The work of organizations carries the whole of society: Northern Ostrobothnia calls for strong cooperation and influence

16.06.2026
Preliminary information: Organisational activity of the year is applied for with a cultural theme

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).

20.05.2026
North Ostrobothnia Organisational Survey is ongoing

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

18.08.2025
Blog: Pyhäjärvi leads the way in organisational cooperation

The Organisational Advisory Board of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia visited Pyhäjärvi on 14.8.2025 to get acquainted with the association activities and the cooperation between the city and the associations. 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 provincial level. There are as many as 126 registered associations operating in the city, whose activities extend to a wide range of areas of life. The Advisory Board of Associations has drawn up guidelines for municipalities on organizational work, the key principles of which include: - the appointment and resourcing of organizational contact persons, - the provision of free and accessible facilities for activities of general interest, - clear and co-developed assistance processes, - the participation of organisations in the development of welfare plans and services, and - a joint cooperation document that brings 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 associations 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 associations will be utilised in well-being work. The example of Pyhäjärvi shows that it is good for municipalities and associations 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 association activities can be found in the blog of Helena Liimatainen, coordinator of association work, published on Pohde's website: Pyhäjärvi takes care of people and associations. In Oulu 18.8.2025 Auli Suorsa, Specialist Culture The provincial programme for Northern Ostrobothnia 2026-2029 will be prepared during the spring and autumn. The blogs written by experts from the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia cover the preparation process and themes related to the programme.

05.06.2025
The theme of the 2025 North Ostrobothnia Organizational Act is young people, the future and hope

This year, the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia is awarding the award for the seventh time. This time the theme is young people, the future and hope. “Young people are the future of the province. Taking care of their well-being should be everyone's concern. The Council for Organisational Affairs of Northern Ostrobothnia wanted to highlight the work done for young people as the topic of this year's organisation award and thus bring good practices to everyone's attention. We hope for plenty of proposals", says Esa Aunola, Chair of the Advisory Board for Organisations, from the North Ostrobothnia Village Association. Proposals are submitted using an online form, which will be published in the news section of the North Ostrobothnia Regional Council's website on 1 September 2025. Proposals for the winner of the prize can be submitted until 30 September 2025. When making a proposal, the following should be taken into account: An organizational act does not have to be an isolated act, but can be understood and interpreted more broadly. The selection focuses on the crossing of borders and effectiveness, as well as the role of volunteering in the association's activities. The applicant must be a registered local association. As an award, the association that won the organizational act of the year will receive 1,000 euros to support its operations. The decision on the organisation is made by the Regional Government of Northern Ostrobothnia. The prize will be awarded at the Regional Parliament of Northern Ostrobothnia in November. Information about the organisation award can be shared. The announcement can be found on the North Ostrobothnia Regional Council's Instagram and LinkedIn channels. Additional information: Ilpo Tapaninen, Strategy Manager, Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, tel. +358 50 301 7546. Organisational Advisory Board website: Organisational Advisory Board - Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia

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