BackProject Presentation: Stark Socken – a strong village for resilience
During the 2025 EUSBSR Annual Forum in Sopot, Poland, Policy Areas Culture and Secure collaborated in bringing the topic ‘The Soft Core of Hard Security: Community Cohesion and Agency in Times of Insecurity’ to the stage with a diverse panel of experts and project insights represented. The session particularly explored how social trust, community cohesion and civic engagement form the foundation of resilient societies. Maja Allard, specialist and strategist at Region Gotland, presented the initiative ‘Stark Socken’ in her contribution to the panel, which PA Culture hereby features in more detail as a great resource to explore at the intersection of culture and security.
Local Strength That Builds a Safer Gotland
Across Gotland, something remarkable is happening. In big villages and small, people are coming together to strengthen their own preparedness, and each other. The initiative is called Strong village (Stark socken in Swedish), and its recipe is surprisingly simple: when neighbors meet, talk and plan together, entire communities grow stronger.
The idea behind Strong village is not complicated. If something happens — storms, power cuts, accidents or disruptions — we all rely on the neighbors who live closest to us. That is where help arrives first. Stark Socken encourages people to gather, talk and take stock of what they can do for themselves and for one another.
And it works. In many places, neighbors who once nodded politely at the mailbox are now organizing meetings, and joint activities. A sense of belonging grows along with the ability to handle a crisis.
A Method that makes everyone part of the solution
What makes Strong village unique is that the work is done together and locally. Each village follows the same four-step method, supported by Region Gotland, the County Administrative Board and the voluntary defense organizations. The process is easy to join, easy to scale and easy to adapt.
The method works because:
- People are the greatest resource — everyone has skills, tools or knowledge that matter in a crisis.
- Local knowledge is unbeatable — those who live closest know best what is needed.
- Preparedness grows with trust — and trust grows when people meet.
- The work is positive, voluntary and community-driven.
Instead of focusing on threats, Strong village focuses on capability: water, heat, communication, food, and above all — relationships.
Collaboration Makes Communities Stronger
Strong village has also created a network of partners that spread knowledge and inspiration. Police, fire and rescue services, and volunteer defense organizations help parishes understand how they can support themselves before official help arrives. This collaboration builds bridges within and across villages.
Today, 40 villages are participating and tens of thousands of people are committed. Even more are preparing to join. The initiative is attracting attention far beyond Gotland, even internationally. Because the challenges are universal — so are the strengths that Strong village unlocks.
The Core Values Behind the Success
At the heart of Strong village are a few simple but powerful principles:
- Community – We are stronger when we know each other.
- Responsibility – Everyone can contribute something.
- Trust – Meeting face-to-face builds confidence and cooperation.
- Engagement – Preparedness becomes easier when it is rewarding, social and meaningful.
- Resilience – A prepared village can handle disruptions without losing its unity.
A Strong Community Builds a Strong Island
Strong village shows that preparedness is not just about emergency kits or equipment, it is about people. When neighbors care for one another, communities become safer, more resilient and more vibrant.
And that is the true power of Strong village. It turns everyday togetherness into the strongest form of civil defense.
Text by Maja Allard – Stark Socken / Region Gotland
More information on Stark Socken
More information on ‘Soft Core of Hard Security’ Session during EUSBSR Annual Forum 2025
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