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For Young People

The core mission of the Union of Local Youth Councils in Finland is to support young influencers and youth groups across Finland. We have the expertise to address challenges in both small municipalities and larger regions. Our activities welcome every young person interested in making an impact!

Whether you come from a small municipality, a larger welfare area, or are simply eager to get involved, you are welcome to participate in our activities.

Tips for Making an Impact

  • Be bold and reach out to both municipal officials and decision-makers. Grab a coffee and talk about what matters to young people!
  • Collaboration is powerful—use the networks around you.
  • Join our activities to network and learn new skills for your advocacy work.
  • At our events, you can learn more about making an impact and meet youth councillors from across Finland.
  • Our experts are available to assist you with advocacy and preparing statements—don’t hesitate to contact them.
  • Make use of Nuva ry’s Resource Library to maximize your impact! You’ll find templates for proposals and other useful materials.

Youth Council Chairpersons – Join the Chairpersons’ Network!
The network provides a forum for youth council chairs to exchange ideas and support one another. Meetings also offer guidance on leadership, insight into Nuva ry’s national advocacy work, and tips on developing your activities.

JOIN THE NETWORK (in Finnish)

Why Should Young People Have a Voice?

The rights of children and young people to participate are enshrined in international agreements, the Finnish Constitution, and other legislation. If anyone prevents you from participating, you can refer to the following legal frameworks:

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

  • Article 12: Children must be given the opportunity to be heard in all matters affecting them.

Constitution of Finland (731/1999)

  • Section 6: Equality: Children must be treated equally as individuals and be allowed to influence matters concerning themselves in accordance with their development.

Youth Act (1285/2016)

  • Section 24: Authorities at municipal and national level must provide young people with opportunities to participate in and influence matters related to local, regional, and national youth work and policies. Young people must also be heard on issues concerning them.

Municipal Act (410/2015)

  • Section 26: To ensure young people’s opportunities to participate and influence, municipal councils must establish a youth council or a similar youth influence group and ensure its operating conditions.

Basic Education Act (628/1998)

  • Section 47a: Educational providers must promote student participation, ensure that all students can engage in school activities and development, and express their opinions on matters affecting their position as students.

Welfare Area Act (611/2021)

  • Section 32: Regional decision-making bodies must establish a youth council or similar youth influence group to ensure young people’s participation and influence. Members are selected from local youth councils or equivalent groups, with at least one representative from each. Additional members may also be selected. Regional authorities must ensure that these bodies have the conditions to operate effectively.
  • Youth influence bodies must have the opportunity to participate in planning, preparing, implementing, and monitoring matters affecting children, young people, the elderly, or persons with disabilities and the services they need. These bodies should also be included in developing participation and consultation processes at the regional level.