FM started as a participation planner in the Participating young people project in April Noora Riippi. Riippi, who lives in Seinäjoki, is excited about his new role in Liiver. Liiveri was already a familiar place for Riip, as he has been a summer employee at the association for two years.
- Even then, I became enthusiastic about the versatility of development work. After graduating from university, I have secretly dreamed of getting back to Liiver, Riippi says.
Riippi has previously worked in, among other things, youth information and welfare communication. Last fall, Riippi served as Liiver's spokesperson.
In Liiveri, Riip thinks the best thing is cooperation and especially working with young people. As a participation planner, Riippi will above all strengthen the voice of young people.
-Liiver's youth division is an important group, because it gathers young people from our entire region: Ilmajoki, Jalasjärvi and Seinäjoki. With the help of the youth division, among other things, the voice of young people is brought to the fore in decision-making, they are encouraged and helped in networking.
In Riip's opinion, young people's opinions should be included in all development and decision-making.
- Young people are interested in making an impact, but they must be involved in the development work, not just as commentators on ready-made decisions. I'm just starting to work with the youth division and after every meeting I've been hugely inspired by how perceptive young people are.
The means and channels of influencing must be versatile so that everyone's voices can be heard.
- Not all young people are on the youth council or student union boards, but the opinion of every young person is still needed, Riippi sums up.
Riippi starts his work with young people at a significant time, as Liiver's youth division turns 10 years old in the fall. In honor of the anniversary, the future of the youth division is now being planned with particular enthusiasm.
- The members of the youth division have good ideas about how and where the youth division will be visible in the future. I can't wait to see what we can accomplish together.
Promoting internationality is also at the top of the inclusion planner's To do list.
-We are involved in the international SaYouth project, the purpose of which is to promote young people's participation in decision-making and opportunities to influence. If you are interested in ways of influencing young people, promoting internationality or other cooperation, feel free to send me a message, encourages Riippi.
Implementation period of the Participating young people project: 1 March 2021–31 December 2022