Welcome to a conversation at Helio Slussen on the future of civil society, featuring authors Jesper Bengtsson and Tuva Söderberg, and panelists Veronica Magnusson, President of the trade union Vision, Johan Oljeqvist, CEO of Fryshuset, and Mattias Svensson, author and editorial writer for SvD.
In recent years, civil society has become a hot topic—and rightly so. Behind the term lies the force that holds our society together. It’s where people gather in associations, networks, faith communities, study groups, folk high schools, and sports clubs. It’s where engagement is born, voices are raised, and change happens—often entirely on a voluntary basis.
But there are questions looming in the background:
How strong is civil society today?
Who is responsible for ensuring it survives and evolves?
And who’s supposed to pay for it?
Some argue that the state must take greater responsibility—that the work done within civil society is so essential to children, youth, education, inclusion, and democracy that it should naturally be funded by public tax money. Others warn of dependency—and believe that the free, independent civil society risks losing its strength if it becomes too closely tied to the state.
This is about more than just funding. It’s about how we build the society of tomorrow. About the role of grassroots movements in a new era. About who gets to take part—and under what conditions.
How is civil society really doing? And what does it need to grow, remain independent, and truly make a difference?
Register by emailing albin.plantin@helio.se. Limited spots available.
