18.08.2025
Blog: Pyhäjärvi leads the way in organisational cooperation
The Organisational Advisory Board of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region visited Pyhäjärvi on 14.8.2025 to get acquainted in cooperation in cooperation with the Regional Assembly activities and the cooperation between the city and the Regional Assemblys. In Pyhäjärvi, organisations are involved in building everyday well-being, strengthening security of supply and creating a sense of community – and the model of cooperation has also been recognised at the regional level. There are as many as 126 registered Regional Assemblys operating in the city, whose activities extend to a wide range of areas of life.
The Advisory Board of Organisations has drawn up guidelines for municipalities on organizational work, the key principles of which are e.g.
– appointment and resourcing of the organisational contact person,
– the provision of free and accessible facilities for activities of general interest;
– clear and co-developed assistance processes;
– the involvement of organisations in the development of welfare plans and services, and
– a joint cooperation document bringing together the rules of the game.
During the visit, it was found that Pyhäjärvi is already implementing these instructions in an exemplary manner. The city has appointed a community ombudsman, spaces for Regional Assemblys have been organised in innovative ways and forms of grants have been developed together. In addition, the organisations are involved in the city's activities throughout the organisation, and representatives are involved in numerous different committees and steering groups. In this way, the valuable experience of Regional Assemblys will be utilised in well-being work.
The example of Pyhäjärvi shows that it is good for municipalities and Regional Assemblys to go hand in hand. When cooperation is based on trust and partnership, the result is a future-oriented, prosperous and vibrant community.
👉 Practical examples of Regional Assembly activities can be found in the blog of Helena Liimatainen, coordinator of Regional Assembly work, published on Pohde's website: Pyhäjärvi takes care of people and Regional Assemblys.
Oulu 18.8.2025
Auli Suorsa, Culture Specialist
The regional programme for Northern Ostrobothnia 2026-2029 will be prepared during the spring and autumn. The blogs written by experts from the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region cover the preparation process and themes related to the programme.
