Recreation, association activities and tourism

Non-profit associations (Ideella föreningar)


According to the Swedish constitution,
everyone has the right to
form and belong to associations.

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 are important to society.
Those who participate in sports feel better, both physically and mentally.
Youths who take part in sports not only feel better,
they are more optimistic about life and the future,
are less stressed,
have better relations with their friends,
are less prone to bullying,
and smoke and drink less
than youths who are not involved in sports.

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)


General education for adults is widespread in Sweden.
It is a way for people to learn more.
An adult education association usually conducts instruction. 
Adult education associations have their own curriculums
that are not the same as those for other schools
or universities.

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)


According to Swedish law, each municipality
must have a library open to all residents.

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)


There are plenty of things to experience in Östergötland.
There are museums, open-air recreational areas,
archipelagos, events, sports, city life,
country life and nature.

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

Regionförbundet Östsam
ansvarar för webbplatsen.
Box 1236, 581 12 Linköping,
office@ostsam.se, 013-25 56 00