Description of the National dialogue process and dialogue round

The model for National Dialogues and the organisation of the dialogues involve many actors in society.

An infographic in Finnish describing the process of organising a round of national dialogues that is written out on this page.

Decision and thematic choice

The organisation of each round of National Dialogues begins with a decision to organise the dialogue and select topics.

Topic selection of dialogues

  • The operative core group will organise an open dialogue to identify proposals for the topic of the upcoming National Dialogue round. The invitation will be widely shared in the networks of National Dialogue actors.
  • The main question of the topic selection dialogue is: “What topics should we next have an extensive dialogue that affects all citizens in Finland?”
  • After the event, the operative core group will choose the topic on the basis of the following criteria:
    • more versatile understanding of the subject is needed in Finland
    • the topic concerns a large number of citizens at the national level
    • the topic does not exclude any particular group of people
    • a broader understanding of the topic will also benefit public administration
  • The operational core group will open the topic in such a way that it affects as many groups as possible and chooses the dialogue days.

Due to an exceptional social situation, change or crisis, the core group may decide to launch a series of dialogues without a topic selection dialogue.

Invitation materials for dialogue organisers

The operative core group will lead the preparation of general invitation materials for the dialogues. These include updating the event page on this website, email templates and social media templates. The operative core group will also prepare specific invitations on the topic.

Inviting, encouraging and engaging dialogue organisers

Some dialogue organisers hold dialogues every time, regardless of the subject. The operative core group sends an invitation to these permanent dialogue organisers to organise a dialogue every round. Read more about the role of permanent dialogue organisers here.

In addition, the operative core group determines the key target groups for the topic and strives to involve as many different actors and groups as possible as dialogue organisers. The operational core group contacts these stakeholders by various means, such as phone and e-mail. In addition, the invitation will be widely shared through various channels so that new dialogue organisers can be involved.

The opportunity to organise a National Dialogue is open to all interested organisations from public sector organisations and foundations to private individuals.

When inviting dialogue organisers, the different operating logic of different sectors should be taken into account. It is likely that some organisations will be more agile to adopt new operating methods and can use resources for this when the activities meet their needs. In municipalities and welfare counties, on the other hand, administrative authorisation may be required so that resources can be used for a new operating model. For companies, the activities may be based on financial justifications or benefits. These factors should be taken into account when inviting dialogue organisers.

For example, strengthening inclusion and linking National Dialogues to involvement activities can be a key motivation factor in municipalities.

When inviting dialogue organisers, personal contact is important.

Coordination of registration and provision of additional information

The operative core group will receive applications and publish the list of registered as organisers of dialogues on this website. This website contains a list of the dialogue organisers, including a more detailed topic for dialogue, time, place and where/to whom the participants can sign up.

If necessary, the operative core group will support the dialogue organisers define a more detailed topic and answer the questions about the dialogues and, if necessary, ask for missing information. The operative core group also organises orientation sessions for the organisers. If there are several rounds/days of dialogue on the theme, each organiser may register for all or only one day of dialogue.

Dialogue materials

The operative core group will draw up the materials for dialogue organisers. These include instructions for organising the dialogue, an invitation template for inviting the participants, a dialogue script, communications guidelines and material. The materials will be sent directly to those who have registered as dialogue organisers, but they will also be published on this website. The materials are always translated into Swedish and English. Depending on the subject of the dialogue, other translations may also be offered. Translations into other languages may also be produced in cooperation with dialogue organisers.