Sandviken municipality describes two routes into volunteering for preparedness: the local Voluntary Resource Group, known as FRG, and voluntary defence organisations, or FFO. Published on 7 September, the information explains the kinds of tasks these groups can support when society's regular resources need reinforcement.
What happened?
The municipality says Sandviken already has an established voluntary resource group. It can provide reinforcement in difficult situations or when other needs arise and regular operations require additional resources.
The specific examples given are information and communication, organising spontaneous volunteers, logistics and staffing. These cover several forms of practical support, from communicating with people to arranging resources and personnel. The municipal page directs readers to frivilligaresursgruppen.se for further information and details on expressing an interest.
Location
Sandviken
Impact and significance
For residents seeking to understand preparedness, the distinction between FRG and FFO helps clarify the functions of the different forms of volunteering. The municipality describes FRG in terms of providing local reinforcement. Its presentation of FFO instead centres on the organisations' designated role in total defence and the skills their members develop.
Expressing an interest in a resource group and undertaking training through a defence organisation are therefore presented as different routes. The municipality does not say that all assignments have the same duties or conditions.
Background
The municipality describes voluntary defence organisations as a particular group of non-profit organisations with a designated role in total defence. They organise, train and exercise their members to contribute personnel and skills during crises, heightened alert and, ultimately, war.
The areas of knowledge listed include logistics, communications, animal disease, aviation, coordination and leadership. The municipality also says that training through an FFO can lead to agreements with public bodies, such as a government agency or municipality. This describes a possible route to an agreement; the notice does not present an individual offer or a guaranteed assignment.
Latest update
The notice provides general information about preparedness and opportunities to get involved. It does not announce an ongoing local emergency or call volunteers into service. It also gives no date for a particular training course or application deadline. For further reading, the municipality links to information about FRG, voluntary defence organisations and other preparedness topics, including communications, water and payments.
Sources
Related analysis
Reviewed: 2026-09-07. Independent editorial content. WUA Sverige is not affiliated with any political party.