Finnish Village Movement Association

Suomen Kylät ry – Finnish Village Movement Association brings together the country’s local developers under one umbrella. We represent around 4,000 village associations and committees, 19 regional village associations, 53 regional Leader groups and a growing group of municipal village associations and neighborhood associations.

We are a national advocate for the local. We unite local actors into a national network where we utilize expertise and develop new things together.

Our mission: Finnish Village Movement Association is an advocate of local development with the aim of promoting the well-being and participation of local communities and their inhabitants.

Our goal is viable villages and resident communities where residents have the opportunity to influence the development of their living environment. Our field of work includes ensuring livelihoods, pleasant and safe living environments, adequate services and the social well-being of residents.

Villages, neighborhood initiatives, and Leader groups are alive and active across Finland!

From Lapland to the southern coast, our member organizations form a vibrant grassroots movement that connects people and strengthens local communities.

Every region has its own regional village association, bringing villages together into one strong network.

Meanwhile, Finland’s 53 Leader groups cover the entire mainland, driving local development in close cooperation with residents and municipalities.

Together, they ensure that every corner of Finland has a voice, a community, and the power to shape its own future.