minna, Author at Maailmanvaihto ry

Stand for election! New board members of the Maailmanvaihto Board will be elected 9 Nov 2026

Would you like to join us in steering the activities of Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland? Run for the Maailmanvaihto Board! The new members of the board will be elected at our organisation’s autumn meeting on 9.11.2026.

Being a member of the Maailmanvaihto board is a volunteer position where you will gain experience in the intricacies of running an organisation, as well as knowledge and skills in areas such as information, education and intercultural interaction.

The board decides on matters such as Maailmanvaihto’s plans and finances. In addition, each board member has a specific area of responsibility, often involving a working group. → Read more about board activities

The election of the board members and the chaiperson takes place at the Maailmanvaihto Autumn Meeting. The Autumn Meeting will take place on 9 November 2026 at 17.15 at the Maailmanvaihto office in Helsinki. It is also possible to attend the meeting remotely via Zoom. → See more information on the meeting

Interested?

If you wish to stand as a candidate for the board, we would appreciate it if you could let Maailmanvaihto know before the general meeting. You can

fill in the online form ↗
send an e-mail or call: maailmanvaihto(at)maailmanvaihto.fi, +358 50 452 5660.

At the autumn general meeting, tell the participants about your candidacy and your motivation. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please send a letter of motivation to maailmanvaihto(at)maailmanvaihto.fi no later than one day before the meeting. Your message will be presented at the meeting.

Further information

Want to ask more questions about running for election or board work? Contact us, we’ll be happy to tell you more.

Secretary General Anni Koskela
maailmanvaihto(at)maailmanvaihto.fi
+358 50 452 5660.

“Maailmanvaihto has a wonderful team working on an important issue. Through board work you get to learn a lot of new things about the organisation and its international activities. I believe that both Maailmanvaihto and those interested in board work will gain a lot from each other by working together. Be brave and join in!” – Board member Venla

Maailmanvaihto’s Autumn Meeting 9 November 2026

Dear members of Maailmanvaihto and participants of our activities, a warm welcome to the Autumn Meeting to agree upon the directions of Maailmanvaihto for the upcoming years. At the autumn meeting, we will decide on the action plan and budget and elect new board members.

If you are interested in influencing at Maailmanvaihto and gaining valuable experience in non-governmental organization activities, we encourage you to run for board member. Maailmanvaihto’s Secretary General will gladly give you more information about board activities (see the contact details below).

Time: Monday 9 of November 2026, 5:15 PM
Place: Maailmanvaihto Office, Oikokatu 3, Helsinki. It is possible to join the meeting online via Zoom, too. If you want to participate online, you must sign up on 6 November 2026 at the latest to the Secretary General via e-mail or by phone (see contact details below).
Agenda:
- Action plan for 2027
- Budget for 2027
- Election of board members and chair of the board
- Election of accountants and operation inspectors for 2027
- Membership fees for 2027

Action plan and budget suggestions can be requested to be seen beforehand. Send you request to the Secretary General (see contact details below).

Welcome!

On behalf of Maailmanvaihto’s board

Anni Koskela
Secretary General
E-mail: maailmanvaihto(at)maailmanvaihto.fi
Phone: +358 (0)50 452 5660

Accessibility and Safer Space

The meeting will be held in Finnish, in English, or in both languages according to the wishes of the participants. In the meeting, Maailmanvaihto’s Safer Space principles will be followed. Inside Maailmanvaihto’s office it is possible to move around with a wheelchair, but the office space is not completely wheelchair accessible: there is an approximately 7 cm doorstep at the entrance, and the toilet is not big enough for a wheelchair. Assistance dogs are welcome. The accessibility information of Zoom you can find at explore.zoom.us/en/accessibility.

If you have questions on accessibility, please contact us: tiedottaja@maailmanvaihto.fi.

Join Maailmanvaihto for a visit to Kiasma on Friday 2 October

Are you a Buddy volunteer with Maailmanvaihto and looking for a fun autumn activity to do together? Or would you like to join the Maailmanvaihto team as a new face and spend some time together? Are you interested in contemporary art?

Come along to Maailmanvaihto’s first autumn get-together for volunteers, Buddies, and other friends of Maailmanvaihto! We’ll be heading off together to explore the exhibition at Kiasma on the museum’s free admission day, Friday 2 October 2026. We’ll meet at the museum café at 5.30 pm.

Kiasma’s website: https://kiasma.fi ↗; on the website you’ll find, amongst other things, information on accessibility at Kiasma ↗.

The get-together if free of charge to participate.

Interested? Fill in the registration form ↗ and see you in Kiasma on Friday! We’ll send a bit of further information to all registered. 😊 If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at buddies@maailmanvaihto.fi.

In November, volunteer in Poland – everyday tasks and events at a library in Rumia (deadline 29 August)

Are you interested in getting to know library activities abroad? Would you like to learn more about everyday life in Poland? Join volunteerin in Rumia in November!

Voluntary workplace: Janowo Library / Rumia City Library
Location: Rumia, Poland
Start: Mid-November 2026
Duration: 6–12 months
Application deadline: 29 August 2026 (see instructions below)
Find out more about the position:

The position is coordinated by Maailmanvaihto’s partner organisation, Centrum Współpracy Młodzieży (https://cwm.org.pl), through which you apply.

What will you get to do?

As a volunteer, you will help with lending books and other library tasks. You can also participate in the library’s cultural events, take photographs and videos, and help organise author meetings, concerts and exhibitions at the library.

You will volunteer at the Janowo Library, which is part of Rumia City Library. You will live in Gdynia, which is about a 30-minute bus ride from Rumia.

Who is this for?

Young people aged 18–30 living in Finland
Someone who enjoys interacting with others and wants to learn new things and experience everyday life in another country
No previous experience in international volunteering or any particular educational or professional background is required.

What does the volunteering period include?

The placement is EU-funded, with no participation fee. The participant will receive, among other things:

Reasonable travel costs to Poland
Accommodation
Daily meals
Insurance
Pocket money
Training

How to apply

Register with the European Solidarity Corps (youth.europa.eu).
You will need a Participant Reference Number (PRN) for your application.
Complete the online application form (forms.cloud.microsoft).

Maailmanvaihto can send a volunteer from Finland to the position.

What is the Participant Reference Number (PRN) requested in the application?

All European Solidarity Corps volunteers must have a programme Participant Reference Number (PRN). The PRN is a personal 10- or 14-digit identification number. You receive your PRN by registering with the European Solidarity Corps through the European Youth Portal. Registration is free and does not yet commit you to participating in the programme.

Can I name Maailmanvaihto as my sending/supporting organisation in my application?

Yes. Here is Maailmanvaihto’s information:
– Name: Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland
– E-mail: maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi
– Address: Oikokatu 3, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
– Phone number: +358 452 5660
– Contact person: Secretary General Anni Koskela
– PIC: 946737364
– OID: E10126971
– Quality Label: 2021-1-FI01-ESC50-092838

If the library would like to receive you as a volunteer, let Maailmanvaihto know at maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi. They will contact you and the coordinating organisation. If everything looks good to all parties, the cooperation will be finalised.

If you would like to ask about anything, for example accessibility, contact: tiedottaja@maailmanvaihto.fi, +358 50 346 0965

For young people in Finland: 11-month volunteering in Germany – education, youth work, cultural exchange & personal development at Urspring School!

Are you 18–30 and looking for a meaningful international experience next autumn? Join a European Solidarity Corps volunteering project in Germany and apply now!

Volunteer placement: Urspring School
Location: Schelklingen, Germany
Volunteer period: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027 (12 months)
Application deadline: July 27, 2026

Urspring School is a private school in Southern Germany committed to realizing its educational mission through a unity of living, learning, and teaching in a shared community. The school promotes specialist knowledge, humanity, creativity, and the development of individual life skills, supporting children and young people in developing their cognitive, emotional, methodological, and social potential to actively shape their present and future lives. Located in the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of the village of Schelklingen, in a former monastery now transformed into a place of communal living and learning, Urspring School welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and creates a supportive environment for personal growth and education.

The volunteer’s tasks include supporting children and young people in their daily school and community life, assisting with educational and recreational activities, and contributing to the development of their social, emotional, and personal skills. The volunteer will take part in the shared life of the school community, work together with teachers and staff, support pupils from different backgrounds, and help create a positive and inclusive learning environment. The volunteer will also participate in team meetings, regular tutoring sessions, and activities aimed at promoting creativity, exchange, and personal development.

No previous experience is required – enthusiasm for the tasks is enough!

Learn more about the open positions:

https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/42925_en

Volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps?

The European Solidarity Corps is a European Union program through which young people can do EU-funded volunteer work abroad, mainly in Europe.

The program allows volunteers to participate in projects that build a more inclusive society and support those in a disadvantaged position.

There is no participation fee for the European Solidarity Corps. EU funding will cover the following costs for participants:

travel to the destination country (you may be responsible for a small portion of the travel costs)
accommodation and daily meals
pocket money
daily commute to the volunteer work site
health and accident insurance and liability insurance
entry training and half-year camp
Support from Maailmanvaihto and the host organization
support for learning the local language (Online Language Support)

More information

Do you need more information?

Contact us and ask, we will be happy to answer! You can reach us at maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi and at 050 346 0965 (also WhatsApp).
Discover the experiences of European Solidarity Corps volunteers

For young people living in Finland: European projects, public relations, social media & political education workshops… apply now to volunteer in Germany!

Are you 18–30 and looking for a meaningful international experience next autumn? Join a European Solidarity Corps volunteering project in Germany and apply now!

Volunteer placement: The Gustav Stresemann Institute
Location: Bad Bevensen, Germany
Volunteer period: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027 (12 months)
Application deadline: July 27, 2026

The Gustav Stresemann Institute (GSI) is an independent adult education centre in Germany dedicated to political education, European cooperation, and international exchange. The institute organises seminars and educational events, encouraging civic engagement, critical thinking, and dialogue across cultures. The institute works to reach people from different social backgrounds and create opportunities for learning, reflection, and exchange.

The volunteer’s tasks include assisting with the planning, organisation, and implementation of seminars and workshops, supporting international encounters and exchange programmes, developing and implementing a small project or educational format of their own, contributing to public relations and social media with a European perspective, participating in documentation, evaluation, and reflection processes, and gaining insights into the organisation of a conference and educational centre. Good knowledge of English is required, while German language skills are appreciated.

No previous experience is required – enthusiasm for the tasks is enough!

Learn more about the open positions:

https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/53088_en

The period is EU-funded. The participant will be paid for, among other things, travel expenses to Germany, accommodation, daily meals, insurance, pocket money and coaching. Read about volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps in general.

The volunteering period is EU-funded. The participant will receive financial support including pocket money (€210 per month), a food allowance, accommodation, travel support, insurance, and coaching during the volunteering period. The volunteer will also receive a Deutschlandticket for local and nationwide public transport in Germany.

Volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps?

The European Solidarity Corps is a European Union program through which young people can do EU-funded volunteer work abroad, mainly in Europe.

The program allows volunteers to participate in projects that build a more inclusive society and support those in a disadvantaged position.

There is no participation fee for the European Solidarity Corps. EU funding will cover the following costs for participants:

travel to the destination country (you may be responsible for a small portion of the travel costs)
accommodation and daily meals
pocket money
daily commute to the volunteer work site
health and accident insurance and liability insurance
entry training and half-year camp
Support from Maailmanvaihto and the host organization
support for learning the local language (Online Language Support)

More information

Do you need more information?

Contact us and ask, we will be happy to answer! You can reach us at maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi and at 050 346 0965 (also WhatsApp).
Discover the experiences of European Solidarity Corps volunteers

For young people living in Finland: circular economy, second-hand shop, children’s aid… … apply now to volunteer in Iceland!

Hey, are you living in Finland, between 18 and 30 years old, and looking for new, meaningful international experiences this fall? Apply to volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps in Iceland!

Volunteer placement: ABC Children’s Aid
Location: Kópavogur, Iceland
Volunteer period: August 3, 2026–August 3, 2027 (12 months)
Accommodation: in a volunteer house which accommodates up to 8 international volunteers
Application deadline: June 20, 2026

ABC Children’s Aid is an Icelandic charity supporting children in disadvantaged situations through education, food, clothing, and medical assistance. It runs a second-hand shop in the capital region, where donated goods are sorted, evaluated, and sold. The organisation also promotes circular economy values and develops initiatives to encourage reuse, awareness, and community engagement.

The volunteer’s task include receiving donations from the local community, sorting, categorising, and evaluating items for sale in the second-hand shop. The volunteer will also learn about circular economy principles and may take part in projects promoting reuse, recycling, and awareness-raising within the local community. Additionally, the volunteer will communicate with customers, assist with the shop’s daily operations and basic administration, and help maintain an organised and welcoming environment.

No prior experience is required – enthusiasm for the tasks is enough!

Learn more about the open position:

ESC Application in Iceland at ABC Children Aid (youth.europa.eu)

The placement is financially support by the EU. Participant’s travel to Iceland (reasonable travel costs), accommodation, food, insurance, pocket money, and training, are covered. Read more about volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps in general.

The volunteer placement is coordinated by our partner organisation, AUS – ICYE Iceland, through which applications are submitted.

How to apply

Please note that we can send for this volunteering position only a person aged 18–30 years who is living in Finland.
Fill in this application form: https://forms.gle/S2pRY8dDm7wHtCMd6.
Send your motivation letter and resume in English to aus@aus.is. Please mention in your application that your sending organisation in Finland is Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland. Send a copy of your application to Maailmanvaihto at maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi.
If the volunteer placement wants to select you as a volunteer, please contact us at Maailmanvaihto so we can get to know you better and discuss cooperation if everything seems suitable for both parties.

For young people living in Finland: Workshops for young people, social media outreach… apply now to volunteer in Italy!

Hey, are you living in Finland, between 18 and 30 years old, and looking for new, meaningful international experiences this fall? Apply to volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps in Italy!

Volunteer placement: ONE Cooperativa Sociale
Location: Crotone, Italy
Volunteer period: September 1, 2026–March 31, 2027 (7 months)
Application deadline: 10 August 2026

Cooperativa Sociale One is an Italian social cooperative that promotes social, cultural, and economic development in its local area. It provides language and working life training, organises workshops for children and young people, and develops initiatives to combat educational inequality. The organisation runs the Casa di Chiara hostel, which serves as a meeting place for travelers and the local community.

The volunteer’s tasks include supporting the planning and facilitation of workshops with young people. They will also introduce visitors to the local area and cultural heritage. Additionally, they will participate in the hostel’s daily operations, manage social media, help organise events, and assist with food aid distribution. No prior experience is required – enthusiasm for the tasks is enough!

Learn more about the open position: Infopack ESC Cooperativa One 25_26 (1)

The volunteer placement is coordinated by our partner organisation, Associazione Joint, through which applications are submitted. The placement is financially support by the EU. Participant’s travel to Italy (reasonable travel costs), accommodation, food, insurance, pocket money, and training, are covered. Read more about volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps in general.

How to apply

Please note that we can send for this volunteering position only a person aged 18–30 years who is living in Finland.
Send your motivation letter and resume in English to apply.esc@associazionejoint.org. Please mention in your application that your sending organisation in Finland is Maailmanvaihto – ICYE Finland. Send a copy of your application to Maailmanvaihto at maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi.
If the volunteer placement wants to select you as a volunteer, please contact us at Maailmanvaihto so we can get to know you better and discuss cooperation if everything seems suitable for both parties.

Join Maailmanvaihto at the Helsinki Pride Parade and the Pride Picnic on June 27, 2026!

Dear friends, Helsinki Pride is here again! Let’s celebrate diversity, march for human rights and equality at the Helsinki Pride parade and enjoy a park picnic together afterwards.

Date: Saturday 27 June 2026, Helsinki
Time: Starting at 12
Meeting place: We’ll meet in front of the main entrance of the National Library (Unioninkatu 36)

Join us to march for diversity and equality of gender and sexual minority people, and bring along your friends, too! This year’s theme is “Growing with Pride”, underlying the responsibility of adults to create an environment where young people can be proud of themselves, just as they are.

We at Maailmanvaihto, a youth exchange organisation, work to promote intercultural understanding, equality, and peace. We want to continuously improve how we recognise and take into account people’s diversity and work together to create safer spaces where everyone is treated with respect.

What?

Helsinki Pride is the largest human rights and cultural event in Finland. Helsinki Pride week will take place from 22–28 June 2026, with the parade and Kaivopuisto picnic on Saturday, June 27. Read more on the Helsinki Pride Community website: https://pride.fi/en/helsinki-pride-2026

Where and when?

The parade starts from the Senate Square. We will meet on the side of the square, in front of the main entrance of the National Library (Unioninkatu 36) at 12. We will join at the end of the parade. It will take some time for the parade to get going. It’s advisable to consider the weather conditions.

The parade route: Senaatintori > Snellmaninkatu > Aleksanterinkatu > Mannerheimintie > Eteläesplanadi > Kasarmikatu > Neitsytpolku > Kaivopuisto. The route of the parade is about 2,5 km long. On the website of Helsinki Pride, you can find instructions and accessibility information: https://pride.fi/helsinki-pride-2026/helsinki-pride-esteettomyys-ja-aistiesteettomyys-2026/ (in Finnish)

Our picnic will take place in Kaivopuisto park, where the parade ends. There we will settle down after the walk to enjoy snacks together. If you wish, you can bring a small vegan snack or drink to share. We will bring a small blanket, but bringing your own blanket or mat is also recommended.

Join us!

A warm welcome to join us, people of Maailmanvaihto and friends of our organisation! If you would like to join us, we hope you will let us know in advance at programmeassistant@maailmanvaihto.fi so we know who to expect.

If you cannot find us, you can call or text our office volunteer Léa: +358 50 346 0965. Please note, though, that it is expected that many people will join the parade and the picnic in general, due to which the connection and the audibility may be weak.

Maailmanvaihto’s office closed on 14 May

Maailmanvaihto’s office will remain closed on Thursday 14 May 2026.

Interested?

Further information

Read also

Practice languages in Maailmanvaihto’s Language Café

Maailmanvaihto’s Autumn Meeting 9 November 2026

Join Maailmanvaihto for a visit to Kiasma on Friday 2 October

In November, volunteer in Poland – everyday tasks and events at a library in Rumia (deadline 29 August)

Accessibility and Safer Space

Read also

Practice languages in Maailmanvaihto’s Language Café

Stand for election! New board members of the Maailmanvaihto Board will be elected 9 Nov 2026

Join Maailmanvaihto for a visit to Kiasma on Friday 2 October

In November, volunteer in Poland – everyday tasks and events at a library in Rumia (deadline 29 August)

Read also

Practice languages in Maailmanvaihto’s Language Café

Stand for election! New board members of the Maailmanvaihto Board will be elected 9 Nov 2026

Maailmanvaihto’s Autumn Meeting 9 November 2026

In November, volunteer in Poland – everyday tasks and events at a library in Rumia (deadline 29 August)

What will you get to do?

Who is this for?

What does the volunteering period include?

How to apply

Read also

For young people living in Finland: Workshops for young people, social media outreach… apply now to volunteer in Italy!

Apply for Rooted & Rising – Training for Youth Workers, August 20–27, 2026 (Germany)

Become an airport pickup provider or a short-term accommodation host (18.–20.8.2026)

Volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps?

More information

Read also

For young people living in Finland: European projects, public relations, social media & political education workshops… apply now to volunteer in Germany!

For young people living in Finland: circular economy, second-hand shop, children’s aid… … apply now to volunteer in Iceland!

Join us in creating the MaailmanVaihtoa – Volunteers’ Voices 2/2026 magazine! Brainstorming meeting Wed 15 April

Volunteering in the European Solidarity Corps?

More information

Read also

For young people in Finland: 11-month volunteering in Germany – education, youth work, cultural exchange & personal development at Urspring School!

For young people living in Finland: circular economy, second-hand shop, children’s aid… … apply now to volunteer in Iceland!

Join us in creating the MaailmanVaihtoa – Volunteers’ Voices 2/2026 magazine! Brainstorming meeting Wed 15 April

How to apply

Read also

For young people in Finland: 11-month volunteering in Germany – education, youth work, cultural exchange & personal development at Urspring School!

For young people living in Finland: European projects, public relations, social media & political education workshops… apply now to volunteer in Germany!

Join us in creating the MaailmanVaihtoa – Volunteers’ Voices 2/2026 magazine! Brainstorming meeting Wed 15 April

How to apply

Read also

In November, volunteer in Poland – everyday tasks and events at a library in Rumia (deadline 29 August)

Apply for Rooted & Rising – Training for Youth Workers, August 20–27, 2026 (Germany)

Become an airport pickup provider or a short-term accommodation host (18.–20.8.2026)

Read also

Practice languages in Maailmanvaihto’s Language Café

Stand for election! New board members of the Maailmanvaihto Board will be elected 9 Nov 2026

Maailmanvaihto’s Autumn Meeting 9 November 2026

Join Maailmanvaihto for a visit to Kiasma on Friday 2 October

Read also

Practice languages in Maailmanvaihto’s Language Café

Stand for election! New board members of the Maailmanvaihto Board will be elected 9 Nov 2026

Maailmanvaihto’s Autumn Meeting 9 November 2026

Join Maailmanvaihto for a visit to Kiasma on Friday 2 October