Without active engagement, democracy is lost. There was no sign of such a risk, however, when Åsa’s course participants met politicians from several parties during one of Åsadalen’s events: “Do you have to care?”

Well, you certainly do. So thought the politicians, who had accepted the invitation and came to the school on 9 March.

And so thought Åsa’s course participants, who welcomed the guests with a battery of talking points, questions and well-prepared statements.

The focus on engagement as a democratic force was total, and this was established from the very start.

Engagement for life
As the day before the theme day was International Women’s Day, the struggle for women’s equal rights was highlighted at the start as a concrete example of democratic engagement.

This was done partly through filmed interviews with course participants and staff, and partly through a theatrical appearance by the women’s rights activist Astrid (played by teacher Charlotte Kvarnhem).

Course participant Viktoriia Nikolova, a refugee from the war in Ukraine, reminded everyone in a speech she had written that engagement can also mean standing up for the right to live.

Read Viktoriia’s speech here (English version).

Activists joined in
The theme day continued in mixed groups where course participants, politicians and staff shared their experiences and thoughts on civic engagement.

The conversations deepened in the afternoon during moderated discussions, where the politicians were joined on the panels by passionate community activists from local associations: Ida Midnattssol, Catarina Salomonsson and Elisabeth Ask.

Martin Ålund, a participant in the music course, gave credit to the invited politicians who had taken the time to visit the school.

– It was very interesting to hear everyone’s different views, and how they approach such major issues as democracy, integration and gender equality. One reason many people don’t get involved in society, I believe, is that they don’t know how. Today has given me several examples of ways to do so – for instance, by being a local councillor.

”An extremely important day”
Åsadalen had invited representatives from all local parties. Those who ultimately took part were: Christer Sundqvist (Moderates, Katrineholm), Emma Dahlin (Moderates, Flen), Inger Fredriksson (Centre Party, Katrineholm), Hans Ekelund (Vingåker Party), Tiina Rokka and Karl-Oscar Olsson (both Left Party, Vingåker), Tony Rosendahl (Left Party, Katrineholm), Robert Skoglund (Social Democrats, Vingåker) and Katarina Johansson (Green Party, Flen).

For Katarina Johansson, it was her first visit to the folk high school in Sköldinge.

– This was an extremely important day for democratic dialogue. Politics doesn’t have to be debate. What we actually need is more forums like this for conversations. Such forums are lacking today. What I will take back with me to local politics in Flen is that we need to find ways to lower the threshold so that as many people as possible can make their voices heard. It is crucial for democracy.

Text: Henrik Wising