The meaning of Dugnad is unpaid voluntary useful community work, the literal translation is "let's do it together". It started 5000 years ago where everyone does civic work to engage in community cleaning and repairing, after there is a celebration; this creates a strong sense of community.
Examples: fixing potholes, mow the common lawn, plant flowers in the community, arrange a local flea market. Also: help w/ kindergarten, decorate school, help w/ school soccer team or band.
With dugnad: no one to be worse off than before dugnad started.
Recall: Norway among poorest European countries at beginning of 20th century.
After dugnad, have a celebratory meal; get together to have cakes or waffles & have coffee.
- Get to know neighbors better, foster stronger community.
Dugnadsånd: spirit of will to work together for a better community.
In Oslo & urban settings: joint ownership of apartment building, have shared responsibilities.
Limits: no major work in government maintained areas.