On March 11, “Przewiew. 12 historii otwartych”, a collection of reportages on people who are changing their local reality, was published. The reportages tell about the Polish-American Freedom Foundation Leaders. The collection was published by Czytelnik Publishing House.
“The reporters say that good is not very attractive as a subject for a reportage, and it is most difficult to write about successful people. A group of Polish Reportage School graduates and Filip Springer, a lecturer at the School, took on that task and wrote about those who take matters into their hands and act for the benefit of other people. The result is a collection of 12 stories showing that it is worth making an effort. Even if you fail to achieve your goal, the most important is not to give up. Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes, as Oskar Wilde wrote. And there is no life without experience”, Mariusz Szczygieł, a reporter, an author
12 stories, 22 leaders, and 1 objective: looking for the way to build sustainable communities. These are stories on Paweł Grabowski – an oncologist of Warsaw who established the first hospice in a village in Podlasie region, and Marta Makuch – the vice mayor of Słupsk, an innovation and social entrepreneurship expert, and Barbara Zamożniewicz – the former Youth Advocate at the Marshal’s Office of Świętokrzyskie Province who made the region famous for its youth policy, among the others.
The reportages were written by Polish Reportage School graduates such as Jan Król, Kaja Poznańska, Filip Springer, Agata Romaniuk and Magda Roszkowska. Pictures were taken by Anna Bedyńska, the winner of Grand Press Photo 2017. It is the 2nd volume of reportages on “PAFF Leaders” Program alumni; the 1st volume, under “Tutaj drzwi trzeba otwierać powoli” (“Here you have to open the door slowly”) was published in 2013.
The stories tell about alumni of the “PAFF Leaders” Program, that celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. “That program gives real power, that comes from three sources. The first one is that you become aware of your potential; the second – that you meet other people who change reality in a way similar to yours; and the third – that you get a long-term support,” says Katarzyna Czayka-Chełmińska, President of the School of Leaders Foundation, for many years the Head of the Program.
“PAFF Leaders” is a one-year comprehensive development program offered to civil leaders. The participants take part in training and workshop sessions , debates, and meetings with inspiring guests. Supported by their tutors – experienced advisors – they work individually on their own development, and development of their communities. So far the program has been participated by over 700 people.
More information: Gabriela Jaguszewska, Communication and PR Specialist, the School of Leaders Foundation, tel.: 509-755-338
