The chairman of Liiver's youth division, 20 years old Sofia Douka, has been actively involved in youth activities. Sofia, who ended up in Liiver's youth division through the Seinäjoki city youth council, has grown in her role and found her own voice as an influencer. Now he shares his experiences and views on acting as chairman and the participation of young people in community development.
Journey to the Presidency
Sofia started her journey to the youth division through the youth council. He didn't immediately set his sights on the presidency, but over time his role evolved into it naturally.
- At some point, the chairman was black, and then I wanted to become chairman, and that's what I've stayed with.
In the role of chairperson, Sofia enjoys the opportunity to implement the young people's own ideas and projects the most. The most memorable moment during my time in the youth division was when we started supporting young entrepreneurship.
- The best thing is when you get to participate in realizing the young people's own things. When you're quite young yourself, it's great that young people are the target group in all decision-making.
Sofia believes that acting as the chairman of the youth division has increased her influence opportunities elsewhere as well.
- I don't know if I would have ever become the chairman of the youth council, if the black man had not first been the chairman of the youth division of Liiver. Working in the division strengthens the same thing and what you do.
Impact now and in the future
Sofia feels that she has had real opportunities to influence things through the youth division. In addition, the youth division has also offered Sofia the opportunity to meet new people and network in different parts of Finland. Through these experiences, he has been able to hear about the ideas and projects of other young people in different parts of the country.
- The youth division team is really great and has also been able to meet new people, travel and network. Then, of course, a big part is also hearing what young people want to do and what they are planning.
Sofia plans to continue influencing work in the future as well, possibly through studies.
- I also want to make an impact in the future, which is why I want the place of study to support it. Social studies or something similar, so that I get the foundation to be able to really influence things.
He sees the activities of the youth division as supporting his future career goals.
Encouragement for young people
In Sofia's opinion, participation offers young people valuable experiences and opportunities to make an impact. He encourages other young people to get involved in the activities of the youth division.
- Of course, I always try to encourage people to go along. At that point, when I myself leave the division, I try to attract others to join the activity.
Sofia sees that the activities of Liiver's youth division could be even better known and more widely displayed, so that as many young people in the region as possible would know about their own influence and funding opportunities.
- Not everyone can find us, and we can't find everyone, so we should be able to catch up on that distance.
Sofia is convinced that working in the youth division will be useful in the future. He is ready to continue his influence work and hopes that more and more young people will find their way into Liiver's activities.