GREEN LIST
In the representative bodies of the student unions and student associations at higher education institutions in Turku, the Green ideology is promoted by “Green Lists,” which are politically independent:
Vihertyy (University of Turku) — The next representative council elections will be held in fall of 2027.
TUOn Toverit (Turku University of Applied Sciences) — The representative body is elected annually, usually in November.
Rödgröna Listan (Åbo Akademi) — The next representative council elections will be held in fall of 2027.
FAQ for Representative Council Elections
What Represtentative Council Elections are?
Every student union has a representative council — as required by law — that makes decisions on shared matters, including finances, administration, broad strategic direction, and key appointments. Representatives are elected through an election in which every member has the right to vote and to stand as a candidate. The election is preceded by a campaign period, during which candidates and various candidate groups present their visions for the development of the student union. Through these elections, students decide which groups and individuals are best suited to advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
Why run for the representative council?
The Representative Council is important because it decides on key matters concerning studies and students. It determines the student union’s finances, action plan, and strategy; takes a stance on national-level policies; and actively engages in student advocacy. Without democratic and impactful decision-making by students, our position within Finland — as well as within universities and universities of applied sciences — would be significantly weaker.
Furthermore, serving on the Representative Council provides valuable experience in collaboration and reconciling diverse viewpoints. It offers opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and learning about political influence. Through this involvement, you also gain a better understanding of your own higher education institution and the world of educational policy.
Anyone can run for a seat on the Representative Council. You might be a first-year student interested in the student union’s activities, someone who has already gained experience in organizational work, or an aspiring politician eager to make an impact. Even if you do not receive enough votes to become a full member, you can still be elected as a deputy member, allowing you to represent your list if the full members are unable to attend meetings.
Why choose a Green list?
Anyone who shares a similar world of values can work on the green list, regardless of the field of education. For us, e.g. taking care of nature and the environment, equality, the well-being of all students and the transparency of decision-making are important and central issues we pursue. As a whole, the green list is one of the most active groups in the representative council, and has achieved a lot by influencing meetings and getting its representatives to other institutions.
The Green List has no direct connection to any party. Working on the list does not in any way require party membership or interest in party politics. However, the Green party assists the list with a small funding for election campaigning, and supports the cooperation of green lists in various student unions.
What is the work of a representative like?
The representative council meets approximately once a month, depending on the educational institution. Preparing for these meetings involves tasks such as reading various materials and discussing them within one’s own group. As a member of the representative council, you also get to help draft policies, strategies, decisions, and position statements, and you can often take part in a wide range of more informal activities as well.
Why Representative council elections are important?
Decisions regarding students will be made one way or another. It is a good thing that these decisions are made by the students themselves, rather than by politicians who are no longer familiar with student life or the challenges that young people face today. Students have the opportunity to make their voices heard and their concerns known through student unions — not only within their own educational institutions but also on a national level.