in an interesting way seldom offered by traditional

elitism are overblown, EYP Finland is still an organisation for

education.

healthy upper secondary school students with fairly similar interests. In this respect, EYP Finland should do much more to open its activities. Relatively little has so far been done internationally to examine our working methods in relation to young people with disabilities, for instance, but EYP Finland must closely follow these developments and use whatever resources, such as the toolbox mentioned in the Long-Term Strategy, are made available.

17

4.3. “Achieving” Vision “Our vision is that EYP establishes a culture of academic professionalism, throughout our organisation and in everything we do.”

Aim “One of the core elements of the European Youth Parliament is that is a volunteerbased organisation, all EYP events are organised and run by young people, for young people. Because of this, we sometimes lack the resources to adequately prepare for the tasks we take on. Though this has advanced a lot already during the last years, we feel that there is still a lot of room for improvement and we strongly believe that our volunteerism can go hand in hand with a strong culture of academic professionalism in all we do. We see room for improvement on a number of levels.

On an organisational level we want to spread a culture of academic professionalism throughout EYP – raising the levels of professionalism and academic quality of the work of our National Committees and the international governance bodies of the EYP – the Board of National Committees and Governing Body. We feel it is vital to work on our organisational learning processes, by more sharing of knowledge and best practices throughout the network and thus striving for synergies. At the same time, we should be looking more to what is going on outside of our network by consulting other organisations, seeking solutions elsewhere and truly reflect on our needs together with other stakeholders such as teachers, experts, etc.

We are also aiming to continue the development of the academic quality of our sessions and events. Our flagship events, International Sessions, are recognised as events of excellent academic standard, but we should not stop striving to do more and better. We should also spread the best practices and knowledge used at Interna18

tional Sessions to our other events, where there is more room for improvement. We aim that all our events and sessions are of a comprehensive educational quality: with well-designed topics, informative topic overviews, top-quality resolution booklets, and resulting in a high standard of debates and participation. If we provide even better prepared, well-trained chairpersons, our delegates will profit in terms of preparation, the level of debate and discussion and a deepened learning process.”

EYP Finland In our opinion, this section of the Long-Term Strategy is somewhat confusing, as it seems to combine two distinct feature of the EYP’s activities: professionalism in running the organisation and the “academic quality” of its events. We will consequently discuss them separately.

“Professionalism” in running the EYP is important, though it is often not clear what is meant by it. First and foremost, EYP Finland also wishes to be a strong volunteer organisation but continue improving its organisational culture, such as how its board functions and how its events are run. Professionalism is understood as aspects such as timely planning and execution of all projects, sound volunteer management, and full use of existing know-how. These themes will also be elaborated on in chapter 5.

As stated before, “academic excellence” hasn’t previously been a priority for EYP Finland, and we believe it shouldn’t be a key strategic aim for us in the future, either – at least if understood narrowly. For first-time participants, the overall educational experience is crucial, and we believe there is only so much we can ask from them in terms of preparation and knowledge. For this reason, we are not too keen to start using fact sheets and position papers at our sessions, for instance. However, we do believe there is room for improvement in the academic knowledge and skills of our older members.

19

Means

Success indicators

EYP Finland

Supporting measures

Establishing a learning cul-

An up-to-date knowledge

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland takes part

ture by gathering solutions

platform with information

plicable.)

in sharing best practices

to commonly encountered

relevant to different bodies is

problems and sharing them.

created, updated and avail-

through all channels.

able to all.

Publishing the agenda and

The agenda and minutes of

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland disseminates

minutes of all meetings on

all the meetings of the GB

plicable.)

international documents via

the international level at least and the BNC are published

its communication channels.

two weeks prior to/after the

two weeks respectively prior

meeting.

and after the meeting.

Publishing positions of the

The positions of National

(Success indicator not ap-

The board of EYP Finland dis-

Governing Body and National

Committees and the GB on

plicable.)

cusses its positions for each

Committees in advance of

the agenda of BNC meetings

meetings of the Board of

are published at least one

National Committees.

week prior to the meetings.

Introducing workshops and

At least 40 workshops and

Lacking: EYP Finland does

EYP Finland includes a train-

training modules on Euro-

training modules on Euro-

not have workshops or train-

ing module on European af-

pean affairs at EYP events.

pean affairs are included in

ing modules on European

fairs in its Alumni Weekend.

the events of National Com-

affairs.

BNC meeting on time.

mittees.

The Regional Committees organise at least three workshops on European affairs each year.

Boosting the learning process At least 50 Members of the

Fulfilled: the National Ses-

EYP Finland invites a Finnish

of EYP alumni by contacts

European Parliament and

sion is attended by politicians, MEP to attend each National

with European institutions,

three European Commission-

experts and private sector

politicians, experts and the

ers attend EYP events every

representatives.

private sector.

year. Every National Session

Session.

has at least one relevant politician, expert or private sector representative in attendance.

Trips and visits which are

Lacking: EYP Finland does

EYP Finland explores the

open to EYP alumni are regu-

not organise regular visits to

possibility to organise a trip a

larly organised to European

European institutions.

European institution.

institutions.

Ensuring academic qual-

Criterion of “Academic quality (Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland ensures its In-

ity and cultural-educational

and cultural-economic im-

ternational Session delegates

impact of International Ses-

pact of the session� is added

are well-prepared academi-

sions.

to the guideline for assess-

cally and culturally.

ment of bids to host International Sessions.

20

plicable.)

Conscious topic choices of

Explanatory paragraphs are

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland supports its

delegates and constructive

added to the International

plicable.)

International Session del-

research of delegates for

Session topic list before par-

International Sessions.

ticipants choose their pre-

egates’ preparation.

ferred topics for all sessions.

Constructive input of experts

Expert briefing for experts

Fulfilled: experts at the Na-

participating in International

participating in EYP events

tional Session are briefed in

and National Sessions.

prepared and circulated for

advance.

relevant international and national events.

EYP sessions follow good-

Pool of topics and rationales

quality, debatable topics, spe- specifically tailored to the

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland pays attention

plicable.)

to the quality of topics at its

cifically tailored to the need of need of International Sesspecific EYP events.

sessions.

sions is provided every year by the Academic Council.

Guides and all other aca-

National Committees or ses-

(Success indicator not ap-

demic preparation material is

sion presidents can also ask

plicable.)

regularly updated.

the Alumni Council for assistance with topics for national and regional events.

Guide on topic formulation for (Success indicator not appresidents and a harmonised

plicable.)

guide on topic overviews prepared.

Establishing sound delegate

Position papers and fact

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland supports its

preparation system within

sheets are used at all Inter-

plicable.)

International Session del-

the national and the interna-

national Sessions. If they are

tional level, including teacher

not used, delegate prepara-

involvement.

tion is guaranteed in a differ-

egates’ preparation.

ent way.

Sharing of best practices on

At least one third NCs use

Lacking: EYP Finland does

EYP Finland considers using

delegate preparation within

PPs and FCs in their delegate

not use position papers or

position papers at its National

the National Committees.

preparation.

fact sheets at its sessions.

Session.

Best practices of delegate

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland participates in

preparation in the National

plicable.)

the sharing of best practices.

Committees are gathered and compiled. National Commitees introduce the best practices within their events.

21

A timely selection of Inter-

All delegations for Interna-

Fulfilled: EYP Finland selects

national Session delegates

tional Sessions are selected

its delegations to Interna-

allowing sufficient time for

at least two months in ad-

tional Sessions at least two

academic preparation.

vance.

months in advance.

Introducing debating culture

Debating training introduced

Lacking: the National Session EYP Finland considers intro-

in the General Assembly.

as a part of General Assembly has no debate training.

ducing debate training at its

preparation at all Interna-

National Sessions.

tional Sessions and at least 15 national events.

Ensuring high level of the

Chairs’ Academic Training

(Success indicator not ap-

Chairs’ Academic Training of

follows the updated guide-

plicable.)

International Sessions.

lines of the Governing Body and have sufficient modules on the EU, Europe and topics.

Necessary trainer or external expert is invited to CAT for specific modules.

Allowing for further develop-

At least one alumni forum

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland encourages

ment of EYP alumni: organis-

and one T4ET is organised

plicable.)

its members to attend the

ing alumni forums, a Training

every year for experienced

Training for EYP Trainers and

for EYP Ttrainers etc.

EYP alumni.

alumni forums.

Sharing of best practises on

A separate section on these

(Success indicator not ap-

EYP Finland takes part in

academic elements of the

topics is developed in the

plicable.)

sharing best practices.

session: resolution typ-

renewed Knowledge Bank.

ing process, using position papers and fact sheets in committee work, topic preparation etc.

Advanced training for presi-

Training events for session

Lacking: EYP Finland does

EYP Finland organises an an-

dents and board members.

presidents are organised.

not organise training events

nual mini-training for board

for board members.

members.

22

“European affairs”: EYP and its academic focus

something about but including in them a wide variety of issues governments are the primary actors in – in other words, “what

There has recently been discussions about the EYP’s political

should European governments do” rather than “what should

neutrality and its academic focus on the international level.

the EU do”. This is something we already do in EYP Finland

Though the EYP is not EU-affiliated or explicitly promote fur-

and internationally. An approach we could still develop is to

ther European integration, we are in reality very EU-focused:

explore other pan-European forums of cooperation: the Coun-

the discussion topics at our sessions most often have the EU

cil of Europe, the EEA/EFTA, the OSCE and even the NATO. Our

as the actor expected to act on something, and the factual

members’ knowledge of such forums is often non-existent,

knowledge we expect our participants to have is mainly EU-re-

which is a shame.

lated. This is evident at the Chairs’ Academic Trainings for our International Sessions and in the preparation booklets handed

A wider focus on “European affairs” should also be good for

out at many other sessions around Europe, for instance.

EYP Finland’s public relations. EYP Finland is by no means ashamed of its international approach or pro-integration

To a certain extent, focus on the EU is only understandable

views of many of its members, but it can benefit from mak-

and desirable. We wish to discuss pan-European issues, and

ing it more clear to external observers – such as schools and

the EU is the pan-European actor with the most power to do

potential partners – that EU issues are only a part of the EYP

something about these issues. One of EYP Finland’s key priori-

experience and that EYP Finland doesn’t promote further

ties is to educate its participants not only on “European af-

European integration as such.

fairs” in general but the EU in particular, given the EU’s huge importance for European states and societies. EYP Finland

By promoting a wider European focus, EYP Finland can also

can and should support schools in teaching their students

take an active role in the development of the EYP network and

about the EU: the EU is a challenging topic of study, and the

enhance its relations with National Committees in non-EU

EYP’s unique approach to it can be very beneficial.

countries, such as EYP Norway and EYP Switzerland and National Committees in the Balkan and Caucasus countries.

At the same time, we believe EYP Finland should indeed have

For Norwegian and Swiss participants, for instance, a wider

“European affairs” (rather than “EU affairs) as its academic

European focus is usually very important, and EYP Finland can

focus area. In practice, this means e.g. not limiting the discus-

benefit from taking one.

sion topics at our sessions to issues the EU can directly do

23

5. Vision for 2017 Vision for 2017

5.1. Going forward

1. EYP Finland is recognised

The time period covered by this strategy will start with a particularly challenging year

as the leading organisation in

for EYP Finland. In addition to organising the annual National Session, Regional Ses-

the field of non-formal political

sions and various other projects in 2015, EYP Finland will host the 79th International

education in Finland. It is well-

Session of the EYP in Tampere. An International Session is a project of considerable

known and respected among

scale (a 10-day event for nearly 300 participants from 35-odd countries, with a budget

schools, other youth organisa-

of over 200,000 EUR), and EYP Finland’s resources, both human and financial, will

tions and public institutions and

be strained throughout the year. Thus, we are proposing no other major initiatives

the general public.

for 2015. In fact, we believe that EYP Finland should generally – also after 2015 – be rather careful with expanding its activities.

2. EYP Finland is a professionally run organisation. It has a strong

Organising the current level of EYP Finland’s activities requires considerable effort,

culture of participation and long-

and to this day, this effort has often too heavily fallen on the shoulders of the few. For

term commitment.

a number of years of now, the board of EYP Finland has acknowledged that any significant expansion of its activities will require permanent support staff, i.e. a full-time

3. EYP Finland organises varied

secretary general to run the organisation’s day-to-day administration and activities.

activities that correspond with

This is not a matter of losing faith in volunteer work or wasting funding that could be

a broad interpretation of its

used in organising more events; it is simply that our activities are currently so wide

mission and the interests of its

and require so much administrative work that some of our volunteers are under un-

members.

necessarily high levels of stress. The board, for instance, is currently unable to take the strategic role it would have in the ideal situation.

Hiring the central office in Helsinki in 2013 was an important step towards hiring a secretary general, but a lot still needs to happen for this goal to be fulfilled. The challenge is primarily financial: currently, EYP Finland does not receive enough non-project-related funding to hire staff. Thus, we are urging the board to focus on fundraising and sound financial management in 2015–2017. Public funding is important for us. We believe that EYP Finland already matches or surpasses the level of activities

24

of some youth organisations that receive more funding than EYP Finland. What needs

Strategic thinking in EYP Fin-

to happen for our funding to increase is for EYP Finland to raise its visibility and

land

especially expand its reach among young people. Luckily, doing so is something that won’t necessarily require leaps forward in terms of resources: our Regional Sessions

In volunteer organisation, the fo-

(currently the “Your European Citizenship” campaign), for instance, are cost-efficient

cus is usually on the day-to-day

and usually well-funded. It should also be relatively easy to expand our reach con-

activities and immediate goals:

siderably through what are now the parliament simulations of the “EU – Take Part

securing the minimum funding

and Learn!” campaign. In general, we should aim at moving from the current 1,200

for the next event, submitting a

participants in all of our activities per year to around 2,000–2,500.

report by the deadline or replying to dozens of more or less

In the EYP, big steps that ambitious National Committees can take forward are

urgent emails. In this environ-

often rather narrowly understood as hosting International Sessions or International

ment, strategic thinking is often

Forums. Organising such sessions guarantee international visibility, and it is under-

neglected.

standable that National Committees still seek to do so – and the EYP naturally needs enough hosts for such sessions. As implied, however, we believe it would be wise for

In the past years, the board of

EYP Finland to depart from this thinking and focus on other avenues for development.

EYP Finland has taken steps to

Our thinking is also guided by our reading of the international environment: in our

ensure that it can be a suffi-

opinion, there is currently no lack of International Forums in the EYP. If EYP Finland

ciently strategic body. This is the

wishes to support the development of the international network in the near future,

right direction, and the board

hosting international training events, for instance, would be more beneficial.

must further ensure that “doing stuff” is the primary responsibil-

In sum, we believe EYP Finland’s priority should be to consolidate its resources and

ity of someone else.

expand its reach. Resources should be consolidated by focusing on fundraising and employing a full-time secretary general; reach should be expanded by increasing the

However, it is not only the board

number of Regional Sessions and organising a more extensive tour in schools. These

that should think and act strate-

aims are interconnected: wider reach helps us raise funds, and better resources help

gically. The Regional Committee

us expand our reach. This strategy includes dozens of specific measures and success

boards, for instance, also have a

indicators for the coming three years, but most of them are subsidiary to these key

responsibility to do so.

“battles” that must be won. Next, we will discuss our vision for 2017 in more detail.

25

Two campaigns become one

5.2. Vision for 2017

While both “Your European

With this background, we have decided on a vision for EYP Finland for 2017. The vi-

Citizenship” and “EU – Take Part

sion has three parts:

and Learn!” have been successful campaigns over the recent

1. EYP Finland is recognised as the leading organisation in the field of non-

years, they have partly over-

formal political education in Finland. It is well-known and respected among

lapped and led to inefficient use

schools, other youth organisations and public institutions and the general

of EYP Finland’s resources. The

public.

new “Your European Citizenship” is designed to maintain

2. EYP Finland is a professionally run organisation. It has a strong culture of

the level of activities of the two

participation and long-term commitment.

considerable but do so in a more

3. EYP Finland organises varied activities that correspond with a broad inter

streamlined way.

pretation of its mission and the interests of its members.

The part inherited from the old

These three parts are meant to be rather broad, but the following sections will in-

“EUTPAL” are the parliamentary

clude more specific aims, measures and success indicators under each part.

campaigns and actually raise it

simulations EYP Finland will now organise throughout the

Parts 1 and 2 of the vision are closely related to the general strategic directions

year in upper secondary schools,

discussed above. The first part is about widening EYP Finland’s reach and making

select vocational schools and

it a better-known actor in the Finnish NGO field in general and non-formal political

grades 7–9 of comprehensive

education in particular. As discussed above, we believe EYP Finland’s reach is un-

schools. The part inherited from

necessarily narrow and can be relatively easily expanded. We propose merging EYP

the old “YEC” are the Regional

Finland’s two annual campaigns, “Your European Citizenship” and “EU – Take Part

Sessions, 4–6 of them annually

and Learn!”, into one campaign that would retain the name of the former. The new

in 2015–2017.

“Your European Citizenship” would combine the old campaigns’ best elements, the Regional Sessions and the parliamentary simulations, and make it easier for EYP Finland to fund and organise both. This would also enable EYP Finland to sharpen

26

its image as an educational organisation and develop as one. The benefits of a better

A selection of quantitative ob-

relationship between EYP Finland and teachers, for instance, would be considerable.

jectives for 2017

Part 2 of the vision relates to strengthening EYP Finland’s administration and organi-

•

Students from 100 upper

sational culture. The former was already discussed above. While ensuring that EYP

secondary schools and 15

Finland is run “professionally”, we should also develop our volunteer base. It has

vocational schools take part

often been the problem that promising young members of EYP Finland leave the or-

in the Regional Sessions.

ganisation after a couple of years or take part in its activities in a way that is not par-

•

Students from 30 upper

ticularly beneficial for the organisation. EYP Finland can’t naturally do anything about

secondary schools, six

its members moving abroad to study, and all its members don’t need to become head

vocational schools and 15

organisers, but in general, we should be much better at keeping our members active

comprehensive schools

and committed to the organisation – to “manage” the talent. The international level

take part in parliamentary

should also be brought closer to EYP Finland and its members.

simulations.

•

Part 3 of the vision was not directly touched upon in the previous section. It has two levels: the first level simply refers to the quality of EYP Finland’s events. While we are

Regional Sessions.

•

not proposing any new significant projects for the immediate future, it is important to set certain objectives, some of them rather ambitious, for our basic activities. There

EYP Finland has 2,500 members.

•

is particular potential on the regional level: the Regional Committees could much

The Regional Committees organise 10 training events

better use the more experienced alumni, for instance, to organise smaller training events for their members. And again, our members should better use the numerous

EYP Finland organises six

and 14 other events.

•

Members of EYP Finland

opportunities abroad. The second level of part 3 sets foot on a more uncharted ter-

attend EYP events abroad

ritory, and it may truly come into picture only when the more urgent objectives have

190 times.

been met and the EYP network as a whole has started moving forward. The EYP’s basic “product” are currently its sessions. Our mission, however, doesn’t limit us to organising sessions, and the process of interpreting it more broadly should also begin in Finland. There are all kinds of “responsible citizens” who could greatly benefit from taking part in EYP, but they may never find their way to us as long as the EYP experience is solely understood and marketed as a parliamentary simulation.

27

5.3. VISION FOR 2017, PART 1 EYP FINLAND IS RECOGNISED AS THE LEADING ORGANISATION IN THE FIELD OF NON-FORMAL POLITICAL EDUCATION IN FINLAND. IT IS WELL-KNOWN AND RESPECTED AMONG SCHOOLS, OTHER YOUTH ORGANISATIONS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Aim

Measures and success indicators

EYP Finland has a clear public image.

All active members are aware of the EYP’s mission and aims. These are covered at

Communications

the Alumni Weekend, Head Organisers’ Summit and board training events.

EYP Finland maintains a uniform corporate identity in its communications. It is covered at the Head Organisers’ Summit and board training events.

Each event and campaign has a distinct identity designed in relation to EYP Finland’s corporate identity.

EYP Finland has promotional materials tailored for each of its target groups: potential participants at upper secondary schools and vocational schools, schools and teachers and private partners.

The board member for communications is responsible for protecting EYP Finland’s public image.

EYP Finland reaches all upper second-

EYP Finland maintains a detailed database of all upper secondary schools and their

ary schools and their students each

participation in its activities.

year. Events/Internal For its annual “Your European Citizenship” campaign, EYP Finland approaches all upper secondary schools by email, phone calls and visits where possible.

Students from at least 80/90/100 upper secondary schools take part in the Regional Sessions each year.

Students from at least one upper secondary school in the 20 largest cities in Finland (Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu, Turku, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Lahti, Kouvola, Pori, Joensuu, Lappeenranta, Hämeenlinna, Vaasa, Rovaniemi, Seinäjoki, Mikkeli, Kotka and Salo) take part in the Regional Sessions each year.

Students from at least 20/25/30 upper secondary schools take part in parliamentary simulations each year.

EYP Finland reaches select vocational

EYP Finland maintains a detailed database of select vocational schools and their

schools and their students each year.

participation in its activities.

Events/Internal For its annual “Your European Citizenship” campaign, EYP Finland approaches select vocational schools by email, phone calls and visits where possible.

Students from at least 5/10/15 vocational schools take part in the Regional Sessions each year.

Students from at least 2/4/6 vocational schools take part in parliamentary simulations each year.

28

EYP Finland reaches select compre-

EYP Finland maintains a detailed database of select comprehensive schools (grades

hensive schools (grades 7–9) and their

7–9) and their participation in its activities.

students each year. Events/Internal Students from at least 5/10/15 comprehensive schools (grades 7–9) take part in parliamentary simulations each year.

All members of EYP Finland’s target

EYP Finland organises at least 4/5/6 Regional Sessions each year. The sessions are

group have a realistic chance of at-

spread in different areas.

tending EYP Finland’s events each year.

Events/Internal

EYP Finland keeps the participation fees of Regional Sessions at the maximum of 25 EUR and the National Session at the maximum of 40 EUR.

EYP Finland has a good working rela-

EYP Finland contacts relevant teachers’ associations each year to promote the “Your

tionship with teachers. Teachers can

European Citizenship” campaign and EYP in general.

meaningfully contribute to EYP Finland’s activities. Internal

EYP Finland offers any and all teachers the chance to observe its sessions. It organises a bigger reception for teachers at the National Session.

EYP Finland has a mailing list with at least 10/20/30 teachers. The list is used every 1–3 months to share news or discuss topical issues.

EYP Finland supports teachers in organising EYP-like activities in their schools through the “Your European Citizenship” campaign.

EYP Finland is well-known and recog-

Each Regional Session has a prominent local politician or civil servant as its patron.

nised among local and national politicians and public institutions. Events/

Each National Session has a prominent national or European politican as its patron.

Communications The resolution booklet of each National Session is sent to the Members of Finnish Parliament with a general introduction to EYP Finland.

EYP Finland is well-known and respect- EYP Finland sends representatives to the annual general meeting and other select ed among other Finnish youth organisa- meetings and training events of Suomen Nuorisoyhteistyö – Allianssi. tions. President EYP Finland takes part in relevant national campaigns (e.g. on youth participation in elections) organised by other youth organisations.

EYP Finland organises an annual non-EYP-related training event on an issue it has special expertise on (e.g. training, leadership, project management, team building, team facilitation, European affairs). Training events on such topics on the regional level will also be opened to members of other youth organisations.

EYP Finland represents at relevant fairs.

Representatives of select youth organisations are invited to attend the Annual Ball each year.

29

EYP Finland is visible in the media.

EYP Finland and its events are covered in at least 25/10/15 newspaper articles or

Communications

other media pieces each year.

Each Regional and National Session has a media strategy.

EYP Finland is visible in social media.

EYP Finland posts updates on its website and shares them in social media at least

Communications

once a week.

EYP Finland’s Facebook page has at least 2,300/2,900/3,500 likes, and EYP Finland posts updates on average once a day.

EYP Finland doesn’t have separate Facebook pages for its Regional and National Sessions but concentrates all its Facebook communications on its own page. Media teams of both Regional and National Sessions can have their own pages, with a single page for all Regional Session media teams each year.

EYP Finland has 1,000/1,500/2,000 Twitter followers and tweets on average twice a day.

EYP Finland has 300/400/500 Instagram followers and posts photos on average every three days.

30

EYP as an educational experience

fore doing an exchange year abroad or eventually entering the work world. Thus, gaining concrete experience using a foreign

The stated field of the EYP is non-formal political education.

language can be huge benefit – and this is something the EYP

It seeks to educate its participants in the democratic process,

experience clearly provides our participants with.

European politics and international cooperation. As explained above, we wish to sharpen EYP Finland’s image and self-un-

In addition to experience in communicating in a foreign

derstanding as an educational organisation. But what do our

language, the EYP’s active participants learn a wide variety

participants learn, then?

of skills: team facilitation, training, project management, fundraising, event organisation, mangement and leadership,

Through the EYP experience, our participants are sure to gain

and so on. Some skills can be rather surprising – many learn

knowledge. As explained above, “European affairs” doesn’t

accounting, video-editing and graphic design, for instance.

merely refer to constitutional EU affairs, for instance. Rather, they cover a wide variety of policy areas, from health care to

It is naturally true that one learns useful skills by volunteer-

immigration and from defence to environment. The partici-

ing in any youth organisation. However, the European Youth

pants need to learn the key facts about a specific topic, form

Parliament has a strong culture of personal and organisation-

an opinion and argue for it. The important aspect of the EYP

al development, and special attention is paid to consciously

experience is that the participants discuss the issues on their

developing our members’ skills and the know-how on different

own terms – the EYP participants only represent themselves,

levels of our organisation. In a way, each new generation of

not real-world countries or political parties. We believe this

participants will have better know-how in their use, and this

leads to a higher degree of interest and commitment.

know-how is consciously passed on through training and other means. Since 2010, the EYP’s training competence has been

We should also remember that in addition to simple knowl-

developed by the former EYP Academy, current Training and

edge, our participants should gain understanding. In this

Alumni Development Council. Many members of EYP Finland

respect, we consider too extensive and detailed preparation

have also taken part in Training for EYP Trainers, the eight-day

materials likely to be of little use and even counter-productive.

training course for aspiring trainers in EYP, and then used

Enough attention should always be paid to explaining the

their expertise to train at the events of EYP Finland.

issues and their importance in terms a 16-year-old with no background in political science can understand and get

In a way, the traditional “EYP route”, from Regional to National

interested in. Truth to be told, detailed knowledge of the EU’s

and then International Sessions, is a competition. EYP Finland,

legislative procedure is hardly necessary.

for instance, seeks to select the best individuals to move “forward” from session to session and eventually represent

In addition to knowledge and understanding of European po-

Finland at the International Sessions. The selection is based

litical affairs, active participation in the EYP – especially past

on committee chairpersons evaluating their delegates at each

the starting level – also provides young people with important

session according to EYP Finland’s selection criteria. However,

transferable skills and knowledge (skills and knowledge that

all participants are very welcome to continue taking part in

are useful in a variety of occupations) and considerable experi-

EYP activities in Finland and internationally.

ence in using them. For many active participants, these are the most important benefit of the EYP experience.

Feedback has traditionally also been used in the EYP to support our participants’ development. Originated at International

First, while Finnish youth generally receive excellent language

Sessions, feedback is now also used at the national level, and

education, actually working in a foreign language – and with

training in both getting and giving feedback – another very

foreigners – can still be a considerable challenge for many

useful skill – is given to our alumni.

and something most young people won’t really experience be-

31

5.4. VISION FOR 2017, PART 2 EYP FINLAND IS A PROFESSIONALLY RUN ORGANISATION. IT HAS A STRONG CULTURE OF PARTICIPATION AND LONG-TERM COMMITMENT.

Aim

Measures and success indicators

The board of EYP Finland functions effi-

A board training weekend is organised for each new board.

ciently and in good cooperation with the Regional Committee boards. President

The board has 4–5 two-day meetings each year.

Each Regional Committee president attends at least 75% of the board meetings.

The president visits each Regional Committee at least once each year.

EYP Finland has a central office respon- EYP Finland employs a full-time secterary general responsible for the day-to-day sible for the day-to-day administration

administration of the organisation and supporting its board and organising teams of

of the organisation. President

its events.

EYP Finland employs part-time project employees or interns when necessary and possible.

Decision-making in EYP Finland is

Materials for each spring and autumn meeting are published at least 14 days in ad-

democratic and visible. President, Com- vance. Minutes of each spring and autumn meeting are published within two weeks munications

of the meetings.

The minutes of each board meeting are published within one week of the meeting.

The board regularly shares updates of its work through the Facebook page.

EYP Finland has a culture of strategic

The long-term strategy is implemented as instructed in chapter 6 of this document.

thinking and acting on all levels of the organisation. President, Internal

Annual work plans are prepared jointly by the board and the Regional Committees and used throughout the work year.

Annual work plans of the Regional Committees are prepared in relation to the work plan of EYP Finland.

Know-how is stored and passed on

EYP Finland’s archives are stored and kept up to date in the cloud and shared with

on the different levels of EYP Finland.

the board and, where appropriate, the Regional Committee boards and head organ-

President, Internal

isers.

A weekend-long training event is organised for each new board.

Regional Committee boards organise shorter training events, supported by the board of EYP Finland.

The history and long-term strategy of EYP Finland are presented at the Alumni Weekend.

Relevant documents (e.g. annual work plans and work reports, the long-term strategy, the history and various guides) are readily available to all members.

The history of EYP Finland is updated for its 15th anniversary in 2016.

32

EYP Finland steadily expands its mem-

EYP Finland gains at least 300/350/400 new members each year.

bership pool. Internal At least 150/200/250 members pay their membership fees each year.

The alumni Facebook group has 400/500/600 members.

The members are interested in running

At least 25/30/35 members attend the Spring General Meeting each year. At least

EYP Finland and organising its events.

40/50/60 members attend the Autumn General Meeting each year.

President, Internal At least 10 members run for the board of EYP Finland each year.

There are competitive elections for the Regional Committee boards each year.

Opportunities in the organisation are promoted for new members at Regional and National Sessions, the Alumni Weekend and regional events. Information on these opportunities is readily available.

The members of EYP Finland remain

All candidates for the board of EYP Finland have at least three years of experience in

committed to the organisation for a

the organisation prior to running for the board.

longer time. Volunteering for EYP Finland is considered rewarding. Internal

The board and Regional Committees actively manage talent by pushing members with potential to take responsibility and offering them interesting opportunities.

Special attention is paid to members already studying at university and offering them with interesting opportunities.

The costs of volunteering are kept to a minimum.

There is a strong sense of community

At least 50 members attend the Annual Ball each year.

among the members of EYP Finland.

Internal

At least 30 members attend the Alumni Weekend each year.

Membership hoodies are produced and offered for all members and delegations attending events abroad.

For EYP Finland’s 15th anniversary in 2016, EYP Finland will organise a special Annual Ball with more guests, especially older alumni. Each Regional Committee will hold a smaller event on EYP Finland’s “birthday”, 15 June.

EYP Finland keeps its older alumni in-

EYP Finland has a mailing list with at least 15/25/35 older alumni. The list is used

formed of its news and offers them the

every 4–5 months to share news or discuss topical issues.

chance to offer input and feel connected to EYP Finland. Internal

A dinner is organised for older alumni each spring.

33

EYP Finland receives project-related

EYP Finland seeks to at least double its annual support from the Ministry on Educa-

and long-term funding from varied

tion and Culture and guarantee an annual grant for its “Your European Citizenship”

sources. Fundraising/Treasurer/Presi-

campaign from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

dent Private funding?

In addition to the board member for fundraising, the treasurer’s role will mostly focus on fundraising after a secretary general is hired.

Fundraising for the coming work year is always started in autumn the previous year.

The board member for fundraising ensures that all partnerships are managed as professionally as possible.

EYP Finland seeks to “sell” its activities to potential partners in a unified manner.

EYP Finland sends a representative to each Fundraising Summit of the EYP. Input from the summit is actively used to develop EYP Finland’s fundraising and train its members on fundraising.

EYP Finland is a visible actor in the

The board of EYP Finland follows international developments and discussions ac-

international governance of the EYP.

tively.

International/President The board of EYP Finland expresses its stand on each significant issue discussed on the BNC mailing list and its meetings.

EYP Finland sends a representative to each significant BNC Working Group.

The members of EYP Finland are inter-

At least 40/50/60 members of EYP Finland vote in the Governing Body elections each

ested in the wider EYP network and its

year.

governance. International Each Alumni Council has a Finnish member.

EYP Finland actively promotes updates from the Governing Body and the Board of National Committees, calls for Alumni Council members and other international news through its communication channels.

34

Organising EYP Finland’s work year

is demand for them throughout the year. A training event for the facilitators of the parliament simulations will be held in

The normal work year of EYP Finland is already rather full.

February (ideally together with the Head Organisers’ Summit),

2015 will look more or less like this (key international events

but parliament simulations can basically be scheduled for the

are written in cursive):

whole year.

January: National Session, Board Meeting

When it comes to the Regional Sessions, most key details (es-

February: Head Organisers’ Summit, “Your European Citizen-

pecially the most important venues) should have been decided

ship” Training Course

and confirmed by March–April. EYP Finland can then start

March: Alumni Weekend, Organisational Training Course,

signing up participants for these events from early on, rather

Board Meeting

than doing it all under stress in September. Hopefully, there

April: Spring General Meeting, Alumni Dinner, Spring Interna-

would generally be more time between the delegations’ regis-

tional Session, Spring BNC Meeting

tration and their participation in a session, and no delegation

May: Journalists’ Training Course, Chairs’ Academic Training

would register less than three weeks prior to the event.

for Tampere 2015 June: Summer Alumni Gathering, Board Meeting

With 5–6 Regional Sessions, some of them will have take place

July: Tampere 2015

simultaneously. This should actually be possible, especially be

August: Chairs’ Training Course, Board Meeting, EYP Summer

with a secretary general. While the Regional Sessions are run-

Academy

ning in October–November, the board should already largely

September: School visits

focus on planning the coming year and preparing grant appli-

October: Regional Sessions, Board Meeting, Autumn Interna-

cations, for instance. The Regional Sessions naturally require

tional Session, Autumn BNC Meeting

some attendance by board members, but ideally, they should

November: Regional Sessions, Autumn General Meeting, An-

have been planned so well in advance that in October–Novem-

nual Ball

ber, the board would merely monitor the implementation of

December: Annual General Meetings of the Regional Commit-

the plans. The secretary general will have an important role in

tees, Board Training Weekend

supporting the sessions from the administrative side.

Excluding the National Session that normally takes place in

In November–December, the incumbent board and the board-

January, most of EYP Finland’s activities taking place within

elect must work together to ensure a smooth transition over

one calendar year are organised entirely during that calendar

the holiday period. The Autumn General Meeting should

year – for instance, the head organisers of the 2015 Regional

ideally be organised closer to the beginning of November so

Sessions are selected in January 2015. This has generally

that this can be ensured. The Board Training Weekend is an

worked rather well in recent years, but it does pose certain

extremely important event.

challenges. We would benefit from generally starting to prepare for the coming work year earlier, at least be launch-

As has already been said many times, managing activities

ing the call for head organisers early enough and starting the

of this scope professionally is very difficult, and often many

fundraising well before January.

events have been pulled off only barely. The secretary general will take most of this responsibility, which will enable the

The activities of the new “Your European Citizenship” cam-

board to take a more strategic role and simply oversee most

paign are meant to be spread out more evenly throughout

of the activities, rather than work on them for long hours

the year. In past years, a problem has been that parliament

throughout the year.

simulations have only been organised in autumn, while there

35

5.5. VISION FOR 2017, PART 3 EYP FINLAND ORGANISES VARIED ACTIVITIES THAT CORRESPOND WITH A BROAD INTERPRETATION OF ITS MISSION AND THE INTERESTS OF ITS MEMBERS.

Aim

Measures and success indicators

The sessions of EYP Finland are in-

Each National Session is presided by a former International Session vice president.

ternationally recognised and popular.

Each Regional Session is presided by a former International Session chair. EYP

International

Finland reimburses the presidents’ travel costs.

EYP Finland receives chair/journalist applications from at least 75 individuals for the National Session. EYP Finland receives chair/journalist applications from at least 150/180/210 individuals for the Regional Sessions.

Each National Session has 2–3 foreign delegates per committee. Each Regional Session has 1–2 foreign delegates per committee.

Officials for all sessions are selected in

After each selection, the selection panel publishes a selection report. The report is

an open and transparent manner, with

emailed to all applicants.

emphasis on the quality of applications.

International

Unsuccessful applicants are given the chance to receive written feedback on their applications.

Delegates from Regional to National

EYP Finland’s delegate selection criteria correspond to the EYP Competence Frame-

and again to International Sessions are

work.

selected in an open and transparent manner. Events/Internal

EYP Finland’s delegate selection process is explained in the opening speech by the board representative at each session.

The chairs at all sessions are familiar with EYP Finland’s delegate selection procedure and criteria. A board representative covers the criteria in pre-session training.

Chairs at all sessions are encouraged to provide their delegates with written feedback on their performance. Giving feedback is covered in pre-session training.

The sessions of EYP Finland are of high

The committee topics at all sessions are understandable and interesting. Explana-

academic quality. Communications

tory paragraphs are used for explaining the topics and their relevance to both delegates and officials.

Preparation kits are used at all sessions.

EYP Finland creates and maintains a section for preparation on its website.

Delegates and officials at all sessions are provided with EYP Finland’s “Introduction to the European Union and European affairs”.

Each National Session has expert hearings if competent experts can be guaranteed.

36

EYP Finland organises high-quality

EYP Finland organises an international Chairs’ Training Course and Journalists’

international training events and other

Training Course each year.

training events for its members. Events Each international training event has 2–3 trainers, at least one of whom is a member of the Pool of Trainers. EYP Finland reimburses the trainers’ travel costs.

Each international training event has 20–30 participants, 5–10 of whom foreign.

The Regional Committees organise at least 10 smaller training events on a variety of topics each year.

Members of EYP Finland attend EYP

At least 70% of the Finnish delegates at the National Session are given the opportu-

events abroad actively. International

nity to attend events abroad in the coming year.

Members of EYP Finland attend EYP events abroad at least 150/170/190 times each year.

At least one member of EYP Finland is selected to all International Session chairs’ and media teams.

EYP Finland receives applications from at least 10/14/18 individuals for the wild card positions at summer International Sessions.

The board ensures that presidents at Regional and National Sessions provide their officials with feedback and international recommendations when appropriate.

Each Regional and National Session has a Finnish board member.

Delegates at Regional and National Sessions are provided with a brochure on attending events abroad.

Tutorials on attending events abroad and writing applications are organised by all Regional Committees each year.

At least two members of EYP Finland attend a Training for EYP Trainers each year.

At least five members of EYP Finland attend other training events abroad each year.

EYP Finland’s delegations to Interna-

A teambuilding and preparation day is organised for each International Session

tional Sessions and other sessions

delegation and other delegations if possible.

abroad are well-prepared and feel like a delegation. International

EYP Finland sends a chaperone to each spring and autumn International Session.

A separate Facebook group (“EYP Finland at Session 2015”) is created for Finnish delegates, chaperones and officials attending each event abroad and used for preand post-event communication.

37

The Regional Committees organise

The Regional Committees organise at least smaller 8/10/12 training events each

varied activities throughout the year.

year.

Internal The Regional Committees organise at least 10/12/14 other events each year.

The 20th anniversary of Finland’s EU

The theme of the 2015 “Your European Citizenship” campaign will relate to the 20th

membership is visible in EYP Finland’s

anniversary of Finland’s EU membership.

activities in 2015.

Finland’s 100th anniversary is vis-

The theme of the 2017 National Session will relate to Finland’s 100th anniversary.

ible in EYP Finland’s activities in 2017.

President

The theme of the 2017 “Your European Citizenship” campaign will relate to Finland’s 100th anniversary.

38

Regional Committees and “varied activities”

concept, taken from the old International Sessions, came to mean the social activities organised by Regional Committees.

EYP Finland currently has five Regional Committees, and they

Since then, the concept has curiously seemed to limit the

cover the entire country. The Regional Committees are fairly

Regional Committees’ understanding of what kind of acitiv-

well established, and many of them have organised significant

ites they can and should organise. Though exceptions are

local activities for their members. At the same time, the local

also numerous, most local activites have seemed to be social

level is not yet entirely developed in EYP Finland, and more

gatherings – often in a coffee shop! – without much further

should be done to ensure that the Regional Committees func-

content. While such social gatherings certainly serve a vital

tion in an active, sustainable way.

purpose and should remain a key part of EYP Finland’s local activities, we believe the Regional Committees would greatly

The Regional Committee boards are generally rather young

benefit from organising more varied acitivies.

– their members are usually between 16 and 19 years of age.

This is both a challenge and an opportunity. As this is very

First, it is generally very easy and cheap for the Regional

much a learning experience for the young board members,

Committees to organise smaller training events tailored to the

the Regional Committees’ administration is often challeng-

interests of their members. These training events can cover

ing, and the board of EYP Finland has not always succeeded in

such topics as public speaking, European affairs, training,

providing the regional boards with the necessary support and

leadership, application writing, debate, editing at EYP ses-

oversight. At the same time, we believe it is fairly unsual in

sions, graphic design and presiding and vice presiding at EYP

Finland for people of this age to get significant board experi-

sessions – some of these topics naturally require 1–2 days,

ence, and EYP Finland should highlight this fact in its internal

but some can be organised in 2–6 hours. At least in Helsinki,

communications. Ideally, our active members would first gain

Tampere and Turku, there should be many older alumni

some crucial experience as members of the regional boards

capable and interested in using their expertise to train others.

before running for the national board. Being a member of the

The board of EYP Finland and former participants of Train-

board of EYP Finland, a large national organisation, is usually

ings for EYP Trainers should support these training initiatives.

too big a challenge for first-timers.

Materials, for instance, can easily be disseminated to all the Regional Committees and used and developed all over again.

The Regional Committees should be both supported and given enough freedom. The national board should support the

Second, the Regional Committees should explore other

regional boards in all administrative affairs, for instance, and

activities. Some Regional Committees have already organised

ensure that the whole of EYP Finland works toward the same

panel debates during elections in cooperation with other youth

goals annually. At the same time, the Regional Committees

organisations, and another good idea are public discussions

should have enough freedom to organise activities their mem-

as already organised by the Regional Committee in Turku. Ex-

bers are interested in.

cursions and talks by EYP alumni already in working life (e.g. in Brussels or Finnish politics) are also possible. These are

It is also on the regional level where we believe it is possible

all just examples. The regional boards can really think outside

for the “varied activities” to be organised. In this respect, we

the box and organise activities that interest their members the

think it is time to retire the curious concept of “EYP Cafés”.

most.

When the Regional Committees were first established, this

39

6. Implementation and renewal Who is responsible for what?

The board of EYP Finland is responsible for the implementation and renewal of this long-term strategy. It is up to the board to take EYP Finland forward with meaningful

Each aim in the above tables

but realistic steps and ensure that the strategy is fully implemented. Most quantita-

includes a suggestion as to who

tive success indicators include year-by-year steps, but in general, all aims are meant

should be the board mem-

to be achieved as soon as possible.

ber “owning” that aim, i.e. be responsible for it in any given

The board is obliged to take the strategy into consideration while preparing its an-

year. We have used the standard

nual work plans (toimintasuunnitelma) and annual work reports (toimintakertomus).

allocation of board portfolios:

A specific chapter on the strategy must be included in both the work plans and work reports. While presenting the work plans and reports to the general meetings of the

•

President

organisation (the autumn meeting in the case of the plans and the spring meeting

•

Treasurer

in the case of the reports), special emphasis must be put on explaining the plan or

•

Fundraising

report in relation to the long-term strategy. The members of EYP Finland can also

•

Events

suggest new directions or emphasis areas to the board at these meetings.

•

Communications (including

• •

Educational)

We strongly recommend that the long-term strategy is presented to and exten-

Internal Affairs (including

sively discussed by each new board of EYP Finland; here, the president’s role is very

Teachers and Alumni)

important. In addition to the developments in Finland, the board must closely follow

International Affairs

international developments and the strategy process of the international network – and actively contribute to it.

Ownership of each aim is crucial for the implementation of the

The board of EYP Finland is to establish a working group to prepare the next long-

strategy. In the beginning of

term strategy in spring 2017. The group is to study the implementation of this strate-

each year, the board should go

gy and the developments with EYP Finland and internationally and prepare a strategy

through all the aims, measures

for 2018–2021 (or other reasonable timeframe). The new strategy is to be presented

and success indicators and

to the autumn general meeting and put into force from January 2018 onwards.

determine which actors will responsible for their implementation..

40

7. Conclusion The European Youth Parliament is growing and changing rapidly. It is well possible that over the next three years, the EYP and EYP Finland will experience changes or circumstances we have been unable to envision while writing this strategy. Thus, EYP Finland naturally needs to be ready to improvise and adapt to changing circumstances. Hopefully, the board can soon fully take the strategic role it should have. All members of EYP Finland should remember that strategy isn’t about sticking to an existing plan with religious fervor. Rather, it is about constantly thinking about the future and revising your plans. As the old maxim goes: plans are irrelevant, but planning is essential.

On the other hand, some things are clear. We believe it is all-important for EYP Finland to ensure its further development by first consolidating its resources and expanding its reach. This document includes dozens of objectives, measures and success indicators, but the organisation’s, and especially its board’s, focus should never wander away from these key aims – until they are met, of course. EYP Finland has excellent volunteers, but so that we could fully use these volunteers’ potential in a meaningful way, we will also need some hired help. At the same time, EYP Finland should break away from its shell and seek to truly make itself known among the Finnish youth, schools, decision-makers, media and other youth organisations.

Looking beyond 2017 is still difficult. If EYP Finland largely succeeds in following this strategy, in three years’ time it will be a different organisation in many ways. Even with better recources, running the level of activities envisioned in this document will be rather difficult. Funding, for instance, cannot be guaranteed in uncertain economic times. If EYP Finland wishes to organise an International Session or International Forum after 2017, planning them can and should naturally start earlier. Another idea for the future might be organising two National Sessions each year (one in April–May and one in November–December, each followed by three Regional Sessions), but whether this would be manageable or reasonable is a question for another day.

41

European Youth Parliament Finland – EYP-Finland ry Uudenmaankatu 15 A 5, 00120 Helsinki http://www.eypfinland.org info@eypfinland.org 42