The composition of the City of Turku's Multicultural, Older People’s, and Disability Councils will be renewed as the council term changes. Organizations now have the opportunity to nominate their own candidates for council members by June 30, 2025.
The City Board decided at its meeting on May 19, 2025, on a new set of operating rules. Going forward, the Disability, Older People’s, and Multicultural Councils will consist of 12 association members and two politically appointed members, one of whom will serve as the chairperson of the influencer group. In addition to these, personal alternate members will be selected.
The main reform concerns the composition of the Older People’s, Disability, and Multicultural Councils. In the future, members of these groups will be chosen from representatives of Turku-based organizations, with a politically appointed person serving as chairperson. The groups are defined to have 13 members and one chairperson, and members will also have alternate members.
– The goal is to unify and clarify processes. The activities of the influencer groups are based on a common set of operating rules that guide the groups' tasks, the selection of members, and the organization of meetings and events. The updated operating rules will come into force at the beginning of the next council term, says Minna Sartes, Director of Integration.
Nomination Forms
Familiarize yourself below with the council nomination forms and more detailed criteria. Associations can nominate their candidates via the form until June 30. The City Board will appoint the council members in early autumn.
- Multicultural Council Nomination Form (In Finnish)
- Disability Council Nomination Form (In Finnsh)
- Older People’s Council Nomination Form (In Finnish)
Advisory Councils: Empowering Resident Participation and Influence
Advisory Councils such as the Older People’s, Disability, and Multicultural Councils, are a crucial part of how residents can participate in and influence city affairs. Section 22 of the Municipal Act obligates municipalities to ensure that residents and service users have the opportunity to engage in the municipality's activities. The role of these advisory groups is to serve as channels for listening to and influencing on behalf of the groups they represent. In addition to these advisory groups, Turku also has a children's parliament and a youth council, whose operating rules have not been changed.
The activities of these advisory groups are coordinated by the joint influential steering of the city's group administration. Their role is to promote cooperation between the groups and offer support to presenters. This ensures the groups operate effectively and are included in the city's decision-making processes.