Leading By Example

Ørland, Norway – The inspiring volunteers, role models, and community of Ørland demonstrate what genuine mobilization looks like when people unite for the future of our youth. Last week, the NextGen Neighbor Network’s ØRLANDSPLAKATEN: 2026 KICK-OFF highlighted how the municipality anchored this project at the highest administrative and political levels—in just 10 weeks and over summer holiday. From the first conversation on June 17, 2025, with NNN Founder, Louise Mohn and Volunteer Center leader Margaret Aune, the idea swiftly became a municipal reality by August 27th, with implementation already planned for December 2025. 

At the foundation of this initiative lies a profound truth: Ørland’s greatest strength is its compassionate people. The Ørlandsplakaten (2026 Kick-Off) embodies an ecosystem of care and action—connecting community leaders from public and private sectors, including sports, military and volunteer in a united effort. 

This initiative also addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to guide and support young people in a digital world defined by smartphones and social media. This digital landscape is boundless, complex, and often beyond what adults can fully grasp. Yet in Ørland, adults are stepping forward with presence, guidance, and care—making it clear that children and youth are not left to navigate digital exposure on their own and are the most important priority.

A Shining Example

Ørland has already put strong measures in place: mobile-free schools and a policy of no smartphones for children under 13. These forward-thinking boundaries reflect an exceptional example of community leadership confronting modern challenges that previous generations never faced. The adults of Ørland recognize their essential role: to provide safety, emotional stability, and consistent presence for the next generation.

Ørland also stands as a shining example of unity and resilience. As the home of Ørland Main Air Station—operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force—the municipality plays a vital role for both Norway and NATO. Hosting the F-35A Lightning II fleet, AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters, and NATO exercises, Ørland symbolizes security, discipline, and community strength. Many young people connected to the base carry enormous responsibilities in service of their country, while also actively participating in the local community. 

A Night of Unity 

On Wednesday, August 27th, the Ørland Cultural Center came alive with the same spirit of mobilization and local warmth that defines the community. At the 2026 Kick-Off, Mayor Hallgeir Grøntvedt led a collective “Hallelujah” on behalf of the people—an uplifting affirmation of commitment. The mayor endorsed the initiative along with Municipal Director Marit Knutshaug Ervik, highlighting its importance for the entire community.

Margaret Aune, Head of the Ørland Volunteer Center, has been instrumental in rallying the entire municipality. Through brainstorming sessions, community discussions, joint meetings, and strategic planning, she has successfully engaged the whole municipality, sports organizations, volunteers, and the Armed Forces in this collective effort. Already, two key municipal leaders, Lise Flatnes (responsible for interagency collaboration) and Anna Lyngstad Aune (public health advisor), have since been allocated to guide the work forward. Their involvement ensures long-term impact and cross-sector collaboration. 

Other highlights of the evening included a motivating speech by Stig Inge Bjørnebye, one of Norway’s most accomplished footballers. Speaking directly to the youth in attendance, he shared that he had never taken drugs and had lived without social media platforms. He emphasized the value of inner motivation vs external validation and reminded the audience that setbacks, determination, and mental strength and awareness are the building blocks of true success.

Another key moment came during a panel discussion led by Inge Andersen (former Secretary General of the Norwegian Sports Federation and current Chairman of NTG). Joined by:

• Louise Mohn, Founder of Meteva Sport og Helse & NextGen Neighbor Network (NNN)

• Anders Solheim and Halvor Byfuglien, Anti-Doping Norway

• Atle Hamar, Lottery and Foundation Authority

Together, they discussed the role of sports in our society, the digital life of youth, the normalization of illegal behavior, and lack of boundaries in the escalating use of substances and drugs. 

NIPA

The following day, the National Sports Policy Arena (NIPA) took place. This is Norway’s premier forum for shaping the future of sport. Inge Andersen asked our founder, Louise Mohn, what it was like growing up in a family that gives such large financial gifts to Norwegian sports. 

"It’s a privilege, because you learn to get involved when someone both donates and actively engages and leads by example. Philanthropy is therefore in my DNA, and for that, I am eternally grateful. But with it comes a RESPONSIBILITY and a SERIOUS COMMITMENT when receiving such large gifts for sports. And here, the Norwegian Parliament has for years shown that they do not care about children and youth in sports. It’s a DISGRACE!" says Louise Mohn.

A Bluepint 

Ørland’s commitment to presence, compassion, and responsibility shows what can be achieved when a community unites for its youth. By combining clear boundaries, cross-sector collaboration, and the courage to confront digital challenges head-on, Ørland has built not only an ecosystem of care but also a blueprint for others.