Meille saa tulla (You Can Come With Us) is a campaign for hospitality and equality in Joensuu

What?

Hospitality means that all people are treated as equal individuals, not as representatives of a certain group.

It is hospitality to wish people welcome and help them to settle, whether they are to visit or to stay, as well as to encourage people to enliven the town and its culture.

It is hospitality to strongly oppose discrimination and racism in all of their forms.

It is hospitality to understand that Joensuu has always been multicultural due to the nearness of the (Russian/eastern) border. People have come and gone, and they have had an impact on the area. So, it is fair to say that there are no “genuine” people of Joensuu and the idea of an original population is a myth.

The motto and the name of our campaign is “Meille saa tulla” and its aim is to show in a positive way that visitors and new residents are welcome in Joensuu. The themes of the campaign are visible in public events, banners, t-shirts and brochures.

Why?

Joensuu has traditionally been a hospitable and vivid Karelian town that is open for visitors. We want to cherish this tradition of happy, open-minded residents. During the past winter and spring there has been a growing concern over the increase of racist crimes and xenophobia. Even at the very moment, there are people in Joensuu who have to be cautious because of the threat of violence.

The concern over the rise of racism made us set up this campaign for a safer and friendlier Joensuu that is free from fear. Racism in all of its forms is to be condemned and racist acts need to be interfered to. We must show that we do not tolerate discrimination. This is the message we want to convey within and beyond our community.

Contact for more information: meillesaatulla.net