Civil society

The agency works with developing and strengthening the resilience of the population and civil society within psychological defence. To strengthen resilience, we educate and raise knowledge among various target groups. We also work with increasing coordination between relevant actors in the field.

Mutual projects and network

We work to a great extent with activities that involve collaboration and contacts with civil society actors around Sweden. For example, we collaborate in joint projects with actors or knowledge-enhancing initiatives such as workshops, training courses, talks and by means of targeted communication directed at specific target groups.

The activities of associations in Sweden are extensive, and much of our work is pursued through existing civil society networks. A key group with which we collaborate consists of the communicators and contingency and security officers of civil society organisations.

Through collaboration, we reach out to the target groups

An important target group to reach is groups with poor knowledge of media and information literacy (MIL). This is partly achieved through the agency’s work with MIL and through collaborating with county administrative boards and municipal actors.

It is particularly important to communicate, engage and build trust among groups in society that are often overlooked. These may include people who are sick, disabled or linguistic minorities. These groups are often under-represented in total defence efforts. It is important that all groups in society have a sense of democratic participation. This promotes willingness to defend.

Some target groups are identified through research

Groups with low participation in total defence issues or that are in need of greater knowledge about psychological defence are identified through research on civil society and willingness to defend, and by monitoring the research that is under way nationally and internationally on the role of civil society in psychological defence.

What is civil society?

Civil society is a part of society that is independent of the state and is run by citizens, volunteers and non-profit organisations. In civil society, people gather to act together and influence society to achieve change, promote community engagement and work for social justice. Civil society is based on a voluntary approach, engagement and participation by people who share common values and interests.

Civil society includes:

  • non-profit associations
  • cultural and sporting associations
  • faith communities
  • foundations
  • the education system
  • voluntary defence organisations
  • aid organisations
  • media
  • youth organisations
  • crime prevention and safety-enhancing actors