What is it like to be responsible for Social Policy?

As we are now looking for a new Board for 2026, this year’s Board will write short blog posts about their areas of responsibility and tell you a little more about what working in the Board entails.

Hi, Jennifer here! <3

A year ago, when I applied to the Board, I knew that Social Policy was the area of responsibility I wanted. I knew that social policy involves a lot of questions about wellbeing, which is something that I am passionate about. However, I was a bit unsure of what exactly the role would include if I were elected. That is why I want to write this blog post, to share the information I wish I’d had when I was considering applying to the Board.

Social Policy This Year

To begin with, it is good to know that next year, the position as the Member of the Board responsible for Social Policy will not be tied to a specific city. This means that you can be responsible for Social Policy whether you study in Åbo or Vasa. As the Member of the Board responsible for Social Policy, your main focus is the overall wellbeing of students. This also includes topics such as students’ finances and equality — important issues that have a major impact on students’ everyday lives. The Board’s work can vary a lot from year to year, but to make it a bit more concrete, I want to share some examples of what I have been working on this year.

In the spring, for instance, I organised an election panel to prepare for the county and municipal election, helped arrange the blood donation event at Åbo Svenska Teater, and compiled a members’ survey that the Student Union sends out to all students at ÅAU every other year. In the autumn, I organised a wellbeing week and put together a report based on the members’ survey responses. Throughout the year, I have also taken part in meetings with the Student Health Service (FSHS), as well as in our internal weekly meetings. For example, we have an advocacy meeting once a week with the other Board Members responsible for advocacy work. I have also participated in a few interviews on topics relevant to my position. Alongside all of this, I have helped out with other projects that the Board has been working on. You never have to work alone at the Student Union. The Board Members collaborate and support each other, and there is also a lot of help available from our knowledgeable Staff.

You’ll do great, so apply!

Many of the things I have mentioned as examples are things that would have felt a bit intimidating to me a year ago. But my time on the Student Union Board has been extremely educational, and I have had the chance to try so many new things. I have challenged myself, and now that almost a year has passed, I can really see how much I have learned and grown. If you want to help improve everyday life for your fellow students and you are interested in wellbeing issues in general, I strongly recommend applying to the Student Union Board. You will do great!

Jennifer Lindgren
Responsible for Social Policy
The Student Union of ÅAU