Build Your Own Political Party – From Interest Group to Influence

This is a multi-phase roleplay and speaking task, perfect for groups.

Young people not interested in politics? Pull the other one! What we need is young awareness to channel their energy into worthy causes. Remember The Cause! The Cause? What IS The Cause? You tell me. How could the bloated traditional parties ever represent YOUR thinking? There are countries in the world with just two main parties let alone countries with only ONE party. Luckily we’re not one of those countries. We have plenty of choice as it is and 5000 signatures is all that’s needed to register a political party. What do we want? A NEW PARTY! When do we want it? NOW! What do we say? Well, this is where YOU take over. Together with your group, make our political landscape more interesting with exciting new special interest parties!

🎯 TASK OVERVIEW: Build Your Own Political Party

Goal: Create a political party based on 3–5 special interest groups. Or just one if you feel like it. Define your values, create a party programme, design an activity, and pitch your vision to the class.

🧠 STEP 1: Explore the Demography – Choose Your People

Choose 3–5 of the following 200 Finnish interest groups below (some realistic, some imaginative) to be the base of your new political party. Each group comes with a one-line motto or core agenda. Feel free to come up with your own ideas for interest groups. If you only choose one interest group, your party will inevitably be a small one and thus the 5000-signature threshold might be a tall order. Co-operation is the way to go.

200 Finnish interest groups that could use some help to promote their ideals (Click to open)

Accidental Activists – “We didn’t mean to, but we must.”Adoptive Parents Network – “Chosen families matter.”
Allotment Gardeners – “Grow food, grow community.”Anime & Cosplay Fans – “Creativity is civic power.”
Aunties Without Children – “We nurture in other ways.”Barista Guild – “Better beans, better breaks.”
Bike Couriers’ Union – “Fast legs, fast justice.”Bilingual Families – “Two tongues, one heart.”
Birdwatchers – “Protect the skies and the silence.”Board Game Societies – “Strategy for real life.”
Boarding School Alumni – “Discipline builds leaders.”Book Club Network – “Ideas start with stories.”
Bridge Players Union – “Strategy is always in the cards.”Campfire Poets Guild – “Verse sparks vision.”
Caravan Enthusiasts – “Freedom is four wheels and a Finnish forest.”Caretakers of the Elderly – “Respect those who cared for us.”
Cat Lovers – “Respect the independent spirit.”Cathedral Choir Singers – “Harmony is policy.”
Chess Club Nation – “Every move matters.”Climate Grannies – “We knit and protest.”
Coffee Aficionados – “Strong brew, stronger opinions.”Coffee Shop Workers – “Powered by espresso and respect.”
Comedy Fans Coalition – “Laugh your way to change.”Comic Strip Artists – “Change in four panels.”
Cottage Renovators’ Guild – “Old homes, new hope.”Craft Beer Brewers – “Local hops, global voice.”
Craftspeople of Finland – “Handmade, heartfelt, heard.”Dads Who Knit – “No needles, no stereotypes.”
Digital Nomads – “Borders are for passports, not ideas.”DIY Musicians & Garage Bands – “Our music, our movement.”
DIY Renovators – “Fix the system like we fix walls.”DIY Sauna Builders – “If you can dream it, you can steam it.”
Dog Owners – “Every paw deserves a park.”Drivers of Manual Cars – “Stick shift, strong values.”
Dystopian Fiction Readers – “Because it’s not just fiction anymore.”Early Morning Swimmers – “Policy at sunrise.”
Eco-Villagers – “Live simply, influence loudly.”Electric Car Owners – “Charge the future.”
Elk Hunters – “Tradition, nature, and responsibility.”eSports Champions – “Skill, speed, strategy.”
Ex-City Folk Living in the Country – “We escaped—and want others to.”Ex-Military Families – “We served; now we deserve support.”
Expat Finns Abroad – “Still Finnish, still vote.”Extreme Weather Survivors – “Preparedness is protection.”
Fans of Finnish Mythology – “Kalevala for Parliament.”Fans of Long Walks – “Every step is a solution.”
Fans of Paper Notebooks – “Analog minds, digital age.”Fans of Quiet Trains – “Silence is golden.”
Fans of Salmiakki – “Salty. Sweet. Strong.”Fans of Silence – “Let peace be policy.”
Fans of Swedish TV Dramas – “Scandi style for society.”Fantasy Writers League – “Rewriting the real world.”
Feminist Fathers’ Forum – “Dads for equality.”Festival Campers – “We love the mud and the music.”
Festival Volunteers – “Culture is community.”Finns Who’ve Been Abroad Too Long – “We’re back—and we have ideas.”
Firefighters’ Families – “Support those who save.”Fisherfolk Federation – “Healthy waters, healthy people.”
Flat Earth Debaters – “We may be wrong, but we’re loud.”Folk Dancers of Finland – “Tradition takes the floor.”
Food Allergy Advocates – “Safe plates, safe people.”Food Bank Workers – “No one left hungry.”
Food Truck Owners – “Let street food thrive.”Foster Families’ Forum – “Care beyond blood.”
Freelancers’ Union – “Flexibility with dignity.”Gamers’ Union – “Pixels have power too.”
Glamping Enthusiasts – “Nature meets comfort.”Gluten-Free Finland – “Safe food, strong society.”
Goth Subculture Society – “We wear black—and think boldly.”Heavy Metal Fans – “Louder voices in politics!”
Herbal Medicine Supporters – “Ancient knowledge, modern value.”Hiking Enthusiasts – “Protect the paths we love.”
Historical Reenactors – “Respect the past to shape the future.”Home Bakers – “Rye bread and representation!”
Horseback Riders – “Hooves and rights.”Ice Hockey Families – “Rinks before riches.”
Introverts’ Circle – “Quiet voices count too.”Jazz Musicians Guild – “Cool policies, complex harmony.”
Karaoke Night Regulars – “Voices without shame.”Knights of Medieval Roleplay – “Fantasy meets fairness.”
Knitting Circles – “Stitching together a better society.”Lake Swimmers United – “Every lake protected.”
Language Revivers – “Save dialects, save identity.”Late Bloomers’ League – “It’s never too late to lead.”
Left-Behind Lefties – “Still waiting for those scissors.”Left-Handed Alliance – “Make room for the other hand.”
LGBTQ+ Farmers’ Collective – “Pride in every field.”LGBTQ+ Seniors – “Pride doesn’t retire.”
Library Defenders – “Books before bureaucracy.”Lighthouse Keepers’ Legacy – “Guiding light for policy.”
Lighthouse Painters of Åland – “Keep the light alive.”Local History Buffs – “Past matters.”
Long-Haul Truck Drivers – “We move Finland forward.”Lottery Players’ Group – “Hope isn’t a budget plan.”
Migrant Workers’ Union – “Equal work, equal rights.”Minimal Tech Parents – “Screens off, minds on.”
Minimalists’ Party – “Less clutter, more clarity.”Moomin Fans – “Empathy in every policy.”
Motorcyclists of Finland – “Ride free, vote loud.”Museum Volunteers – “Preserve the past, build the future.”
Mushroom Foragers – “Nature feeds the nation.”Night Owls’ League – “Not everyone wakes at 7.”
Night Workers Coalition – “Representation around the clock.”Old-School Letter Writers – “Words that stay.”
Online Forum Moderators – “Civility is policy.”Outdoor Ice Rink Defenders – “Winter fun for every town.”
Parkour Movement – “No obstacles in policy!”Part-Time Workers’ Union – “Half-time, full rights.”
People from Eastern Finland – “Voices from beyond the lakes.”People in Long-Distance Relationships – “Love crosses borders.”
People Living Alone – “Solo, not invisible.”People Living in Lapland – “Far North, strong voice.”
People Living in Tiny Homes – “Small space, big values.”People Obsessed with Recycling – “Nothing goes to waste.”
People Who Cry Easily – “Sensitivity is strength.”People Who Dislike Phones – “Real talk over screen talk.”
People Who Don’t Like Coffee – “We exist, and we vote.”People Who Forget Names – “Faces matter too.”
People Who Hate AI Voices – “Bring back the human tone.”People Who Hate Queueing – “Efficiency is policy.”
People Who Hate Small Talk – “Deep policy, no fluff.”People Who Live Near Airports – “Heard but rarely heard.”
People Who Love Dry Humor – “Flat delivery, sharp ideas.”People Who Love Tuesdays – “Not everything starts on Monday.”
People Who Prefer Rain – “Grey days, clear minds.”People Who Save Used Wrapping Paper – “Reuse. Repeat. Reform.”
People Who Sing in the Shower – “Let everyday voices be heard.”People Who Talk to Plants – “Green conversations grow communities.”
People Who Talk to Strangers – “Kindness is political.”People Who’ve Been Ghosted – “We need closure—and representation.”
People with ADHD – “Fast minds, full hearts.”People with Allergies – “Safe air, safe food, safe lives.”
People with Disabilities – “Nothing about us without us.”People with Rare Diseases – “Don’t forget the few.”
People with Red Hair – “Minority, major presence.”People with Sleep Disorders – “Rest is a right.”
People with Stage Fright – “Even quiet people need a voice.”People with Twins – “Double trouble, double rights.”
Permaculture Enthusiasts – “Grow sustainably, vote wisely.”Pet Snake Owners – “Sssupport for all pets.”
Pigeon Defenders – “Every bird counts.”Professional Santas – “Joy deserves recognition.”
Public Radio Supporters – “Voices without commercial noise.”Public Toilet Advocates – “Dignity in every district.”
Public Transport Fans – “Buses, trams, and social change.”Recyclers & Zero Wasters – “Nothing wasted, everything matters.”
Reindeer Herders – “North first.”Remote Workers – “Zoom is our office, nature our view.”
Renters’ Association – “Fair homes, fair rights.”Retired Circus Workers – “Still balancing.”
Retired Grandparents’ Guild – “Wisdom shapes the future.”Retro Video Game Collectors – “Pixels with purpose.”
Road Safety Families – “Everyone deserves to arrive.”Rooftop Gardeners – “Green the skyline!”
Rural Broadband Activists – “Connection is a right.”Rural Teachers – “Don’t forget the village schools.”
Sámi Cultural Advocates – “Indigenous voices lead the way.”Sauna Traditionalists – “No party without a proper löyly.”
Single Parents’ Network – “One strong parent is enough.”Skateboarders United – “Concrete belongs to the youth.”
Skeptics & Rational Thinkers – “Policy with proof.”Skilled Trade Workers – “We build the future.”
Skincare Enthusiasts – “Glow with good policy.”Skincare Minimalists – “Simplicity is beautiful.”
Slow Living Movement – “Rush less, live more.”Snow Sculptors’ Society – “Art that melts minds.”
Snowplow Drivers – “Clearing paths for Finland.”Soapmakers of Finland – “Clean hands, clear vision.”
Social Science Graduates – “Society is our science.”Solo Travellers’ Union – “Independent journeys, shared policies.”
Sourdough Enthusiasts – “Time and care for every loaf.”Stamp Collectors – “Small things tell big stories.”
Stamp Tax Opponents – “Stop punishing paper.”Survivalists & Preppers – “Prepared for politics too.”
Swedish-Speaking Finns – “Bilingual and proud.”Tap Water Defenders – “The best drink is a right.”
Tattoo Artists & Inked Allies – “Our skin tells our story.”Tattooed Professionals – “Ink doesn’t define ability.”
Tech Startups – “Innovation over stagnation.”Teen Entrepreneurs – “Young minds, big impact.”
Train Enthusiasts – “Tracks to a cleaner future.”Unemployed Youth Network – “Ready to work, eager to grow.”
Urban Cyclists – “Two wheels, one future.”Urban Gardeners – “Green grows change.”
Urban Planners – “Design for people, not cars.”Urban Teens’ Collective – “Born in the city, building the future.”
Used Book Sellers – “Old pages, fresh ideas.”Vegan Activists – “No voice, no vote – for animals too.”
Vintage Car Collectors – “Preserve history on the highway.”Voice-over Artists of Finland – “We speak for the silent.”
Volleyball Parents Union – “Support beyond the sidelines.”Volunteer Fire Brigades – “We run into danger for you.”
Wilderness Survival Trainers – “Preparedness is peace.”Wildlife Photographers – “Frame nature, fight for it.”
Wind Energy Supporters – “Let the future blow in.”Winter Swimmers – “Cold water, hot opinions.”
Women in Tech – “Code equality now.”Young Mayors & Councillors – “Youth leads too.”
Youth Climate Warriors – “We’re not waiting.” 

🧭 STEP 2: Party Programme – Planning the Platform

Once your group has chosen their interest groups, start creating your party’s values, goals, and core principles. Use these questions to help build your manifesto:

🗳️ Party Planning Questions

  1. What unites our chosen interest groups?
  2. What name should we give our party? (Make it catchy or meaningful!)
  3. What are the top three policies we will fight for?
  4. Who benefits from our party – and why?
  5. How do we want to be seen: radical, practical, humorous, serious?
  6. What would we change immediately if we were in power?
  7. What kind of society are we aiming for in 10 years?
  8. Which political parties are we most different from – and why?
  9. What symbol, logo, or colour would represent our party?
  10. What is our slogan?

🎉 STEP 3: Plan a Party Activity

Each group will create one public campaign event or action to promote their party and gain support.

Some ideas:

  • A demonstration, a protest or public gathering
  • A viral social media challenge
  • A “free service” event to show what your party believes in
  • A performance, flashmob, song or sketch
  • A creative giveaway item for voters (Buckets, anyone?)
  • A pop-up stand with free snacks and pamphlets

📢 STEP 4: Present Your New Party

Prepare a 3-minute presentation of your party to the rest of the class. You can use posters, slides, music, or even act in character!

Include:

  • Party name & slogan
  • Interest groups represented
  • Your three main goals
  • Your proposed campaign activity
  • Why people should vote for you

Build Your Own Political Party – Group Activity Worksheet

🎯 OBJECTIVE

Create a political party based on 3–5 special interest groups. Define your values, design a campaign, and present your new political movement to the class.

👥 GROUP MEMBERS:

🧠 STEP 1: Choose Your People

Look at the list of 200 Special Interest Groups above . Choose 3–5 groups you want to represent. Your own ideas are always welcome.

Our chosen interest groups:

What do these groups have in common?

🗳️ STEP 2: Create Your Party

Party name: _____________________________________
Slogan: __________________________________________
Party colour & symbol: _____________________________

🎯 Our Main Goals (Three Core Policies):

🔎 What We Stand For:

  • What kind of society do we want to build?
  • Who benefits from our party?
  • What makes us unique or different from other parties?

📣 STEP 3: Plan a Public Campaign Activity

Design a creative action to promote your party and its goals. Be imaginative and convincing.

Our campaign idea:

📢 STEP 4: Present Your Party

Prepare a short (2–3 minute) pitch for the class. Include:
✅ Party name, logo, and slogan
✅ The interest groups you represent
✅ Your 3 key policies
✅ Your campaign action or event
✅ Why people should vote for you

📝 OPTIONAL: Notes for Presentation

***************************************************************************************************************

FYI: Parties in the Finnish Parliament (2025)

Kansallinen Kokoomus – National Coalition Party
Slogan: “Freedom, responsibility—and blue for breakthroughs.”

Perussuomalaiset – Finns Party
Slogan: “For the true voice of Finland—loud, proud, and popular.”

Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (SDP) – Social Democratic Party of Finland
Slogan: “Equality today, opportunity tomorrow.”

Suomen Keskusta – Centre Party of Finland
Slogan: “From the farm to the future.”

Vihreä liitto – Green League
Slogan: “Greener policies for a growing Finland.”

Vasemmistoliitto – Left Alliance
Slogan: “Fairness, solidarity—left has more.”

Ruotsalainen kansanpuolue (Svenska folkpartiet) – Swedish People’s Party of Finland
Slogan: “Swedish-speaking, Finnish-thinking.”

Kristillisdemokraatit – Christian Democrats
Slogan: “Faith in values, values in politics.”

Liike Nyt – Movement Now
Slogan: “Shake up politics—move now.”

Follow-up conversation questions: Politics

Vocabulary and phrases to help you discuss politics

Here’s a vocabulary list to support students when talking about politics, especially from a youth perspective. It’s divided into useful thematic sections, covering interest/disinterest, values, political identity, party spectrum, civic action, and issues relevant to young people.

Politics Vocabulary for Youth Discussions

🗳️ General Political Terms – Yleisiä poliittisia sanoja

  • politics – politiikka
  • democracy – demokratia
  • election – vaalit
  • candidate – ehdokas
  • political party – poliittinen puolue
  • voter – äänestäjä
  • vote (verb) – äänestää
  • ballot – äänestyslippu
  • parliament – eduskunta
  • government – hallitus
  • opposition – oppositio
  • law – laki
  • legislation – lainsäädäntö
  • policy – politiikka / linjaus
  • reform – uudistus
  • decision-making – päätöksenteko
  • power – valta
  • responsibility – vastuu
  • a politician – poliitikko
  • political system – poliittinen järjestelmä

🧠 Interest & Disinterest in Politics – Kiinnostus ja välinpitämättömyys politiikasta

  • I’m interested in politics. – Olen kiinnostunut politiikasta.
  • I don’t really follow politics. – En juuri seuraa politiikkaa.
  • Politics feels distant. – Politiikka tuntuu etäiseltä.
  • I don’t trust politicians. – En luota poliitikkoihin.
  • I want to make a difference. – Haluan vaikuttaa asioihin.
  • Politics affects our daily lives. – Politiikka vaikuttaa arkeemme.
  • I feel powerless. – Tunnen itseni voimattomaksi.
  • Young people are not heard. – Nuoria ei kuulla.
  • The system is broken. – Järjestelmä on rikki.
  • I want change. – Haluan muutosta.

🧑‍⚖️ What Makes a Good Politician? – Millainen on hyvä poliitikko?

  • honest – rehellinen
  • trustworthy – luotettava
  • charismatic – karismaattinen
  • experienced – kokenut
  • relatable – samaistuttava
  • well-spoken – sujuvasanainen
  • a good listener – hyvä kuuntelija
  • solution-oriented – ratkaisukeskeinen
  • bold – rohkea
  • passionate – intohimoinen
  • stubborn – itsepäinen
  • corrupt – korruptoitunut
  • out of touch – todellisuudesta vieraantunut
  • manipulative – manipuloiva

📊 Political Spectrum Terms – Poliittinen kenttä ja suuntautumiset

  • left-wing – vasemmistolainen
  • right-wing – oikeistolainen
  • centre (moderate) – keskusta / maltillinen
  • liberal – liberaali
  • conservative – konservatiivinen
  • green – vihreä
  • nationalist – nationalistinen
  • socialist – sosialistinen
  • social democratic – sosiaalidemokraattinen
  • populist – populistinen
  • far-left – äärivasemmisto
  • far-right – äärioikeisto
  • progressive – edistyksellinen
  • traditional – perinteinen
  • economic policy – talouspolitiikka
  • social policy – sosiaalipolitiikka
  • foreign policy – ulkopolitiikka

🌍 Issues Important to Young People – Nuorille tärkeät asiat

  • climate change – ilmastonmuutos
  • education – koulutus
  • mental health – mielenterveys
  • equality – tasa-arvo
  • human rights – ihmisoikeudet
  • housing – asuminen
  • affordable living – edullinen eläminen
  • employment – työllisyys
  • freedom of speech – sananvapaus
  • racism – rasismi
  • discrimination – syrjintä
  • sustainability – kestävä kehitys
  • the future – tulevaisuus
  • technology – teknologia
  • digital rights – digitaaliset oikeudet

✊ Youth & Civic Engagement – Nuoret ja yhteiskunnallinen vaikuttaminen

  • civic engagement – yhteiskunnallinen osallistuminen
  • activism – aktivismi
  • protest – mielenosoitus
  • strike – lakko
  • petition – adressi
  • campaign – kampanja
  • vote at 18 – äänioikeus 18-vuotiaana
  • youth parliament – nuorisoparlamentti
  • school democracy – oppilaskuntatoiminta
  • social media activism – someaktivismi
  • silent protest – hiljainen mielenilmaus
  • civil disobedience – kansalaistottelemattomuus
  • grassroots movement – ruohonjuuritason liike
  • political debate – poliittinen väittely
  • political education – yhteiskuntaoppi / poliittinen kasvatus

💬 Useful Phrases for Discussion – Hyödyllisiä ilmaisuja keskusteluun

Political change starts with us. – Poliittinen muutos alkaa meistä.

In my opinion… – Mielestäni…

I think young people care about… – Mielestäni nuoria kiinnostaa…

It’s important to vote because… – On tärkeää äänestää, koska…

Politicians should listen more to… – Poliitikkojen pitäisi kuunnella enemmän…

I feel represented by… – Tunnen tulevani edustetuksi, kun…

This issue affects my future. – Tämä asia vaikuttaa tulevaisuuteeni.

We should talk more about… – Meidän pitäisi puhua enemmän…

I don’t understand why… – En ymmärrä, miksi…

I agree/disagree with that because… – Olen/En ole samaa mieltä, koska…

Suggested listening: Simo Salminen – Politiikkalaulu

Composition topics on young people and politics (or discussion topics – whichever floats your boat)

🗳️ COMPOSITION TOPICS – Young People & Politics

“We are the future” – but are we really being heard?
Consider whether society truly listens to the younger generation.

Why should (or shouldn’t) young people take part in politics?
Discuss whether political engagement is a duty, a right, or something else for young people today.

Social media as a political tool: helpful or harmful?
How does social media shape young people’s political opinions and actions?

What kind of politician would you vote for – and why?
Describe your ideal political candidate and explain what values matter most to you.

Many young people say politics feels distant. How can we fix this?
Suggest concrete ways to make politics more relevant and accessible to youth.

Does voting at 16 make sense in today’s world?
Consider the pros and cons of lowering the voting age.

Would you ever join a political party or movement? Why or why not?
Explain your reasons, and discuss what kind of movement might interest you.

Are today’s politicians doing enough for young people?
Evaluate how well current leaders represent the interests of younger generations.

Activism vs. traditional politics: which brings more change?
Compare the impact of protests, campaigns, and political institutions.

How can schools prepare young people for political life?
Reflect on what schools do (or should do) to build political awareness and critical thinking.

What is one political issue you feel strongly about – and why?
Choose a topic that matters to you and explain your personal connection.

Should politicians have to spend time with young people?
Argue for or against a rule requiring elected officials to engage with youth regularly.

Would you run for office someday? Why or why not?
Explore the idea of becoming a decision-maker and what might hold you back or motivate you.

“Politics is everywhere.” Do you agree?
Reflect on how political decisions influence your daily life, from school to hobbies.

Why do some people say their vote doesn’t matter? Are they right?
Examine voter apathy and whether one vote really makes a difference.

What can Finland learn from how young people engage in politics abroad?
Give examples and consider whether Finnish youth are active enough.

Is political debate among friends healthy or risky?
Discuss whether young people should talk politics socially or keep it private.

How do political decisions today affect your future?
Focus on long-term issues like climate, education, housing, or digital rights.

Is it better to be loud and radical or calm and constructive in politics?
Compare two styles of political engagement and express your preference.

What role does music, film, or art play in youth politics?
Reflect on how culture shapes political views and activism.