October Newsletter

20.10.2025

Our second solidarity project Deeds of Hope is having its second event this month! Come discover the secrets of the ancient Stansvik forest with us!

In case we missed you at the launch event, Deeds of Hope is a solidarity project that aims to be a part of societal change by amplifying the voices of those working every day to build a fairer, more just Helsinki. These include activist groups, grassroots movements, and civil society organizations promoting active citizenship. With every event we want to connect these agents of change with a young, international audience and showcase the impact of local activism.

This time we invite you to join us for a day-long, immersive experience in one of Helsinki’s ancient forests – a place under threat, yet fiercely protected by a passionate community of activists.

We'll begin with a guided walk through Stansvik forest, led by those who are dedicating themselves to defending this natural area. Discover the history of the forest, the story of its defenders, and how you can be part of the movement.

🌳 Why Stansvik?

Stansvik forest is currently facing destruction due to an advancing construction site. But groups of citizens have been actively resisting development for years, forging a powerful tradition of local environmental activism.

This event is an invitation to connect with the land, the people protecting it, and the ideas shaping urban environmental justice today.

🚢 Getting There – Ferry or Metro (zone AB)

Option 1: Ferry Experience
Make the journey part of the adventure! Meet us at the Meritullintori ferry terminal at 11:45.
We'll board the ferry together at 12:05, arriving at the island by 12:20.

Option 2: Metro & Bus
Prefer land travel? Join us directly at the Kruunuvuorenrannan liikuntapuisto bus stop at 12:20.

Program:

🌲 Forest & Activism Walk led by members of Suojellaan Stansvik

🌱 Free Vegan Lunch at 14:00 prepared by our volunteers

🔥 Campfire & Closing the event formally ends at 18:00, but you're welcome to stay longer

⚠️ Practical Info & Safety

The forest terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially in autumn.
Dress warmly and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes suitable for forest trails.
The event takes place entirely outdoors – bring weather-appropriate gear.

Note: Allianssi Youth Exchanges does not provide insurance. Participants attend at their own risk.

Although the event and participation are free, we require participants to register. You can find more information about the event and the registration form at this link

We hope to see you there—ready to walk, learn, and act. 🌲🍄💪

Exciting news for all folk dance fans! To lead a workshop at the second event of Folk it up! in October we have secured a surprise guest 👀

But first, let´s re-cap the previous one:
As you may or may not know, Folk it up! is an EU co-funded solidarity project, written and organised by volunteers for the community. It is a series of fun and welcoming Balfolk-inspired events where both dance enthusiasts and complete beginners can move, play, and express themselves freely. There’s no pressure to get it “right” — in fact, we believe the magic and fun happen when you’re willing to mess it up a little 🙃

Our dance sessions happen twice a month and everyone is welcome! The last event was on 07/10 and we’re happy to report it went really well. This time it was held at Töölönlahdenpuiston tanssilava. The weather was truly in our favour and we got to enjoy dancing under fairy lights surrounded by the beautiful colours of autumn.🍁

Though the days are shorter and Joulupukki is slowly but surely preparing his reindeers for Christmas, Folk it up! is here to stay. We will be moving the sessions indoors but the atmosphere will be just as fun and joyful 🌈

Perhaps even more so, as for our fourth event we have prepared a very special lesson of dabke! It will be lead by special guests from Al Huriya, a Palestinian Dabke group based in Helsinki, who will guide us through the basics of this powerful Levantine folk dance.

💸 The event is open to anyone and free of charge!
📆 Tuesday 21st of October 2025, 18:00-21:00
📍 Location: Eskus Studio 3, Kaasutehtaankatu 1, 00540 Helsinki. Eskus Studio 3 is located in Suvilahti, building no. 6 (Puhdistamo), 2nd floor.

We require all participants to register, you’ll find the form here

🌈 Folk it up is a European Solidarity Corps solidarity project, run by volunteers. The bi-monthly events bring together international and local youth to learn about balfolk. During each event we learn new folk dances originating from different countries around the world and practice previously learned ones. We socialise, connect and, of course, enjoy some vegan snacks together!
🌈 The events have become a joyful and vibrant community where everyone is welcome.
🌈 We follow safer space principles at the events and only serve vegan food.

If you follow our social media, you may have noticed that this week was all about Erasmus days. But what is that?

Erasmus days are a European celebration of international mobility and intercultural exchange. People throughout the world are invited to come together and either organise or participate in events that celebrate the projects and opportunities proposed by Erasmus+. It´s your chance to learn about projects in your country and beyond, hear from Erasmus+ alumni first hand and meet the organisations running projects and exchanges.

Interested?

👉 Check out the Alliance's youth exchange #ErasmusDays program here or read more about the different ErasmusDays events here ! ✨

Here´s a short overview of what's coming up next with Allianssi Youth Exchanges:

Folk it up! events will continue in November, we'll see you on the 4th and 25th of November. We'll post more details about time and location closer to the date of the events so keep an eye out 👁👁
Next Deeds of Hope is on the 29th of November 2025! As always, we'll present an organisation or movement, do a workshop and enjoy a vegan meal together 🌾
We'll be participating in the Studia Fair on 25th & 26th of November in Helsinki, come visit our booth for a chance to learn more about other projects Allianssi has and what kind of international opportunities are out there! We are giving away some free tickets, if you would like one, fill out this form on our website and we'll email you a ticket. Have you been internationalizing through us? Come to the stand and tell the fair visitors about your experience! You can send a message to Emma at hakemukset@alli.fi if you would like to volunteer at the fair.

As always, follow our social media and our website 🤳 to stay up to date on current events!
Till next time! 👋

October Newsletter

Allianssi Youth Exchanges newsletter

in English

🍂 October Newsletter: spooky season with our solidarity projects! 🎃

(Not Your Usual) Forest Walk 🌲 - with Suojellaan Stansvik 🍄

💃 Folk it up! October ✨

Erasmus days 2025 🌼

13. - 18.10.

🎀 Upcoming events 🎀