Volunteering initiatives strengthen civil society in Poland

Recent events in Poland have highlighted the growing role of volunteering in building active civil societies and fostering intersectoral cooperation.

In Warsaw, the National Institute of Freedom – Center for Civil Society Development held its annual conference, ‘Volunteering builds an active society’. The event brought together nearly 600 participants, including volunteers, coordinators, and representatives from public institutions and social organizations. Discussions focused on motivating younger generations, sustaining volunteer engagement, and establishing partnership-based relationships between non-governmental organizations and local governments. A notable aspect of the conference was the presence of representatives from various ministries, signaling increased cooperation between the state and the social sector.

Simultaneously, the ‘W jak Wolontariat’ Local Intersectoral Forum was held in Kościerzyna, organized by the Up Foundation. The forum served as a platform for local government, business leaders, and NGOs to exchange experiences. Participants discussed how volunteering can bridge gaps between different sectors and contribute to the quality of life. Key contributors included local officials and representatives from various businesses and healthcare institutions, emphasizing the importance of social engagement in local community development.