The Greens of the Helsinki University Student Union – The Green Voice of the Student Union
The Greens of the Helsinki University Student Union, more commonly known as HyVi by its Finnish acronym, is one of the most dynamic and diversified organizations in the Helsinki University Student Union (HYY). We operate both inside and outside the Student Union, promoting discussion and trying to make the world a better place. Important values and themes for us are ecology, equality, openness, education and culture. HyVi is an independent group with no ties to party-politics. We reason and make decisions based on our own values, not on party membership.
We work actively in the Helsinki University student politics. Making the world a better place takes small steps and improving the Helsinki University Student Union is a good starting ground. HyVi is represented both in the Representative Council and the Executive Board of HYY. In addition, we have active members in almost all HYY and HYY Group related organs.
Needless to say, the most important task of HYY is to take care of its members' interests and well-being. However, unlike many other political groups in HYY, we do not concentrate on advocating exclusively and unilaterally the students. own interests. We see this task in a broader context, and while attending to our primary duty, we try to take into account the results of our actions and decisions in a larger perspective. To name a few examples of the results our comprehensive policy has had, HYY has started serving Fair Trade coffee, the Student Union crèche offers temporary childcare to help students with families, and in general, HyVi has played a major role in making HYY a more environmentally friendly organization.
For us it is very important that the Student Union also takes part in general discussion on the society at large. Throughout its history, the Student Union has been the cradle of many ideas and movements that have had a huge impact on the whole society. That is the way we see the future of HYY as well. Trying to narrow down the authority and activity of HYY to strictly "student-related matters" would not only be untenable and an underestimation of the Student Union's authority and its social role, but even almost impossible. Students don't live outside of society . hence what applies to the rest of society, also applies to students. Therefore the Student Union needs to be concerned about general issues that will have an effect on their lives as well as of others.
Furthermore, HyVi works outside HYY, often in co-operation with other NGOs. We have organized numerous different campaigns, such as anti-nuclear demonstrations, Buy Nothing Day and Reclaim the Streets events. We have also articulated our points of view on urban planning in Helsinki. In addition, we organize diverse discussions, meetings and workshops on interesting subjects, cooking get-togethers and parties.
On these pages you can see our candidates in the Student Union elections 2007. You can vote in advance on Tuesday 30th and Wenesday 31st October from 10 am to 4 pm. The actual voting days are Tuesday, November 6th and Wednesday, November 7th and the booths are open from 10 am to 6 pm.
Remember to vote! Students, who have enrolled to study at the University of Helsinki and who have paid the Student Union membership fee are entitled to vote in the elections. In order to vote, you have to prove your identity. Please remember to bring an ID (i.e. your student card) with you to prove your identity with you!
