Niko Luokkakallio from Jalasjärvi received the Young Local Activist of the Year honorable mention on Wednesday, September 29. at the Suomen Kylät ry remote award gala. The event was organized in connection with the national Rural Parliament in Kurika.
Niko Luokkakallio, who was the director of Jokipii Nuorisoseura ry's drama club and was responsible for the club's activities, has been involved in the youth club's activities since 2016. In addition, he has been responsible for Nuorisoseurantalo Alane's reservations and maintaining the website and Facebook pages. He has been part of Leader Liiver's youth division for the years 2018–2021.
Luokkakallio, who has been a member of the board of directors of the Jokipii Youth Society and the Jokipii-Aho village association since 2018, says that he has learned a lot through being involved in the association's activities.
"We have become familiar with website systems, audio equipment, the association's administrative matters and the application processes for association grants."
Experience has also been gained in organizing large events with the traditional Jokipi Country Market.
Luokkakallio feels good about receiving the Young Local Activist of the Year award.
"It shows that my own contribution to the association's activities is valued."
After the work of 20-year-old Niko Luokkakallio, the associations have been clearly satisfied, as he has even been offered the position of chairman of the associations. So far, however, he has refused to be a teacher due to his studies as a classroom teacher, which started this fall.
Luokkakallio especially encourages young people to participate in association activities, as the most active members of several associations are getting older. In particular, he is worried about the associations of small villages, whose activities may be at stake due to the decrease in members.
"If you are interested in joining the activities of an association, you should feel free to pinch the association's people by the sleeve."
Luokkakallio reminds that in association activities you don't have to take on a big responsibility, but you can participate as part of various projects, for example as a volunteer.
Read more about all the local operators awarded by Suomen Kylät ry.