JEF Finland is a unique and wonderful organisation. The past years have been rewarding, and it has been wonderful to witness with my own eyes the organisation’s growth and development. As the year draws to a close, this is a good moment to reflect on the past and turn our gaze towards the future.
The starting situation three years earlier was very different. Following a drastic cut in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ funding for European organisations, our organisation’s operating conditions weakened rapidly. A significant share of our support disappeared in an instant, and we had to move to new premises. Together with the people active at the time, we decided to embark on determined work to secure and grow JEF Finland’s future. We trimmed our operations, held negotiations, and sought to grow and broaden our organisation’s funding base beyond what it was. The vision was clear: to make JEF Finland the most influential and appealing youth organisation promoting internationalism in Finland. But changes had to come first.
At times, the situation looked bleak. Alongside the organisation’s own troubles, the surrounding society seemed to be sinking into gloom. In the Brexit vote, the United Kingdom decided to leave the EU. The French and German elections – and what kind of forces populists would be able to bring to the fore – were awaited with concern. Which direction was Europe really heading? In Finland too, the prevailing tone was often pessimistic, and calls for a Finnish EU exit could be heard here as well. Perhaps somewhat amusingly, you could tell just from the sheer number of events and articles titled: “Where are you headed, EU?”
On the other hand, this poured a new kind of enthusiasm and strength into our organisation. If we don’t stand up and loudly defend European values, then who will? The work we do is extremely valuable. Today, Finland’s debate on Europe is, in my view, at least within reasonably sound bounds. Tongue in cheek, one could say that JEF Finland’s campaigning and work has had an effect. In any case, our society believes to a significant degree in European and international cooperation. As the most important measure of our work, Finnish young people have a very positive attitude towards internationalism. The European Parliament’s European Citizen’s Award is significant recognition of our work, as was the organisation’s first-ever invitation to the Independence Day Reception at the Presidential Palace, in the year marking the centenary of Finland’s independence.
After these years, it’s a joy to note that we have indeed taken many strides along the path decided on back then. We have been able to significantly grow our membership and the scope of our activities. JEF Finland operates permanently and sustainably around Finland, and we are a sought-after partner in discussions concerning Europe. We have a strong presence in the Finnish organisational field. Our organisation is bigger and its operations on a firmer footing than ever. You could say we have a clear sense of purpose. That’s something to be glad about.
There is, however, still much to do, and much still ahead.
Next year is a super year for European politics. The European elections and Finland’s EU Presidency will both take place in the same year. The parliamentary elections are also worth mentioning – after all, they are the most important elections for shaping Finland’s EU policy. Next year will require vision and clarity about where JEF Finland is heading. In my view, JEF Finland should be the most visible and influential youth organisation over the coming year. We have everything it takes for this – namely, the drive to act. An organisation doesn’t have to be the physically largest to be the most visible. With a strong investment in communications, we can take on this role next year.
This task, however, cannot succeed through vagueness. We must have the courage and readiness to voice even difficult things, and to take a stand on uncomfortable questions too. You can never please everyone, and every position, however correct, will always have a counter-opinion. This is part of democracy and politics. For JEF Finland this is even more pronounced: everyone knows that there is also a vocal minority opposed to the cause we champion. So this is my wish for you: take a stand! Don’t be afraid to speak up for the things you want to work towards. Don’t settle for excessive neutrality. Only that way can you be a strong advocate. Vision is your most important tool. Without vision and identity, this could be any organisation. Vision is what makes us who we are.
At this point, I suppose it’s time to reveal the point of this piece. It’s time to hand the presidency (I never actually had a gavel) on to the next people. The decision is bittersweet, though not especially difficult. Two years as president is a fitting length of time in the history of a 20-year-old organisation. The decision is made easier by the fact that I can leave the role with confidence. When I set out, my goal, together with others, was to help JEF Finland grow into an influential organisation – visible, engaged in public debate, and willing to take a stand. Significant progress has been made towards these goals, and the foundation to keep building on that path is solid. Thankfully, there’s no need for the question “Where are you headed, JEF Finland?” Now it’s time to direct my energy towards new and interesting challenges.
I want to thank everyone I have had the chance to work with over the past years. Secretaries General, boards, staff, regional activists, working groups, and our partner organisations too. There are surely hundreds of you. My sincere thanks to each and every one. You’ve made this journey unforgettable.
JEF Finland has meant setting up roll-up banners, celebrating Europe Day in sleet and slush in Helsinki in May, and handing out buckets in Pori (who would have guessed?). What stays with me are the summer Castle Seminars, and above all the friends made along the way, plus those joyful moments when someone new tells you they’ve heard of JEF Finland and know what it is. And especially those who say they want to get involved.
There is no single anecdote that sums up these past years. Perhaps what matters most is how this organisation has managed to open up the world in unexpected ways for so many young people, myself included. Thank you for this journey – see you around!
P.S. There’s still some of this year left – see you at the General Assembly at the latest!
Further information,
Tuomas Tikkanen
+358445235768
[email protected]