President
Tinna Hallgrímsdóttir Since I will not be seeking re-election at the upcoming general meeting, it’s certainly appropriate to reflect not only on the board year that is now coming to an end but also on my five years on the board of this amazing association. And how much we have grown in five years as advocates for the environment and young people, and how much I have grown myself and prospered due to the privilege of being able to pursue my passion, have a positive impact, and empower others to make a difference. I have been guided by the fact that the best leader is the one who empowers others and thus creates more leaders. Through the NGO’s work, so many amazing people have risen to influence and made the world a better place. But the association is not only about advocacy, it has also created a community for young environmentalists. It is priceless to meet and receive support from people who are passionate about the same cause and remember, and last but not least, it’s so valuable to have a shoulder to cry on whilst reading the latest IPCC climate report. Through the NGO I have created friendships that will last throughout my life.
These five years have certainly passed quickly, but I never would have anticipated when I first started on the board that the association would have achieved the success of being such a respected a commentator in social and professional debate on environmental issues. I am therefore incredibly excited to see what the future holds for this unique association and encourage everyone interested to volunteer for the board! Just remember that you don't have to be an environmental expert to participate, I certainly wasn't when I started, but those who have passion, ambition and the sheer will to make the world a better place will definitely find that Young environmentalists is the right place for them.
Vice President
Egill Ö. Hermannsson
I believe my candidacy for the board of Young Environmentalists in 2020 was one of the best decisions I have taken. I was and am not a expert in environmental matters, but I have friends inside and outside the board who take care of that aspect. However, I have used my knowledge and experience in other fields to help the association and the cause. A lot has changed since I started, but these include, for example: new website and registration form, new emailing addresses, addition of trustees, addition of board for board elections, new standing committees, huge increase in members and followers, multiplication of income, new grant system, new partners in the Climate Strike, much better access to officials, and soon the company will receive a brand new policy and registration as a “common-good-organization”. With this foundation, the association is in a great position to have an even greater influence on the government's policy for the long term. I wish the incoming board good success in its work.
Treasurer
Snjólaug Heimisdóttir
I am very happy to have volunteered for the board of UU, and there are several reasons why. One of the most significant reasons are the amazing individuals who possess a remarkable drive to improve the world for everyone. I am extremely proud of the work that this organization does and I eagerly look forward to follow its progress in the years to come. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to get to know these amazing people that are behind UU.
Secretery
Brynja Þorsteinsdóttir
Volunteering has brought me immense joy! I've gained valuable insights and embarked on exciting projects with complete creative freedom and trust from the board. Moreover, being a part of this team has connected me with young, passionate individuals determined to make a positive impact. Looking back, I'm grateful for this experience and highly recommend volunteering to anyone interested. I myself was a brand new member in the association before I volunteered, so I want to remind you that there is always great wisdom and knowledge in just going for it and seeing what happens! Volunteer, and no matter what, you will find your place in this association.
Circular Economy Representative
Kolbrún Fríða Hrafnkelsdóttir
I am so entirely grateful for the passing year as the circular economy representative of Youth Environmentalists. I have learned so unbelievably much and got so many exciting opportunities. I have also met so many geniuses that are so insightful and passionate for environmental issues just like I am myself. There were so many amazing opportunities that it was impossible to accept them all so I also learned to be better to not take to much on. I am additionally so proud to have been in the board of such an inspiring organization that has gained a lot of respect in the society because of the impressive work we all have been doing in the recent years. I have a lot of passionate for the circular economy and I believe it will be one of the main solutions of the environmental crisis. There is a lot of directions to take on this position so this is great because you also get the chance to be creative and inventive.
Climate Representative
Finnur Ricart Andrason
What a year! When I ran for a position on the UU board two years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into but these two years I’ve been on the board since have been incredibly fun and enriching. I’ve learrned so many new things, met new people, and made good friends. Getting the chance to work with all of you to give nature a voice and making the world a better place is the best thing imaginable and I look forward to continuing to do so. We’re heading in a good direction and I strongly believe that we can keep improving as an organisation and that we can achieve even more progress in he coming years!
Nature Conservation Representative
Ástrós Eva Ársælsdóttir
I became a registered member in UU about 3 years ago without really knowing what it stood for or what projects its members were working on. At the time I had just started on a bachelor's degree in biology and when I look back I believe that it was mostly the name of the association and what possible connections it would have to my education that charmed me. I decided to apply to be a part of the nature conservation committee when they started looking for more people and thus got to take part in more projects that were ongoing at the time. In April of last year I took over as UU’s nature conservation representative and wow, I am so happy that I did. In the last year I have made invaluable connections and met a lot of absolutely amazing people that are doing their best to stand guard of our nature and community the best they can, most volunteering, without getting paid. The association has grown exponentially in the last few years and will continue to do so in the coming years and I am very excited to see what the future holds.