I am a 23-year-old Environmental student and a Helsinki Greens candidate for the City Council of Helsinki in the Municipal Elections in the Spring 2017. My major is in Environmental Change and Policy at the University of Helsinki, and I am currently writing my Bachelors thesis about sustainable economics and de-growth. I work part-time as a Finnish teacher and as an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) for disabled people and the elderly. Important issues for me concerning Helsinki are: the environment, climate change mitigation, and sustainable welfare. As a Swedish-speaking Finn, I am also a supporter of a multicultural Helsinki where it is easy to live and work as a non-Finnish speaker.
I have lived in Helsinki all my life. I have spent most of my life in the suburban area of Maunula, but I currently live in Sörnäinen. I graduated from the Swedish-speaking upper secondary school, Lärkan, in 2013, after which I went to South India to do voluntary work. I worked for an Environmental Education project for half a year in the state of Karnataka in South India. Before starting my studies in 2014 at the University of Helsinki I worked as a face-to-face fundraiser for Amnesty International and as a personal assistant. I have also previously worked as a swimming teacher and skiing instructor.
In my free time, I am active in student organizations and student politics, and sometimes I even have time to play music or be outdoors playing sports such as skiing or paddling.
Themes
Helsinki as a green forerunner
I want a Helsinki that takes Environmental problems such as Climate change and Biodiversity loss seriously. We need to do our utmost to combat Climate change and protect the diversity of our urban nature. Helsinki should be a forerunner in using distributed energy resources and renewable energy. We need ambitious climate goals for the years 2030 and 2040. City planning should be done with cycling and public transport in mind, to reduce emissions. We need to take care of the green lungs of our city. The Central park should be protected and made into a national city park. A pure and diverse environment is valuable and important for the stability of ecosystems and the welfare of the citizens.
A wellbeing Helsinki
What could be more important than the welfare of our people? Helsinki needs to provide sufficient social and health services for people in need. The care of the elderly needs more resources and sufficient mental health services should be provided. The marginalisation of young people should also be prevented. Disabled people must have the same opportunities as everyone else to access public services and working life. City planning should be done bearing wheelchair users in mind.
Helsinki – a city that is alive and open for everyone
A citizen-based culture makes the city feel alive, and also attracts tourists. Culture belongs to all of Helsinki, not only the central areas. Green building should be encouraged in order to make the city area more pleasant. Welfare does not increase with increased consumption. Instead of building shopping malls, Helsinki should support small entrepreneurs and pop-up shops. There should be places in the city where you can spend time without being forced to buy anything. Helsinki could also support local economy projects and endorse sustainable values.
CV
Education
University of Helsinki, Student of Natural Sciences, Environmental Change and Policy 2014 –
Gymnasiet Lärkan, Matriculation Exam 2013
Additional Education
Kepa ry, Self-study course in Development Cooperation Project Cycle Management
Suomen Latu, Cross Country Skiing Instructor course
Work Experience
Gymnasiet Lärkan, Finnish Teacher, 10/2016 – & 10/2015 – 2/2016
Käpylän palveluasumisryhmä (Käpry), Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, 5/2015 –
Med Group Oy, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, 5/2014 –
Amnesty International Finland, F2F – Fundraiser, 5/2014
Pakilan Veto, Skiing Instructor, 2012
Helsingfors Simsällskap, Swimming Instructor, 9/2010 – 4/2011
Helsingfors Simsällskap, Swimming Teacher, 8/2009 – 5/2014
Volunteer and Other Experience
Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) Greens, Vice chairperson of Council Group 11/2016 –
University of Helsinki, Environmental Change and Global Sustainability Master’s Program, Planning group member 5/2016 –
University of Helsinki, Department Council of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Deputy member, 4/2016 –
HYY, Development Cooperation Committee, Chairperson 1/2016-12/2016
Environmental Students MYY ry, International Advisor, 1/2015 – 12/2016
HYY, Indonesia -project volunteer 1/2015-12/2015
Save Our Earth Club Hunsur, Karnatakan, India, Environmental Education Project Volunteer , 8/2013- 2/2014
Prometheus-leirin tuki ry, Youth Camp Organizer, Summers 2012, 2011, 2010
Language skills
Finnish, Swedish, English – Excellent working proficiency
French – Limited working proficiency
German, Kannada – Beginner
Free time activites
piano, guitar, paddling, cross-country skiing, jogging
Contacts
Call? 045 184 6399
Send a message? amanda.pasanen@helsinki.fi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pasanenamanda
Instagram: @amppupasanen
Twitter: PasanenAmanda
LinkedIn: Amanda Pasanen