The Organisational Advisory Board of Northern Ostrobothnia has made the theme of the 2026 Organisational Act Award a non-threshold cultural act. The theme aims to highlight associations that make culture accessible, inclusive and accessible. Proposals can be submitted from 1 to 30 September 2026. The application period is not yet open, but it is already a good time to consider which association or operating model deserves recognition. More detailed instructions and an electronic form for nominating candidates will be published on the Northern Ostrobothnia website at the beginning of September. The winning association will receive 1,000 euros to support its activities. The organisation act of the year will be announced at the Regional Parliament of Northern Ostrobothnia on 3 November 2026. Additional information: Strategy Manager Ilpo Tapaninen (tel. +358 50 301 7546 or e-mail ilpo.tapaninen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi).

The current survey of organisations in Northern Ostrobothnia charts the current state of the associations' operations and their future development needs. The answers to the survey will be used to make the activities of associations visible, to plan training and support services, and to promote the operating conditions of associations in municipalities and the wellbeing services area, for example. The results are also used in national advocacy work. The survey is carried out nationwide in different counties, and a national summary of the results is also compiled. The results for Northern Ostrobothnia will be published in August 2026. The survey is aimed at all associations operating in the province (except religious and political associations). We ask that only one answer be given for each association. Individual responses will be treated with confidence and in accordance with data protection legislation. Information about individual associations or identifiable information is not published or shared with third parties.  More information on data protection: The data protection page of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia It takes about 20 minutes to complete the survey. Please reply by 5 June 2026. Every answer is important! The questionnaire opens in Webropol via this link:  https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/050311448F194FDD Warm thanks for your time! The survey is carried out by the Organisational Advisory Board of Northern Ostrobothnia. Secretary Auli Suorsa tel. +358 50 386 8443 / auli.suorsa@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi  

The Advisory Board for Organisations in Northern Ostrobothnia is concerned about the weakening operating conditions of organisations and their impact on people's daily lives, well-being and municipal services. At the first meeting of its term of office, the Advisory Board outlined that the role and effectiveness of organisations must be strengthened with greater determination. Organisations are a key part of the region's vitality, inclusion and sense of community. “The role of organisations in people’s daily lives, well-being and community is now more important than ever before. That is why we need even closer cooperation between municipalities, the wellbeing services county and organisations. Strong advocacy work is needed to secure the work of organisations”. In this way, the priorities of the work of the Advisory Board were summarised by the newly elected chairperson, the Secretary General of the Association of Young Friends, Raija Näppä. Jussi Ylitalo, Regional Director of the Regional Sports Association of Northern Ostrobothnia, will act as the Deputy Chair of the Advisory Board. Influence work needs information to support it. It will be collected by the Advisory Board with an organisation survey for Northern Ostrobothnia, which will be published soon. Organisations in the region are expected to be active and have plenty of answers. Right now, it is worth participating in joint advocacy work. This year, the North Ostrobothnia Association Award is awarded for the eighth time. The theme of the year is Oulu 2026 in the spirit of the European Capital of Culture. The nomination of candidates will be opened at the beginning of September. The instructions will be found on the website of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. The prize will be awarded in November at the Provincial Parliament. The North Ostrobothnia Organisational Advisory Board was elected for the first time in 2014. There is a wide representation of organisations from different fields and public organisations. The key task is to make the organisation's activities visible, to strengthen the opportunities for citizens and organisations to participate, to promote regional cooperation and to bring the organisations' views into the regional development work of the region. The advisory board is appointed by the provincial government. Additional information: Chairman Raija Näppä / raija.nappa@nuortenysavat.fi tel. +358 (0)40-1981441 Secretary Ilpo Tapaninen / ilpo.tapaninen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi tel. +358 (0)50-301 7546 Website of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia / Council of Organisations - Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia [caption id="attachment_51285" align="alignleft" width="503"] The Council of Organisations of Northern Ostrobothnia met for the first meeting of its term of office 2026-2029 in the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia in Siikasali on 6 May 2026.[/caption]