Opportunities for Youth to Exert Influence

One of the goals of the new youth law, which took effect at the beginning of 2006, is to promote the active citizenship of young people.  Section 8 of the law states that opportunities must be reserved for youth to participate in the preparation of matters concerning local youth work and policies.  Additionally, youth must be heard in matters concerning them.

Channels through which youth can exert influence in Turku include student unions at schools, the Youth Services Board, and the NuortenTurku forum for those 13-17 years of age. You can exert influence on the operations of youth centres by participating in their activities and by informing the youth leader of your concerns.   Various avocational organisations offer opportunities for learning influencing skills.  Additionally, by participating in the city's regional partnership activities young people can receive guidance in gaining influencing skills by, for example, filing a citizen initiative.

Participating in planning youth centre activities

At youth centres, you can influence matters by informing the youth leader of your concerns.  Additionally, many youth centres organise meetings in which decisions regarding centre activities are made jointly.

Further information on youth exerting influence

Valtikka (Sceptre) –the site has basic information on influencing and managing public affairs

Nuoret vaikuttajat ry (Young People Exerting Influence)