Fritid for alle? Kommunal politikk for inkludering av barn og unge i organiserte fritidsaktiviteter

Organized leisure activities are an important part of children and young people's lives in Norway. National authorities, as well as voluntary organizations themselves, consider participation in such activities important for young people to develop community, identity, and mastery, and to acquire skills and experiences. However, there are differences in who participates, in which activities they participate, and how often they do so. Socioeconomic status, gender, and cultural background are among the factors contributing to such differences. This report examines municipalities' perspectives on barriers that children and young people face in participating in organized leisure activities, and how they are addressed. The report highlights the municipalities' policies and organization in the field, how the municipality facilitates collaboration with childrenand young people and voluntary organizations on participation in organized leisure activities, and what role and significance the municipalities perceive state authorities to have in this area. Municipalities mainly experience three barriers to participation as central: economy, information, and geographic distance. The challenges these barriers represent are addressed by municipalities through various types of measures, such as direct financial support and continuous communication work to highlight local offerings. Regarding geographic distance, fewer municipalities have their own measures but often rely on voluntary efforts instead. Municipalities' overarching plans and strategies are characterized by a universal approach to children and young people’s activities. When the overarching policy is translated into concrete measures, the measures are often aimed at specific/vulnerable groups in need of activities to be offered. Collaboration with children and young people and voluntary organizations is also often practiced, but the level of formalized collaboration varies. The municipalities' view of the state level is characterized by a desire for more predictability around grant schemes. There is also often a desire for stronger local anchoring of funds and in the establishment of local activities.