{"id":43362,"date":"2025-03-17T10:02:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T08:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/?p=43362"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:13:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T08:13:43","slug":"maris_praats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kysk.ee\/en\/maris_praats\/","title":{"rendered":"New colleague Maris Praats \u2013 our jack-of-all-trades and a slightly daring optimist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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One of Maris\u2019s hobbies is organising events, which often takes her to unique and fascinating places. In the photo: Maris coordinating the JCI Baltic Conference. Photo by V\u00e4ino Pool<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bella the dog is both a stress reliever and, at times, a source of stress. Photo by Miilugraaf.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Challenges are what help us grow. Maris often pushes herself by taking on public speaking engagements. Photo by V\u00e4ino Pool<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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When Maris joined the NFCS team a few months ago, she brought with her more than just professional skills and expertise \u2013 she brought warmth, energy, and a genuine curiosity about everything and everyone. When something needs to get done, she organises, connects, and gets the wheels turning \u2013 that\u2019s our Maris!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maris doesn\u2019t shy away from new challenges; she faces them boldly and has a gift for making even complex topics understandable and engaging. She\u2019s the kind of person you can always count on \u2013 whether it\u2019s keeping a work promise or offering a kind word of support. But who is Maris, really? And what are her thoughts on civil society and life in general? Let\u2019s find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Welcome, Maris Praats! How would you describe yourself?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I like to call myself a social landscape chameleon, a Jack-of-all-Trades, and a slightly daring optimist who believes even the craziest ideas can be brought to life. When something sparks my passion, I go all in \u2013 I don\u2019t know how to do things halfway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find me moving between different fields \u2013 from communications to internal security and youth work. But you might also catch me hiking in the mountains, tackling an obstacle course, or reflecting on how to make the world a better place while sitting in a sauna. I\u2019m not the type to sit quietly and wait for things to happen \u2013 if needed, I\u2019ll organise, connect, create, and get things moving. I believe no challenge is too big; the important thing is to start!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When things feel difficult, I take the first step, then the second \u2013 and soon what seemed impossible becomes reality. I enjoy testing my limits and trying new things \u2013 whether it\u2019s taking on an unexpected project, speaking in front of a large audience, or trying a completely new sport that demands both courage and persistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is your role at NFCS, and what kind of questions can people bring to you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At NFCS, I work as a Communications Specialist, focusing on communicating the social innovation project under the Swiss-Estonian Cooperation Programme. My job is to make complex topics understandable for people, highlight important stories, and help the project reach its target audiences effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What has been your experience with civil society so far?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For me, civil society is both a profession and a way of life. I\u2019ve been actively involved in youth organisations since middle school and have served as both a volunteer and a leader in various initiatives. Currently, I\u2019m active in JCI and serve as a volunteer assistant police officer, while also contributing to several smaller and larger projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m also studying Community Development and Social Wellbeing at the University of Tartu, which gives me a deeper understanding of how civil society works and how different initiatives and organisations can come together to create positive change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What do you enjoy doing in your free time?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I enjoy an active lifestyle and sports, especially public sports events and extreme challenges that push both my body and mind. I\u2019m also a passionate learner who believes in lifelong development. And yes \u2013 I\u2019m quite the organiser: my email inbox is usually so well sorted that you\u2019ll rarely see more than ten emails on the front page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I\u2019m not working or chasing new knowledge, you\u2019ll likely find me in nature \u2013 hiking, walking in bogs, or just breathing in the fresh air and gathering my thoughts. The forest, sea, and mountains are my recharge zones, where I can slow down, make space for new ideas, and clarify my goals. Often, I\u2019m accompanied by my four-legged friend, who teaches me the art of living in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also love travelling and seeking out new experiences. I\u2019ve participated in youth exchange programmes and simply explored new and fascinating places. Volunteering is another key part of my life \u2013 I truly believe everyone can contribute to building a better society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is your heartfelt wish for Estonia\u2019s civil society, NGOs, and communities?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I wish for Estonian civil society to become more confident, bold, and visible! We have an incredible wealth of ideas and doers, but too often these remain within small circles and don\u2019t reach a wider audience. I believe collaboration, courage, and telling our stories are key to truly changing the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope more people will realise the power of civic activism and feel that their contribution matters. That they\u2019ll find their community, feel a sense of belonging, and know their input is valuable. Civil society should be a space where everyone can bring their ideas to life, share knowledge, and create something meaningful together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview by Priit P\u00f5iklik<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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