Sweden does not have the same strong volunteering culture like, for example, the US, where people come together to raise money to help people pay their medical bills, feed the homeless or help stray animals. But we still do a lot of voluntary work, it just looks quite different!
In Sweden we have Föreningslivet, which directly translates to organization life… Well, that is not very helpful, is it? In Sweden voluntary work is mainly done through democratically run organizations, and these are an important part of our democratic society. These organizations are a way for people to work together for a cause or interest that they believe in.
Föreningslivet is an important part of our Swedish community, and anyone can join or create a förening (organization). Any group of people with a common interest or background can start a förening.
Apart from being important for our communities and societies in whole, voluntary organizations in Sweden play an important part in our democratic system. Members of an organization learn how to work with democratic processes and make decisions in accordance with democratic principles. This means that föreningslivet in Sweden is also important for a democratic Sweden.
A few examples of voluntary organizations common in Sweden are:
- Helping organizing events or tasks in a union
- Actively participating in a political party
- Training or leading a local sports team or sports organization
- Teaching or helping to organize cultural events within an organization for culture, music, dance or theater
- Being a board member or helping organizing events in a pension-organization
Föreningslivet in Sweden is very structured, and it plays an important part in our democratic society. It is also a place to get to know people and socialize whilst improving your community.
If you want to join an organization, start an organization or apply for funds for your organization you can contact your kommun.
