Youth and civic activity

Young people have many opportunities to make an impact. For example, you can stand as a candidate for a role in the student board of your school, or in the board of your student association. In the youth council or with a citizens’ initiative, you can affect matters in your own town.

You can also try to influence issues of importance to you, for example, in social media, by taking an active role in different associations or by influencing decision-makers.

An easy way to find out more about making an impact is to contribute to your school's student board or the activities of different associations and organisations.

If you are aged 15 or over, you can form an association. You can also seek for membership in the board of an association, as long as the association has not determined a higher age limit in their regulations.

Many specialised non-governmental organisations (NGOs) already exist for the promotion of different societal matters. Several NGOs and associations offer activities for young people. In addition, there are special youth, early youth and student associations.

Each municipality has to have a youth council or other youth influence group elected by young people. The youth council is usually selected for one year, but in some municipalities, the term may be two years. The age limit varies from one municipality to another, but usually members of the youth council are between the ages of 13 and 18. All young persons of a suitable age may stand for election to the youth council of their own municipality, and they also have the right to vote.

The youth council can take initiatives and make proposals to the local executive, as well as local authority committees. It may also provide opinions on local matters under preparation. Members of the youth council often have a right to be present and to speak in the local council.

You can also influence decision-making in your home town with a citizen’s initiative, even if you are under the age of 18. You are entitled to a response to your initiative from a local authority.

When you turn 18, you will get the right to vote and stand for election. However, different elections have slightly different conditions for the right to vote and stand for election. You can find further information on the Voting page.Opens in a new window.

Young persons aged 18 or over can also make citizens' initiatives or support initiatives made by other people. You can propose a new law or changes to the existing one with a citizens' initiative. A citizens' initiative will be processed by the Parliament if it has been supported by the minimum of 50,000 Finnish voters within six months.

Explore opportunities for participation as an adult on the Participation and civic activity page.

Text edited by: Suomi.fi editorial team

Updated: 22/12/2023

Youth and civic activity

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