Would you like to help guide Maailmanvaihto’s operations? Run for the Maailmanvaihto board! The board members operate on a voluntary basis.
The Maailmanvaihto board is responsible for planning the organization’s operations and managing its finances. The board is also responsible for ensuring that activities are carried out according to the operational plan. The board is supported by staff members who coordinate the planning and oversee the practical implementation of operations.
Each member of Maailmanvaihto has an area of responsibility, which they are actively involved in planning and executing within board teams. Board members have, for example, come up with ideas for social media campaigns, organized information sessions, presented the organization’s work at fairs, led training sessions for volunteers, and represented Maailmanvaihto at international seminars.
The duties of board members vary depending on their area of responsibility. The time commitment for board teams also varies, typically requiring a few hours per month. Areas of responsibility can be adjusted somewhat according to the interests and availability of board members. In addition to organizational work, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a variety of skills, such as communications or training, and deepen your intercultural understanding.
The board meets 8–10 times per year. Meetings are usually held at the Maailmanvaihto office in Helsinki, but remote participation is also possible. Maailmanvaihto covers domestic travel expenses for board meetings, excluding flights. However, travel expenses for the autumn and spring meetings are not reimbursed.
Run for the Maailmanvaihto board if you are interested in getting to know NGO work and contributing to it. Board members commit to their role for at least one year: full board members are elected for two years at a time, while supplementary members serve for one year.
Board members are expected to attend board meetings and fulfill their areas of responsibility. Board meetings are conducted in Finnish, or in English when necessary. The board’s documents are in Finnish, so it’s useful to have at least a moderate understanding of Finnish.
Maailmanvaihto’s values are global responsibility, intercultural learning, and equality. Important principles in our work include care and inclusivity, reliability and responsibility, as well as openness. Board work is suitable for anyone willing to commit to Maailmanvaihto’s values and working principles. Learn more about Maailmanvaihto’s values and operating principles.
Training is provided for board members, covering the association’s rules and financial matters, as well as planning the working groups’ activities for the upcoming year.
Board members are elected annually at Maailmanvaihto’s autumn meeting. We notify our members about the autumn meeting in the MaailmanVaihtoa – Volunteers’ Voices magazine. Additionally, the autumn meeting is highlighted on our website’s news section and in our social media channels.
Here’s how you can apply as a candidate:
Do you have more questions about board work? Feel free to contact us! For more information, contact Secretary General Anni Koskela: maailmanvaihto@maailmanvaihto.fi, +358 50 452 5660.
“If you are interested in board work, Maailmanvaihto has a wonderful group working on an important cause. Through board work, you will learn a lot about NGO and international activities. I believe that both Maailmanvaihto and those interested in board work will benefit greatly from this collaboration. Be bold and join us!” – Board Member Venla
