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Citizen panel

Southwest Finland for You? Be Heard and Make an Impact!

Did you receive a letter inviting you to our Citizen panel? Below you can find the text in English.

Background information of the strategy process and the citizen panel:

Dear resident of Southwest Finland,

You have been randomly selected as a potential participant in a deliberative citizen panel, giving you the opportunity to influence regional decision-making.

What makes Southwest Finland unique and a suitable place to live and/or work for you? What matters to you in your hometown, surrounding areas, and across the region? We invite you to join a discussion on these questions and influence the strategy and goals for Southwest Finland for the years 2026–2029, currently being prepared under the leadership of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland.

What is a deliberative citizen panel?

A deliberative citizen panel is a form of citizen participation where a randomly selected group of people gather to learn about and discuss an issue that is under political consideration.

In the panel, you will hear perspectives from other residents and experts in a safe and moderated environment. Trained facilitators will ensure a constructive atmosphere. No prior knowledge or special expertise is required to take part. Participants will be introduced to the topics both before and during the event.

The citizen panel will convene on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, from 16:30 to 20:00 via remote connection to discuss the future of Southwest Finland in small groups. The panel has an advisory role, and at the end of the discussion, a joint statement will be formulated. This statement will be taken into account in the strategy preparation and reviewed by the Regional Board of Southwest Finland.

The panel is organized in cooperation between the Regional Council of Southwest Finland and the Study Centre Sivis. It is part of the strategy’s public consultation round, and approximately 30 people will be selected to participate.

Why were you invited – and why should you apply?

The panel will represent the residents and viewpoints of municipalities in Southwest Finland. You were selected through a random sample provided by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, meaning all residents aged 15–80 in Southwest Finland had a chance to be invited. The aim is to form a panel that reflects the population of the region.

This is a new way for citizens to participate in policy evaluation. You will learn about a possibly unfamiliar topic, hear diverse opinions, and have your voice heard in shaping the strategy. Participating will take about 4 hours in total, including a 3.5-hour discussion and a 30-minute background webinar (which can also be watched as a recording).

As a thank-you, participants will receive a €50 gift card to either the S Group or K Group – your choice.

Apply to the Southwest Finland Citizen Panel!

Apply by filling out the form no later than 8 September 2025 (this link opens to the form).

Participants will be selected from the applicants to represent all areas of the region. You will be notified of the selection by email in mid-September. Your responses will be handled confidentially. You can read more about data protection at www.varsinais-suomi.fi/tietosuoja.

Welcome to take part in shaping the future of our region!

Jyri Arponen
Regional Mayor, Regional Council of Southwest Finland

More information:

Address source: Population Information System / Digital and Population Data Services Agency. The information has not been disclosed to the sender of the letter. Technical delivery of the information: Posti Jakelu Oy, P.O. Box 7, 00011 POSTI.