Influencing bodies highlight the perspectives of different population and minority groups
- When designing services that are suitable for everyone, it is important to ensure that they also work for city residents with various functional limitations. It is a good idea to involve, for example, the Disability Council, experts by experience, or representatives of organizations in the design and testing process, encourages Tiina Lappalainen, secretary of the Disability Council.
The influencing bodies highlight the perspectives of different population and minority groups that might otherwise go unheard. When they are seen as true partners, solutions are found that better meet the needs of residents.
-The Equality and Non-Discrimination Advisory Board deepens cooperation between the city and organizations and brings a new perspective to partnerships. We have the opportunity to build more equal and accessible services, says Hanna Ruohonen, secretary of the advisory board.
What does this mean in practice?
Cooperation can take the form of requests for statements, workshops, or discussion events, for example. The most important thing is to involve influential bodies at a sufficiently early stage – then the opportunities for influence are real and cooperation brings the greatest benefits. It is easy to get in touch – all you need to do is contact one of the secretaries, even if you are not familiar with the activities.
-In the Senior Citizens’ Council, we have seen that as cooperation with different sectors has intensified, the Council is consulted at an earlier stage than before – and we can actually influence matters, says Marja Säikkä, secretary of the Senior Citizens’ Council.
The role of influential bodies in a nutshell
What are they? Influencing bodies are advisory bodies appointed by the city that represent different population and minority groups (e.g., young people, the elderly, people with disabilities).
What do they do? They present their group's views and experiences to support the city's decision-making.
Why are they important? They strengthen democracy, increase the fairness of decisions, and help build user-driven solutions.
When should you listen to them? As early as possible, when plans are still flexible and it is genuinely possible to influence them.Cooperation with influential bodies is more than just consultation—it is a partnership through which we build a city where everyone's voice is heard.
Interested? Contact us and learn more about the activities of councils and advisory boards.
