Kansalaisfoorumi turns 50

This year, we celebrate – we’ve reached solid middle age!

Kansalaisfoorumi (previously Vapaan sivistystoiminnan liitto) was founded in late 1976 to maintain a study centre and to encourage people to engage in active citizenship.

We continue to build our work on the tradition of the popular education movement, while keeping our eyes firmly on the future. As our anniversary slogan puts it: Sivistys soi yhteisöissä (Sivistys resonates in communities)! Together with our member organisations and learning communities, we seek new ways to build a sustainable and compassionate future.

Our member organisations contribute to this work, for example, through art and culture. As a study centre, we support groups by enabling their activities, encouraging more pedagogically grounded approaches, and motivating them in their sustainability efforts.

We’ll see you at events!

Naturally, we are celebrating our anniversary year together with our member communities. Throughout the year, we will organise various activities and events, including an anniversary pennant workshop. During the workshop, participants engage in lively discussions about fostering learning and culture while taking part in a hands-on creative activity.

On social media, we will run a year-long campaign under the theme Olemme osa sivistysliikettä! (We are part of the Sivistys movement), which highlights the inspiring cultural and educational work carried out by associations. Toward the end of the year, we will also host a festive seminar to conclude our anniversary celebrations.

For collaboration related to the anniversary social media campaign, please contact our education and communications coordinator Maija Borén, maija.boren@kansalaisfoorumi.fi.