As we close another year, we reflect on the progress made in supporting civil society. During the 2024 we have continued collaboration with coalitions and network dedicated to causes like intercultural dialogue, climate adaptation in Polish cities, protecting the independence of the Ombudsman Office, education reform, and incorporating ecological river restoration policies into political agendas.
Who Do We Support?
Through the Central Europe Civic Engagement Project (CECEP), we provide support to selected civic coalitions in Poland to enhance their potential and capabilities.
In 2024, we collaborated with the following coalitions:
• Rescue Action for Kraków (Akcja Ratunkowa dla Krakowa)
• Save the Rivers Coalition (Koalicja Ratujmy Rzeki)
• Łódź of Diversity (Łódź Różnorodności)
• Our Ombudsman Initiative (Inicjatywa ‘Nasz Rzecznik’)
• SOS for Education (SOS dla Edukacji)
What Changes Do Poles Expect?
To effectively support organizations, we conducted a study on public expectations regarding key social issues, including:
• Education
• Rights of marginalized groups
• Preservation of rivers and urban greenery
• Combating discrimination and supporting refugees
The study also explored effective ways to reach diverse audiences. YouTube and TikTok emerged as a key platforms for engaging individuals who are skeptical about these issues. We recommended that CSOs use these channels to target undecided or unconvinced audiences.
The report, authored by Dr. Sonia Horonziak and Filip Pazderski from the Institute of Public Affairs in collaboration with Dr. Hab. Bartłomiej Walczak from the University of Warsaw, is titled "Time for Changes: What Poles Expect on Selected Social Issues and How to Reach the Undecided" and can be accessed online.
How to Communicate Effectively?
Representatives from selected coalitions participated in workshops on different topics such as: team conflict resolution and the principles of group dynamics. The aim was to improve collaboration within teams and across coalitions, often comprising dozens of organizations. The workshops were guided by psychologist and anti-discrimination trainer Dominika Cieślikowska.
Good internal cooperation enhances the chances of effectively reaching target audiences. Additional workshops led by Andrzej Maciejewski (coach and mentor) and Marek Wójcicki (journalist and media trainer) focused on public speaking and on-camera presentation skills.
How Can We Support Each Other?
A cornerstone of CECEP is creating space for experience-sharing among activists, organizations, and experts working to strengthen civil society.
Key initiatives in 2024 included:
• A March study visit involving Hungarian activists advocating for Roma rights, women’s rights, and disability rights. Alongside Polish organizations, they exchanged advocacy strategies and shared methods for engaging decision-makers.
• In June, at the 9th National Forum of Non-Governmental Initiatives, coalition representatives showcased outcomes from CECEP initiatives, such as the Civic Pact for Education, the Mental Health Manifesto, and the City Parliamentary Agenda.
• The annual Central Europe Civic Forum brought over 50 activists to Warsaw to discuss the state of democracy, challenges like corruption, and strategies for ensuring organizational stability amidst economic and political uncertainties.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The coming year holds exciting developments:
• We are onboarding new coalitions of social organizations—details coming soon!
• New workshops and training programs on social dialogue, communication, and community action are in the pipeline.
• In January, we will release a report on the attitudes of Polish youth (ages 16–29) towards democracy, social issues, and civic engagement.
We look forward to another year of impactful actions to strengthen civil society in Poland!
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Central Europe Civic Engagement Project is implemented by the Institute of Public Affairs in cooperation with the National Democratic Institute and with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to promote participatory processes and collective action to reinforce democracy in Central and Eastern Europe.
