Apply to the UNMUTED project

Are you a young adult interested in advocacy work? Are you looking for support in planning and implementing your own advocacy work? Apply to join the UNMUTED project!

UNMUTED is a joint project by Sumud – the Finnish Palestine Network and Mirsal. The aim of the project is to strengthen civic participation among young adults in Finland. During the project, participants will learn how decision-making works in Finland, explore different forms of advocacy, and gain practical tools for influencing society. Throughout the programme, each participant will design their own advocacy project and receive personal guidance and peer support in implementing it. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with other motivated young people. The advocacy project can take the form of an initiative, campaign, event, or for example the long-term development of your own organisation’s or local chapter’s activities.

The project runs throughout 2026 and includes two in-person training weekends and six online meetings (see preliminary schedule below). Participants are expected to commit to attending all sessions. Participation is free of charge, and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Preliminary Schedule

• February 11 – March 29, 2026: Application period for the training program is open.
• February 23, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (18:00–19:00): Online information session. Applicants can ask the organizers questions regarding the project and the application process. Link to the session: https://zoom.us/j/94389147969
• April 25 – April 26, 2026: First training weekend held in Tampere.
• May – June: Four remote training sessions will be held.
• July – August: One remote meeting and personal meetings with organizers as needed by participants.
• September: Second training weekend (dates to be confirmed).
• Autumn 2026: Participants implement their own advocacy projects and receive individual guidance as needed.
• November 2026: The project concludes with a joint remote meeting.

The project is aimed at active members of Sumud and Mirsal as well as all other young adults interested in advocacy work. The project is directed especially for 18-30-year-olds, but people in any age group can apply.

We especially encourage young people belonging to minority groups to apply. By this we refer, for example, to members of the Global South diaspora*, linguistic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, and people who belong to a minority due to illness or disability. We welcome applications from all motivated young adults regardless of background.

Participants are required to have proficiency in Finnish, English, or Arabic. The trainings will be held mainly in English, and support is available from the organisers in Finnish and Arabic.

Apply through the application form latest on 8.3.2026.

Link to the application form: https://forms.gle/RRSpo6zhyXgRcoMv7

If you have any questions about the application, feel free to contact the project staff.

Jasmin Paananen – Sumud – Suomen Palestiina-verkosto ry – Executive Director

[email protected] 

Amir Abdelamir – Mirsal ry – Education Specialist

[email protected]

* By Global South diaspora, we refer to people who are from or have roots in countries located in Africa, Latin America, Asia, or Oceania.

This project is co-funded by the European Union.

Its contents are the sole responsibility of Sumud and Mirsal and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.