Viewpoints on equality and environmental sustainability in the activities of ISHA Helsinki

International Students of History Association Helsinki (ISHA-Hki) focuses on environmental sustainability and equality in all its activities. We strive towards minimizing the amount of waste produced in our events. All waste is recycled. We use reusable tableware in our events and favor vegetarian, organic, domestic and fair trade foodstuffs when possible. For board meetings we print materials on paper sparingly, and we prefer using email and other electronic forms of communication when possible. The association encourages its members to choose environmentally friendly means of transport when travelling to seminars abroad.

All of ISHA’s events and forms of activity are based on principles of equality and inclusiveness. The association treats members of all backgrounds equally and with respect. We practice the policy of zero tolerance towards any kind of harassment. The board and the Officer of Equality in particular are approachable if a member wants to report on harassment or has concerns relating to equality. We take all such reports ― should they occur ― seriously and respond promptly.

Due to international mindset of the association, English is used as a working language in ISHA’s activities besides Finnish. The board communicates with the members in both languages: descriptions of events, for example, are written in English and Finnish. The focal point of all our activities is including both the international members of our section (such as exchange students) as well as Finnish students. At falltime, our relations officer is extra careful in getting all the potentially interested exchange students to participate. After all, ISHA is about international connections.

Minna Likander
Officer of equality
minna.likander@helsinki.fi

Officer of Environmental Affairs
Elina Tiensuu