It needs people. Those who take responsibility for their communities; who can identify a problem but don’t stop at diagnosing it; who organize others to act, build partnerships, seek solutions, and who don’t give up when change takes time.
For over two decades, the Polish-American Freedom Foundation has been supporting precisely such leaders through the “PAFF Leaders” program. The program is part of the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen civil society and develop local communities.
In June, we were able to observe this process from two perspectives at the same time.
On the one hand, there were 42 people embarking on their journey in the 22nd round of the „PAFF Leaders” program. On the other hand, there were alumni of previous rounds gathering for the program’s annual community reunion.
These are two different moments. But they tell the same story — the story of people who want to work for the benefit of others.
During the inauguration of the 22nd round, participants had just one minute to introduce themselves and share their stories. Behind each of those minutes, however, lay years of experience, local initiatives, civic engagement, and a sense of responsibility for the places they live and work at.
It is precisely with this meeting that the program begins—by getting to know the people, their motivations, challenges, and dreams of change.
The participants were welcomed by Agnieszka Szelągowska, Head of the „PAFF Leaders” program, who introduced them to the first day of their shared journey. Next, Agnieszka Wojnarowska-Śmietana spoke about the program’s objectives, structure, and opportunities for growth, inviting the new group to join a process that, over the coming months, will require both commitment and a willingness to reflect on their own leadership.
Radosław Jasiński, Program Director of Polish-American Freedom Foundation, emphasized the particular role of the „PAFF Leaders” program in fulfilling the mission of the Foundation. For over two decades, the program has been supporting individuals who work for the benefit of their communities, fostering cooperation, and strengthening civil society.
He also spoke about the extraordinary role of those who shape civil society.
For today, leaders are found wherever commitment, cooperation, and responsibility are needed — in social organizations, local governments, schools, cultural institutions, informal groups, and local initiatives.
In turn, Mirosław Czyżewski, PAFF Program Officer, invited participants to explore the world of values upon which the Foundation’s activities are based. He spoke about trust, responsibility, cooperation, and courage—values that have guided the Foundation for years in fulfilling its mission of supporting civic engagement.
At the same time, just a day later, during the „PAFF Leaders” program Reunion, you could see where this path leads.
Alumni from various cohorts of the program got together — people active in small towns and large cities, working in education, culture, civil society organizations, business, and public administration.
They discussed a world that is changing faster than ever before:
- Global processes influencing local decisions,
- The responsibility of leaders in times of uncertainty,
- How to maintain agency in a reality full of change.
This was the focus of meetings with Agnieszka Lichnerowicz, Prof. Witold Orłowski, Editor Zbigniew Parafianowicz, and Dr. Barbara Zych.
Just as important as the expert discussions was something else: the meeting of people who understand what it means to be responsible for others — who understand the challenges of local action—and who are able to support, inspire, and learn from one another.
During the Reunion, the participants of the 21st round of the program officially joined the alumni community. This is a symbolic moment. A year of intensive work is coming to an end, but the community endures.
One of the greatest values of the „PAFF Leaders” program is not solely the skills acquired during workshops, tutoring sessions, or meetings. It is relationships.
Relationships that often last for years. That is precisely why the „PAFF Leaders” program is more than just a development program. It is a community of people who believe that change begins locally, but its significance extends far beyond the places where they live and work.
And the civil society is built precisely through such encounters, relationships, and actions taken every day by people willing to take responsibility for the common good.
