FROM VOLUNTEERING TO PR AND NETWORKING SKILLS A view into Finnish NGOs’ training and skills needs

The OK Study Centre is a nationwide liberal adult education provider that specialises in training NGOs and associations. It is maintained by an umbrella organisation of 67 Finnish NGOs. In spring 2012, as part of its development programme sponsored by the Finnish National Board of Education, the study centre conducted a survey of training and skills needs in its member NGOs and their regional organisations. Many Finnish NGOs have a three-tier structure so that individuals are members of an association that is a member of a regional organisation that in turn belongs to a nationwide NGO, even though local and regional associations are registered independently. Respondents were asked to analyse their own organisation’s needs during the next three years. Responses reflect current thinking and most urgent needs emerging in Finnish NGOs.