Participate and influence guide for learners in Helsinki

To participate and to influence are civil rights in Finland. At the City of Helsinki Education Division, we define participation as everyday deeds, respect for others and as interaction.

The Participate and influence guide (PDF) was compiled together with young learners in Helsinki. It introduces the different channels and ways of participating and making a difference, and aims at encouraging learners to get involved and to tackle issues. The guide also aims to motivate children and young people to participate and to take an active role. The guide offers useful tips for student unions and their boards’ activities.

In addition to the guide different opportunities of the young learners has been collected in a poster (PDF). The poster demonstrates different ways and possibilities to make an impact.

Participation and making an impact rehearsed at school

Active citizenship, participation and making an impact are important skills to learn. It is important that learners know how to make a difference in the world with their own actions.

By rehearsing how to participate and to make an impact, a learner can discover their preferred ways of influencing and tacking issues with determination. Understanding how different channels for influencing work, learning how to use them effectively, and recognising a wide range of interactive scenarios prepare learners to be active and cooperative members of the society.

“The fact that children and young people take part actively, and know what opportunities they have for making a difference is important. We want our schools and educational establishments to promote these skills and encourage children and young people to get involved and to be active. This Participate and influence guide helps young people find the most suitable channels for influencing, which supports their involvement and helps finding a voice,” says the Education Division’s Executive Director Liisa Pohjolainen.