Recreation, association activities and tourism

Non-profit associations (Ideella föreningar)

Being a member of an association along
with others who like the same things is an
important aspect of democracy and freedom of speech.
It is a way for people to work with what interests them.
It is also a way for people to learn more
so as to be able to take an active part in politics.

Associations even create
a better society for all
when they arrange sporting events
or raise money for charity, for example.

An association has a board of directors
and rules for how the association operates.

These rules, which are called statutes,
must be democratic
and specify the association´s name,
the association´s goals
and the amount of the membership fee.

The association must hold an
annual meeting each year.
At the annual meeting, decisions are made
on the association´s activities.

There are many different kinds of associations,
such as cultural associations, sports associations
and youth associations.

Assistance to associations is provided by nationa
and local government through payment of association
grants to associations that apply for funds for their activities.

Sports (Idrott)

Sports activities are also important for integration
because it often brings people together
from different cultures around a common interest in sports.

General adult education and adult education associations (Folkbildning och studieförbund)

Many people seeking new knowledge
and skills turn to an adult education association.
Adult education association have courses in over 700 subjects,
ranging from dance and water painting
to English and mathematics.

Libraries (Bibliotek)

The borrowing of books from the library
must always be provided free of charge.

It is also required
that the library give significant consideration to
immigrants, people with disabilities,
and children and youths.

There must consequently be books in various languages,
books in adapted media
and books for children, youths and adults.

Tourism (Turism)

Most of the municipalities in Östergötland
have tourist offices or
some form of tourist information.
The tourism council for eastern Sweden
(Östsvenska Turistrådet) has information
about tourist destinations in Östergötland.
Their website is in various languages:
www.ostergotland.info