Civil society and voluntary activities

The Advisory Board on Civil Society Policy (KANE), operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice and appointed by the Government for four years at a time, is responsible for fostering cooperation and interaction between civil society and public authorities.

Read more about KANE

Voluntary work has a key role in Finnish society. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for coordinating and developing voluntary work in the central government.

Guidelines for voluntary work (Suomi.fi) 

Taking part in voluntary work while unemployed (Suomi.fi)

Contact information

Maria Wakeham-Hartonen, Senior Specialist 
Ministry of Justice, Department for Democracy and Public Law, Esikunta Advisory Board on Civil Society Policy (KANE)  civic activity  civic society  sustainable development  democracy policy  Telephone:0295150416   Email Address:

Niklas Wilhelmsson, Ministerial Adviser 
Ministry of Justice, Department for Democracy and Public Law, Democracy and Elections civic activity  participatory rights  democracy policy  civic society  Telephone:0295150348   Email Address:

Liisa Männistö, Senior Specialist 
Ministry of Justice, Department for Democracy and Public Law, Democracy and Elections civic activity  participation of children and young people  civic society  Advisory Board on Civil Society Policy (KANE)  Telephone:0295150231   Email Address: