The Watchdog Network is much broader than just people in the office and experts. We are open and cooperate with everybody who supports our ideas. Some people commit a lot of time and effort to promote and introduce openness in Poland. We encourage them to present themselves. Here are those who did it – be it Members, or Openness Advocates, Activists, Ambassadors, Volunteers or Employees.
I have been involved in putting the mission of our organisation into practice for many years, which results in people using the rights entitled to them to enact change in public institutions; thereby increasing their responsibility for the common good, the feeling of public service and openness. In 2003 I co-founded and then from 2010 led, as its president, Civil Network Watchdog Poland. I am currently Programming Director and Vice-President.
Prior to Civil Network I was active in other organisations, public institutions and employers associations. I graduated from the Institute of Sociology at Warsaw University as well as in postgraduate European studies from Birmingham University, Great Britain. I am a member of Ashoka – an organisation of social entrepreneurs working for the public good and have received the Order of Polonia Restituta from the President of Poland.
Publications:
Batko-Tołuć K., Public Information Bulletin in Non-Governmental Organisations. Argument for Discussion no.7, Association of Social Dialogue, Warsaw, 2008.
Batko-Tołuć K., Conflict of Interest on the Local Level in Poland in Conflict of Interest in Central and Eastern Europe, Burdziej S., Szalacha J., Nicolas Copernicus University, Toruń, 2011
Batko-Tołuć K., Are Politicians really Tackling Corruption? How the Anti-Corruption Non-Governmental Organisation has been looking for Answers to this Question for Ten Years, Stefan Batory Foundation, Warsaw, 2012
Batko-Tołuć K., Osowski Sz., The Library and Self-Government – Legal Possibilities., Assessing the Library. How to Effectively Run an Advisory Service, Programme of Library Development, Warsaw, 2012
Batko-Tołuć K. A Conflict of Interests, FederalistKa (3) Warsaw, 2010
Batko-Tołuć K, Osowski S., Local & Regional Media – Unresolved Problems, New Challenges, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Warsaw, 2013
Batko-Tołuć K. The Supreme Chamber of Control, monitoring report, Institute of Public Affairs, 2012
Batko-Tołuć K., Bottom-up Civil Initiatives in the Sphere of Social Control, Civil Participation. From Theory to Social Practice, ed. Anna Giza and Anna Przybylska. Scholar, 2014
Batko-Tołuć K., Izdebski K., Watchdog Organisations in Poland. The Current Situation, Challenges and Perspectives, Institute of Public Affairs, 2012
+48 667 82 84 84
I have been involved in putting the mission of our organisation into practice for many years, which results in people using the rights entitled to them to enact change in public institutions; thereby increasing their responsibility for the common good, the feeling of public service and openness. In 2003 I co-founded and then from 2010 led, as its president, Civil Network Watchdog Poland. I am currently Programming Director and Vice-President.
Prior to Civil Network I was active in other organisations, public institutions and employers associations. I graduated from the Institute of Sociology at Warsaw University as well as in postgraduate European studies from Birmingham University, Great Britain. I am a member of Ashoka – an organisation of social entrepreneurs working for the public good and have received the Order of Polonia Restituta from the President of Poland.
Publications:
Batko-Tołuć K., Public Information Bulletin in Non-Governmental Organisations. Argument for Discussion no.7, Association of Social Dialogue, Warsaw, 2008.
Batko-Tołuć K., Conflict of Interest on the Local Level in Poland in Conflict of Interest in Central and Eastern Europe, Burdziej S., Szalacha J., Nicolas Copernicus University, Toruń, 2011
Batko-Tołuć K., Are Politicians really Tackling Corruption? How the Anti-Corruption Non-Governmental Organisation has been looking for Answers to this Question for Ten Years, Stefan Batory Foundation, Warsaw, 2012
Batko-Tołuć K., Osowski Sz., The Library and Self-Government – Legal Possibilities., Assessing the Library. How to Effectively Run an Advisory Service, Programme of Library Development, Warsaw, 2012
Batko-Tołuć K. A Conflict of Interests, FederalistKa (3) Warsaw, 2010
Batko-Tołuć K, Osowski S., Local & Regional Media – Unresolved Problems, New Challenges, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Warsaw, 2013
Batko-Tołuć K. The Supreme Chamber of Control, monitoring report, Institute of Public Affairs, 2012
Batko-Tołuć K., Bottom-up Civil Initiatives in the Sphere of Social Control, Civil Participation. From Theory to Social Practice, ed. Anna Giza and Anna Przybylska. Scholar, 2014
Batko-Tołuć K., Izdebski K., Watchdog Organisations in Poland. The Current Situation, Challenges and Perspectives, Institute of Public Affairs, 2012
+48 667 82 84 84
I live in the rural municipality of Poświętne. It consists of 28 villages. But investments are only made in the biggest ones- those that contain most voters. But even there it’s not done very vigorously. All the villages have basic needs that need to be satisfied – roads, lighting, melioration, communication, waterworks, sewerage. Before last elections there were efforts to construct waterworks in two villages. Two villages every 4 years that gives us 56 years before something changes. In our village – Czubajowizna – neither the village chief nor the councillor are very effective in their efforts. The latter one is dependent on the head of the municipality, as the vice president of a cooperative which receives service orders from the municipal authorities.
People have to start becoming involved in the actions of the municipal authorities, but also learn how to work effectively and achieve what is important to them. We had this old building in our village, and a local association wanted to take it over for their own activities. Unfortunately the mayor prevented this. The building remains abandoned to this day. Soon it was robbed and in a couple of years it will fall into complete ruin. Meanwhile the municipal authorities built a playground, located in a forest which is quite far away from anyone who would want to use it. We were informed about the construction of the playground only after the local office of authority completed the project. That’s their style of governing the place, grassroots initiatives are strangled while the authorities play Santa Claus when they see fit. This has to change.
I live in the rural municipality of Poświętne. It consists of 28 villages. But investments are only made in the biggest ones- those that contain most voters. But even there it’s not done very vigorously. All the villages have basic needs that need to be satisfied – roads, lighting, melioration, communication, waterworks, sewerage. Before last elections there were efforts to construct waterworks in two villages. Two villages every 4 years that gives us 56 years before something changes. In our village – Czubajowizna – neither the village chief nor the councillor are very effective in their efforts. The latter one is dependent on the head of the municipality, as the vice president of a cooperative which receives service orders from the municipal authorities.
People have to start becoming involved in the actions of the municipal authorities, but also learn how to work effectively and achieve what is important to them. We had this old building in our village, and a local association wanted to take it over for their own activities. Unfortunately the mayor prevented this. The building remains abandoned to this day. Soon it was robbed and in a couple of years it will fall into complete ruin. Meanwhile the municipal authorities built a playground, located in a forest which is quite far away from anyone who would want to use it. We were informed about the construction of the playground only after the local office of authority completed the project. That’s their style of governing the place, grassroots initiatives are strangled while the authorities play Santa Claus when they see fit. This has to change.
I first got involved in the work of Civil Network Watchdog Poland while still at secondary school. I am currently an IT student. I have always been interested in information, looking up and checking its reliability. I am an autodidact – the majority of my knowledge, including legal I have taken from the Internet. Being in contact with the Network has allowed me to sort out many issues and get to know many different people who think in a similar way to me and inspire me to action.
Within the organisation my function is the safety of information. I programme some of our tools, e.g. a system for managing counselling, one for filling out petitions and another for data mining. In the future I hope to grow a whole team of people strengthening our mission through Internet applications.
In 2014 I took part in two important events: IT4Change in Berlin and Code for Freedom in Gdansk. I am actively working and supporting citizens through the initiative of the Public Register of Contracts at https://www.facebook.com/PublicznyRejestrUmow.
I first got involved in the work of Civil Network Watchdog Poland while still at secondary school. I am currently an IT student. I have always been interested in information, looking up and checking its reliability. I am an autodidact – the majority of my knowledge, including legal I have taken from the Internet. Being in contact with the Network has allowed me to sort out many issues and get to know many different people who think in a similar way to me and inspire me to action.
Within the organisation my function is the safety of information. I programme some of our tools, e.g. a system for managing counselling, one for filling out petitions and another for data mining. In the future I hope to grow a whole team of people strengthening our mission through Internet applications.
In 2014 I took part in two important events: IT4Change in Berlin and Code for Freedom in Gdansk. I am actively working and supporting citizens through the initiative of the Public Register of Contracts at https://www.facebook.com/PublicznyRejestrUmow.
In Poland there is a huge gap between the authorities and the citizens. People don’t know what decisions are made in their name, what money is spent where etc. – they are deprived of a sense of influence and self-agency. That is why they do not participate in the process of decision making. The purpose of transparency, is to remind the authorities that they are employed by the citizens, while it makes the citizens aware, that they shouldn’t be afraid of the authorities.
I work for the Foundation for Positive Change in Bielsko-Biała. We are involved in fighting against violence directed towards women. We check how the aid system functions and we make sure it works effectively, in the whole province of Silesia. People who are in a difficult spot in their lives aren’t capable of making such changes for themselves. We check how prosecution offices and courts function and we encourage other people to take part in our monitoring activities. We also take part in civic consultations. If anyone would be interested in how such system should work I am happy to share my experiences.
We are also partly an aid organization. We provide psychological help and legal counsel for those affected by violence. Personally I run quite a lot of workshops for young people – they focus on civic activity, on how to change our reality and how to run social campaigns. I am happy to help in these fields as well.
+48 608 50 00 24
In Poland there is a huge gap between the authorities and the citizens. People don’t know what decisions are made in their name, what money is spent where etc. – they are deprived of a sense of influence and self-agency. That is why they do not participate in the process of decision making. The purpose of transparency, is to remind the authorities that they are employed by the citizens, while it makes the citizens aware, that they shouldn’t be afraid of the authorities.
I work for the Foundation for Positive Change in Bielsko-Biała. We are involved in fighting against violence directed towards women. We check how the aid system functions and we make sure it works effectively, in the whole province of Silesia. People who are in a difficult spot in their lives aren’t capable of making such changes for themselves. We check how prosecution offices and courts function and we encourage other people to take part in our monitoring activities. We also take part in civic consultations. If anyone would be interested in how such system should work I am happy to share my experiences.
We are also partly an aid organization. We provide psychological help and legal counsel for those affected by violence. Personally I run quite a lot of workshops for young people – they focus on civic activity, on how to change our reality and how to run social campaigns. I am happy to help in these fields as well.
+48 608 50 00 24
She has an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the right to information. She works at the Stanczyk Foundation in Krakow and organizes trainings connected to the access to public information. Anna is eager to help in this scope.
Her favourite part of the job is meeting up with people. You can ask her about methods of performing watchdogging activities, the fundaments of self-governance law in Poland, fundaments of social participation, civic consultations and all matters connected with outside communication (promotion, outside communication, contact with journalists, social media, PR for NGOs). She also has experience in social marketing and is familiar with the Public Benefit and Volunteer Work Act.
She is a co-worker of the Civic Lab Association.
She has an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the right to information. She works at the Stanczyk Foundation in Krakow and organizes trainings connected to the access to public information. Anna is eager to help in this scope.
Her favourite part of the job is meeting up with people. You can ask her about methods of performing watchdogging activities, the fundaments of self-governance law in Poland, fundaments of social participation, civic consultations and all matters connected with outside communication (promotion, outside communication, contact with journalists, social media, PR for NGOs). She also has experience in social marketing and is familiar with the Public Benefit and Volunteer Work Act.
She is a co-worker of the Civic Lab Association.
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My adventure with watchdogging and transparency begun with monitoring of “cork funds” (part of municipal budget connected with alcoholism prevention) in Otwock. During our study we came to realize, that it is not clear how financial resources are spent exactly. I started wondering whether this issue is common to the whole budget and I decided to take a closer look at the self-governance authorities.
To me, the rights to information and transparency are elements of freedom. In democratic countries it should look like this – I pay my taxes, but the state takes care of me in return. Therefore I have the right to see, how it performs its duties. If I feel something is going wrong, I have the right to intervene. Apart from this I engage in the work of the Pro Homini Foundation in Otwock. We work with people who are threatened by social exclusion. Lack of information is one of the roots of the problem, so that is why I want to work on this subject.
My adventure with watchdogging and transparency begun with monitoring of “cork funds” (part of municipal budget connected with alcoholism prevention) in Otwock. During our study we came to realize, that it is not clear how financial resources are spent exactly. I started wondering whether this issue is common to the whole budget and I decided to take a closer look at the self-governance authorities.
To me, the rights to information and transparency are elements of freedom. In democratic countries it should look like this – I pay my taxes, but the state takes care of me in return. Therefore I have the right to see, how it performs its duties. If I feel something is going wrong, I have the right to intervene. Apart from this I engage in the work of the Pro Homini Foundation in Otwock. We work with people who are threatened by social exclusion. Lack of information is one of the roots of the problem, so that is why I want to work on this subject.
I work as a journalist for the local weekly newspaper “Gazeta Jarocińska” and for the internet portal www.jarocinska.pl. Apart from that I run my own blog www.LepszyJarocin.blogspot.com (Better Jarocin) where I describe my latest activities, publish scans of petitions which I submit to various institutions and their answers. I operate mainly in the Jarocin municipality and some neighbouring ones. I am mostly interested in access to public information on a self-government level, but sometimes I also send enquiries to ministries. I am also interested in the issue of building civic budgets and consulting them with citizens (I have petitioned to such budget once and managed to run a successful campaign backing my project through social media).
I am an IT technician and I work as a mobile advisor, helping non-governmental organisations with their IT problems. I am glad to assist them with utilizing new technologies for promoting access to information, for the sake of transparency of public life.
I’ve also performed a monitoring of the so called ‘cork fund’ (part of municipal budget connected with alcoholism prevention) in the municipality of Jarocin, during which I learnt a lot about the regulations of passing municipal programs, for dealing with alcohol dependency, spending public money on preventive measures, the operations of the Committee on resolving dependency related problems and the confrontation of local regulations, with the recommendations of the State Agency for Prevention of Alcohol Related Problems.
I have quite a few of bigger or smaller achievements under my belt, but not all of my actions end up successfully. Sometimes it is very frustrating, when one has to spend a lot of time and energy to resolve some minor issue. That was the case, when the councillors of the Jarocin City Council bought tablets with specific software for roll-call voting. The councillors didn’t want to jump the gun though and opted against roll-call votes claiming, that the citizens are not interested in this anyways. Only after my publications in local media, did the councillors change their stance on this matter, admitting that they have nothing to hide. Thanks to my efforts, the municipality of Nowe Miasto enacted a program for resolving the issue of homeless animals in the area. It’s worth noting that such program was not being supported before, even though the municipality was obliged to do so. Because of this negligence, a wounded dog would’ve been left to its own fate, if not for a high school student who took care of him. I also often become involved in resolving domestic violence issues.
Many people in my area know, that I find the issue of transparency of local authorities very important, therefore they contact me asking for advice on how to access information.
Since 2015 I’ve been a member of Citizen’s Network – Watchdog Poland and I’ve taken part in the educational series for the Advocates for Transparency organized along with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
I am always eager to help with all of the above listed issues. I am able to organize a lecture, or lead a workshop for a larger group too.
+48 791 738 787
I work as a journalist for the local weekly newspaper “Gazeta Jarocińska” and for the internet portal www.jarocinska.pl. Apart from that I run my own blog www.LepszyJarocin.blogspot.com (Better Jarocin) where I describe my latest activities, publish scans of petitions which I submit to various institutions and their answers. I operate mainly in the Jarocin municipality and some neighbouring ones. I am mostly interested in access to public information on a self-government level, but sometimes I also send enquiries to ministries. I am also interested in the issue of building civic budgets and consulting them with citizens (I have petitioned to such budget once and managed to run a successful campaign backing my project through social media).
I am an IT technician and I work as a mobile advisor, helping non-governmental organisations with their IT problems. I am glad to assist them with utilizing new technologies for promoting access to information, for the sake of transparency of public life.
I’ve also performed a monitoring of the so called ‘cork fund’ (part of municipal budget connected with alcoholism prevention) in the municipality of Jarocin, during which I learnt a lot about the regulations of passing municipal programs, for dealing with alcohol dependency, spending public money on preventive measures, the operations of the Committee on resolving dependency related problems and the confrontation of local regulations, with the recommendations of the State Agency for Prevention of Alcohol Related Problems.
I have quite a few of bigger or smaller achievements under my belt, but not all of my actions end up successfully. Sometimes it is very frustrating, when one has to spend a lot of time and energy to resolve some minor issue. That was the case, when the councillors of the Jarocin City Council bought tablets with specific software for roll-call voting. The councillors didn’t want to jump the gun though and opted against roll-call votes claiming, that the citizens are not interested in this anyways. Only after my publications in local media, did the councillors change their stance on this matter, admitting that they have nothing to hide. Thanks to my efforts, the municipality of Nowe Miasto enacted a program for resolving the issue of homeless animals in the area. It’s worth noting that such program was not being supported before, even though the municipality was obliged to do so. Because of this negligence, a wounded dog would’ve been left to its own fate, if not for a high school student who took care of him. I also often become involved in resolving domestic violence issues.
Many people in my area know, that I find the issue of transparency of local authorities very important, therefore they contact me asking for advice on how to access information.
Since 2015 I’ve been a member of Citizen’s Network – Watchdog Poland and I’ve taken part in the educational series for the Advocates for Transparency organized along with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
I am always eager to help with all of the above listed issues. I am able to organize a lecture, or lead a workshop for a larger group too.
+48 791 738 787
My father was claiming that we are a part of the world and therefore we should be interested in what happens around us. My interest is focused on local community and self-government. Not only because it is the closest to people but also because this is where the rule of law starts.
In 2010, I was one of the initiators of referendum concerning Pilsudski’s square in Lubartów, where I live. The authorities wanted to sell it to the developer. Along with a group of local residents we also managed to convince the authorities to organize consultations regarding localization of the waste management investment.
I am one of the activists running the service on activity of councilors in Lubartów http://lubartow.mamprawowiedziec.pl/
I advocate for more proactive information in the Public Information Bulletin in Lubartów. Thanks to my efforts the minutes of city council meetings, the recordings of such meetings and register of contracts are available on line
In 2014, I was awarded by President of Poland for my efforts in encouraging people to take part in elections. In 2015, I won a prize for a text on petition. The contest was organized by the Chancellery of Senate and the Institute for Public Affairs.
My father was claiming that we are a part of the world and therefore we should be interested in what happens around us. My interest is focused on local community and self-government. Not only because it is the closest to people but also because this is where the rule of law starts.
In 2010, I was one of the initiators of referendum concerning Pilsudski’s square in Lubartów, where I live. The authorities wanted to sell it to the developer. Along with a group of local residents we also managed to convince the authorities to organize consultations regarding localization of the waste management investment.
I am one of the activists running the service on activity of councilors in Lubartów http://lubartow.mamprawowiedziec.pl/
I advocate for more proactive information in the Public Information Bulletin in Lubartów. Thanks to my efforts the minutes of city council meetings, the recordings of such meetings and register of contracts are available on line
In 2014, I was awarded by President of Poland for my efforts in encouraging people to take part in elections. In 2015, I won a prize for a text on petition. The contest was organized by the Chancellery of Senate and the Institute for Public Affairs.
My educational background is in sociology so research and the systematic collation of knowledge has always interested me. That is why, in Civil Network Watchdog Poland, I am involved in collecting information about what is happening in both watchdog organisations and informal initiatives.
I am most proud of the changes to our new, up-to-date and state-of-the-art website, www. watchdogportal.pl, as well as preparing a management data base for Civil Network Watchdog Poland which should ease our contact with you. I also have the feeling that the changes I have initiated are reflected in the way lots of other watchdog organisations communicate too. I therefore feel I have had a hand in influencing social change in Poland and this is a source of satisfaction in my work.
My work in the organisation is to understand your needs and determine the scope of our co-operation in getting you involved in building openness in Poland. I am actively looking for contacts amongst you but you are more than welcome to write or phone me too.
+48 22 844 73 55
My educational background is in sociology so research and the systematic collation of knowledge has always interested me. That is why, in Civil Network Watchdog Poland, I am involved in collecting information about what is happening in both watchdog organisations and informal initiatives.
I am most proud of the changes to our new, up-to-date and state-of-the-art website, www. watchdogportal.pl, as well as preparing a management data base for Civil Network Watchdog Poland which should ease our contact with you. I also have the feeling that the changes I have initiated are reflected in the way lots of other watchdog organisations communicate too. I therefore feel I have had a hand in influencing social change in Poland and this is a source of satisfaction in my work.
My work in the organisation is to understand your needs and determine the scope of our co-operation in getting you involved in building openness in Poland. I am actively looking for contacts amongst you but you are more than welcome to write or phone me too.
+48 22 844 73 55
In this modern era of computerization he undertakes actions in the entire country and not only his municipality. An avid fan of electronic signatures, as well as the computerization of activities of entities performing public tasks. He likes to exercise his right to public information and he is willing to help others use it too. He can advise how to submit an application to the municipal council, how to write a complaint and how to prepare an appeal.
In this modern era of computerization he undertakes actions in the entire country and not only his municipality. An avid fan of electronic signatures, as well as the computerization of activities of entities performing public tasks. He likes to exercise his right to public information and he is willing to help others use it too. He can advise how to submit an application to the municipal council, how to write a complaint and how to prepare an appeal.
For many years I was the organisation’s representative in cases defending the public interest and helped hundreds of people all over Poland in exercising the right to information as well as other rights available to them to influence government. I wrote positions and opinions for the Association in the process of constituting law as well as meeting activists from around the country. I was awarded the Silver Medal of Service by the Polish President for this work.
I am currently involved in legal analysis, preparing expert analysis and scientific development. I am a member of the Civil Legislation Forum in the Stefan Batory Foundation – an expert body working with activists for transparent legal process in Poland.
For many years I was the organisation’s representative in cases defending the public interest and helped hundreds of people all over Poland in exercising the right to information as well as other rights available to them to influence government. I wrote positions and opinions for the Association in the process of constituting law as well as meeting activists from around the country. I was awarded the Silver Medal of Service by the Polish President for this work.
I am currently involved in legal analysis, preparing expert analysis and scientific development. I am a member of the Civil Legislation Forum in the Stefan Batory Foundation – an expert body working with activists for transparent legal process in Poland.
Poland is still firmly anchored in the post-partitioning mindset. In the east part of the country there is a strong belief that authority is all-powerful, and that we shouldn’t mess with it. It will do whatever it wants, it’s better to just stay quiet and mind our own business.
This causes certain social relationships to emerge, which in time lead to extremes. In our Sejny county, not meddling with the authorities led to persecution of people who did not agree with the authorities, attempts of depriving people of their property, non-consulted decisions regarding the location of wind power stations and many other pathological situations. Right now we are in the process of trying to reinstate basic rights, which are obviously due to all citizens.
Up until recently, office workers in Great Britain signed their return letters to petitioners with the phrase “Your humble servant”. Obviously this is just a polite expression, but nonetheless it describes quite adequately, the real reason behind the functions performed by office workers and councillors. Until they understand that their job is serving the citizens and not politicizing, or managing their own business, my hands will remain full of work.
662 180 340
Poland is still firmly anchored in the post-partitioning mindset. In the east part of the country there is a strong belief that authority is all-powerful, and that we shouldn’t mess with it. It will do whatever it wants, it’s better to just stay quiet and mind our own business.
This causes certain social relationships to emerge, which in time lead to extremes. In our Sejny county, not meddling with the authorities led to persecution of people who did not agree with the authorities, attempts of depriving people of their property, non-consulted decisions regarding the location of wind power stations and many other pathological situations. Right now we are in the process of trying to reinstate basic rights, which are obviously due to all citizens.
Up until recently, office workers in Great Britain signed their return letters to petitioners with the phrase “Your humble servant”. Obviously this is just a polite expression, but nonetheless it describes quite adequately, the real reason behind the functions performed by office workers and councillors. Until they understand that their job is serving the citizens and not politicizing, or managing their own business, my hands will remain full of work.
662 180 340
Transparency leads to awareness. Awareness allows us to make choices. I am obsessed with freedom and equality of rights – especially for those, who can’t fight for them themselves. I am a member of a parent board and I always hoped, that this entity will make decisions irrespectively of the School Head’s expectations. I am interested in the fate of homeless animals. I want the financial resources to prevent this problem to be managed wisely.
I started to become involved with the issue of transparency, when I first tried finding out what rights I have and how can I gather information. Taking over and selling a school building, to which one of my kids was attending at the time, was a very direct impulse. I started thinking why did this happen and what could have been done about it. What I’ve learnt through that situation, I now try to apply to the subjects that I mentioned earlier.
+48 883 174 557
Transparency leads to awareness. Awareness allows us to make choices. I am obsessed with freedom and equality of rights – especially for those, who can’t fight for them themselves. I am a member of a parent board and I always hoped, that this entity will make decisions irrespectively of the School Head’s expectations. I am interested in the fate of homeless animals. I want the financial resources to prevent this problem to be managed wisely.
I started to become involved with the issue of transparency, when I first tried finding out what rights I have and how can I gather information. Taking over and selling a school building, to which one of my kids was attending at the time, was a very direct impulse. I started thinking why did this happen and what could have been done about it. What I’ve learnt through that situation, I now try to apply to the subjects that I mentioned earlier.
+48 883 174 557
Normally I work in Lublin, in the Homo Faber Association. We deal with human rights on a local level. For us, the most important aspect is to implement concrete solutions towards offices, schools, infrastructure and services. So that the rights of citizens of Lublin are respected, their needs noticed and accommodated, regardless of their sex, creed, their disabilities, beliefs, skin colour, ethnical or social background and sexual orientation.
My activity in Homo Faber is largely connected to civic control. I took part in monitoring foreign residents in Lublin and monitoring the Lublin City Council itself. These experiences, gathered over several years, helped me to become acquainted with the structures of local administration and meet with the workers of Lublin’s offices. Thanks to this I know a lot about the competences of particular employees of organisational units and their experience in this subject – I know who to contact, when trying to make our work most efficient.
I started to work in Citizen’s Network Watchdog Poland gradually. My first experience was the “On Watch” course. Very useful in my local activity. In 2015 I was already a coordinator of the program. I know how to prepare an advocacy strategy, or how to influence the authorities.
I’ve learnt a great deal about access to public information in Poland, thanks to trainings organised by the Watchdog Network. I can tutor all people, who are interested in learning the basics of: searching for information, choosing the right method, who holds the information, where to address an application for access to public information, how to make an enquiry more to the point and what to do, when there is no answer. I have been a co-creator of the Public Information Bulletin in Homo Faber. I participate in a mailing list regarding access to public information, thus learning from experiences of other people in Poland.
The achievement I am most proud of, is preparing a movie on engaging people in watchdogging activities with the Homo Faber team.
Normally I work in Lublin, in the Homo Faber Association. We deal with human rights on a local level. For us, the most important aspect is to implement concrete solutions towards offices, schools, infrastructure and services. So that the rights of citizens of Lublin are respected, their needs noticed and accommodated, regardless of their sex, creed, their disabilities, beliefs, skin colour, ethnical or social background and sexual orientation.
My activity in Homo Faber is largely connected to civic control. I took part in monitoring foreign residents in Lublin and monitoring the Lublin City Council itself. These experiences, gathered over several years, helped me to become acquainted with the structures of local administration and meet with the workers of Lublin’s offices. Thanks to this I know a lot about the competences of particular employees of organisational units and their experience in this subject – I know who to contact, when trying to make our work most efficient.
I started to work in Citizen’s Network Watchdog Poland gradually. My first experience was the “On Watch” course. Very useful in my local activity. In 2015 I was already a coordinator of the program. I know how to prepare an advocacy strategy, or how to influence the authorities.
I’ve learnt a great deal about access to public information in Poland, thanks to trainings organised by the Watchdog Network. I can tutor all people, who are interested in learning the basics of: searching for information, choosing the right method, who holds the information, where to address an application for access to public information, how to make an enquiry more to the point and what to do, when there is no answer. I have been a co-creator of the Public Information Bulletin in Homo Faber. I participate in a mailing list regarding access to public information, thus learning from experiences of other people in Poland.
The achievement I am most proud of, is preparing a movie on engaging people in watchdogging activities with the Homo Faber team.
He has a large experience in working with ecological organisations (access to environmental information). He is an expert in practicing the right to public information. With provided accommodation – he can go anywhere and organise a training. He sometimes submits a FOI request in the name of an interested person.
According to him, the village fund, as an effect of decisions made during a village assembly is – apart from a referendum – the only tool of direct democracy available in Poland. He has general knowledge on this subject and he is willing to share it. He also has a lot of experience in strategies of influencing the authorities and initiating change.
He has a large experience in working with ecological organisations (access to environmental information). He is an expert in practicing the right to public information. With provided accommodation – he can go anywhere and organise a training. He sometimes submits a FOI request in the name of an interested person.
According to him, the village fund, as an effect of decisions made during a village assembly is – apart from a referendum – the only tool of direct democracy available in Poland. He has general knowledge on this subject and he is willing to share it. He also has a lot of experience in strategies of influencing the authorities and initiating change.
Working with the Stanczyk Foundation for many years, he knows a lot about the right to information and legal resolutions, which can influence the authorities – he is willing to help in these matters. He is also interested in open data, obligatory Public Information Bulletins and conflicts of interest.
Working with the Stanczyk Foundation for many years, he knows a lot about the right to information and legal resolutions, which can influence the authorities – he is willing to help in these matters. He is also interested in open data, obligatory Public Information Bulletins and conflicts of interest.
I am a lawyer and have always believed that the law should serve people. I was already involved in various initiatives while at school where we had to solve problems autonomously. Such independence of thought and its accompanying resourcefulness, I reckon is an essential life skill. At the same time however, I am convinced that public authorities play an important role in supporting the development of civil power. Depending on the attitude they present, they can create or hinder the forces of civil power. I care enough to do something about it and this became my life’s mission.
I started in Civil Network Watchdog Poland at the beginning of 2007. I had the pleasure to build one of our main programmes focused on access to public information: www.informacjapubliczna.org. In 2010 I was selected as President of the Board. My work consists of seeing how laws are drafted in the fields of openness and civil rights, preparing court cases, contact with people from all over Poland, gathering knowledge and running the organisation.
I have been recognised for my work many times. In 2014 I received the Medal of Service from the President of Poland and since 2012 my name has appeared (along with the organisation I head) in Dziennik Gazeta Prawna’s [a legal daily] in a league table of the most influential lawyers (30th, 12th, 9th and 14th).
Both graduating from the School of Human Rights of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and the School for Trainers of Non-Governmental Organisations have been crucial in developing my knowledge and skills. In addition to that, my work in the field in my hometown of Szczecin has proved invaluable.
I am a lawyer and have always believed that the law should serve people. I was already involved in various initiatives while at school where we had to solve problems autonomously. Such independence of thought and its accompanying resourcefulness, I reckon is an essential life skill. At the same time however, I am convinced that public authorities play an important role in supporting the development of civil power. Depending on the attitude they present, they can create or hinder the forces of civil power. I care enough to do something about it and this became my life’s mission.
I started in Civil Network Watchdog Poland at the beginning of 2007. I had the pleasure to build one of our main programmes focused on access to public information: www.informacjapubliczna.org. In 2010 I was selected as President of the Board. My work consists of seeing how laws are drafted in the fields of openness and civil rights, preparing court cases, contact with people from all over Poland, gathering knowledge and running the organisation.
I have been recognised for my work many times. In 2014 I received the Medal of Service from the President of Poland and since 2012 my name has appeared (along with the organisation I head) in Dziennik Gazeta Prawna’s [a legal daily] in a league table of the most influential lawyers (30th, 12th, 9th and 14th).
Both graduating from the School of Human Rights of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and the School for Trainers of Non-Governmental Organisations have been crucial in developing my knowledge and skills. In addition to that, my work in the field in my hometown of Szczecin has proved invaluable.
I have already had a hand in everything in Civil Network Watchdog Poland. I got sucked in by events in 2008 at the time of the first international seminar on watchdogs. I then set about developing our relations with Ukrainian and Russians organisations. I conducted and coordinated monitoring on social consultation, prepared and coordinated monitoring of the cork fund [local funds for tackling alcoholism], led workshops on civil control, ethics and transparency. I also ran one of our biggest programmes, A Strong Guard (currently Watchdog – Systemic Change).
Having got such strong recognition of the organisation’s work and mission I have always believed that we should look for new areas of co-operation. It could be promoting watchdog activities but it could also be developing the organisation and building stability. I have been Development Director since 2014. I cooperate with businesses, we discuss how openness can be an element of responsible business performance and develop common projects. I am also fostering contacts with both people and institutions who want to support Civil Network. It is my job to determine how we work together.
+ 48 691 833 001
I have already had a hand in everything in Civil Network Watchdog Poland. I got sucked in by events in 2008 at the time of the first international seminar on watchdogs. I then set about developing our relations with Ukrainian and Russians organisations. I conducted and coordinated monitoring on social consultation, prepared and coordinated monitoring of the cork fund [local funds for tackling alcoholism], led workshops on civil control, ethics and transparency. I also ran one of our biggest programmes, A Strong Guard (currently Watchdog – Systemic Change).
Having got such strong recognition of the organisation’s work and mission I have always believed that we should look for new areas of co-operation. It could be promoting watchdog activities but it could also be developing the organisation and building stability. I have been Development Director since 2014. I cooperate with businesses, we discuss how openness can be an element of responsible business performance and develop common projects. I am also fostering contacts with both people and institutions who want to support Civil Network. It is my job to determine how we work together.
+ 48 691 833 001
In the past I worked in a school a lot and I’ve noticed that kids don’t know how to find information about the actions of the authorities, or that they are even not allowed to do so. They aren’t taught the fundamentals of civic life. Later – when they grow up – they don’t see the need to fight for their own cause. However, we should consider that the nation itself is the employer of all these office workers, and that they should be scrutinized and controlled. Staying informed is an obligation for all citizens. It’s kind of the same if we’d invest our money in a huge corporation, and instead of watching closely how it fares, we’d leave for long holidays.
I am irritated by people who expect changes to happen, but who don’t wish to become involved. Such attitudes are completely illogical to me. I want to work towards changing these behaviours and to prove, that the will of a single citizen and his involvement has merits, because it can lead to change.
In the past I worked in a school a lot and I’ve noticed that kids don’t know how to find information about the actions of the authorities, or that they are even not allowed to do so. They aren’t taught the fundamentals of civic life. Later – when they grow up – they don’t see the need to fight for their own cause. However, we should consider that the nation itself is the employer of all these office workers, and that they should be scrutinized and controlled. Staying informed is an obligation for all citizens. It’s kind of the same if we’d invest our money in a huge corporation, and instead of watching closely how it fares, we’d leave for long holidays.
I am irritated by people who expect changes to happen, but who don’t wish to become involved. Such attitudes are completely illogical to me. I want to work towards changing these behaviours and to prove, that the will of a single citizen and his involvement has merits, because it can lead to change.
My first contact with the Citizens Network Watchdog Poland is related to the monitoring of the municipal companies that started at the beginning of 2015. As a member of a monitoring team, I focused on Communal Transportation Company in Wroclaw. Thanks to that experience I have learnt how to use the right to know in practice. Later on I wrote a gloss on one of the rulings concerning Freedom of Information and got a distinction in the contest announces by Watchdog Poland.
Also at my studies (Law and Philosophy at the Jagiellonian University), I managed the initiative De-Kadencja (interrupted term of office, in Polish a wordplay that reminds decadence). The group of students followed politicians who resigned from their positions in one elected body as they took part in the elections to another one. They also engaged students of secondary schools and organized a debate on this problem.
My first contact with the Citizens Network Watchdog Poland is related to the monitoring of the municipal companies that started at the beginning of 2015. As a member of a monitoring team, I focused on Communal Transportation Company in Wroclaw. Thanks to that experience I have learnt how to use the right to know in practice. Later on I wrote a gloss on one of the rulings concerning Freedom of Information and got a distinction in the contest announces by Watchdog Poland.
Also at my studies (Law and Philosophy at the Jagiellonian University), I managed the initiative De-Kadencja (interrupted term of office, in Polish a wordplay that reminds decadence). The group of students followed politicians who resigned from their positions in one elected body as they took part in the elections to another one. They also engaged students of secondary schools and organized a debate on this problem.
Works at the The Comenius Foundation for Child Development, but for the last 15 years she’s been engaged in the works of the NGOs fighting for transparency and clarity of public affairs. She knows a lot about different methods of influencing the authorities and how to work out a compromise (through education), networking organizations or audit committees (verifying documents, accountancy for organizations).
She is happy to share her knowledge regarding accessing public information, legal solutions that can influence the authorities and moderating meetings.
Works at the The Comenius Foundation for Child Development, but for the last 15 years she’s been engaged in the works of the NGOs fighting for transparency and clarity of public affairs. She knows a lot about different methods of influencing the authorities and how to work out a compromise (through education), networking organizations or audit committees (verifying documents, accountancy for organizations).
She is happy to share her knowledge regarding accessing public information, legal solutions that can influence the authorities and moderating meetings.
A few years ago I discovered what democracy and rights really mean. It was due to my own experience which shown me that they mean nothing if we do not use them.
I started in my neighborhood. I managed to convince the authorites to move zebra crossing and to install the street mirror increasing safety on the road. Later we led a protest against locating waste management company in the center of our town. We advocated for moving location out of residential quarters. The residents joined our protest and as a result of common efforts the authorities decided on changing location of the new investment. I am also an initiator of the first referendum in our town against selling place that served to the whole community. As a result, the authorities resigned from their plans.
Thanks to our efforts, our self-government was awarded by the President of Poland as one of those that is open for the voice of inhabitants and open for actions encouraging people to take part in elections. To enforce this direction we also run a portal on activity of town councilors lubartow.mamprawowiedziec.pl (Lubartów, I have a right to know)
A few years ago I discovered what democracy and rights really mean. It was due to my own experience which shown me that they mean nothing if we do not use them.
I started in my neighborhood. I managed to convince the authorites to move zebra crossing and to install the street mirror increasing safety on the road. Later we led a protest against locating waste management company in the center of our town. We advocated for moving location out of residential quarters. The residents joined our protest and as a result of common efforts the authorities decided on changing location of the new investment. I am also an initiator of the first referendum in our town against selling place that served to the whole community. As a result, the authorities resigned from their plans.
Thanks to our efforts, our self-government was awarded by the President of Poland as one of those that is open for the voice of inhabitants and open for actions encouraging people to take part in elections. To enforce this direction we also run a portal on activity of town councilors lubartow.mamprawowiedziec.pl (Lubartów, I have a right to know)
Co-founder and current head of the Ośrodek Działań Ekologicznych Żródła. He is a member of the Committee Monitoring the Operational Program Technical Aid.
His interests focus on access to public information. As “everyone else” he asks governmental offices about different issues and waits for answers. If he doesn’t receive them, he continues to dwell on the subject . As he has worked through all the stages of gathering information, he has broad, theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the right to information – also regarding information about the community itself. He is willing to share his knowledge. He has succeeded numerous times, for example he managed to receive invoices from the Competition Committee Kraków 2022, which was beneficial to many people.
He can also talk about acting and leading an NGO. He is willing to lead trainings on access to public information and access to environmental information.
Co-founder and current head of the Ośrodek Działań Ekologicznych Żródła. He is a member of the Committee Monitoring the Operational Program Technical Aid.
His interests focus on access to public information. As “everyone else” he asks governmental offices about different issues and waits for answers. If he doesn’t receive them, he continues to dwell on the subject . As he has worked through all the stages of gathering information, he has broad, theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the right to information – also regarding information about the community itself. He is willing to share his knowledge. He has succeeded numerous times, for example he managed to receive invoices from the Competition Committee Kraków 2022, which was beneficial to many people.
He can also talk about acting and leading an NGO. He is willing to lead trainings on access to public information and access to environmental information.
In Civil Network Watchdog Poland I manage the day to day duties. I started here as a volunteer in the monitoring of the cork fund [local funds for tackling alcoholism] at the beginning of 2011. My flair and passion for organising and putting everything in its place was quickly taken up and I am currently Organisational Director. To prepare for this position I took part in a course for those managing non-governmental organisations (PROMENGO).
I am also actively involved in developing many merit-related initiatives. I am a coordinator of monitoring public communal companies (http://spolki.siecobywatelska.pl/), and prior to this the civil monitoring of sport (http://sport.siecobywatelska.pl/). I am educating myself every day by reading our court correspondence concerning cases on access to information. Sometimes I go to local meetings or meet young people.
I have a flair for creating. Lots of materials – crosswords, puzzles and games which we use during our parties; it is my first love. I also like to sing and even have my own song about Civil Network written for our tenth anniversary and encouraging those to donate 1% of their taxes to us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CVAysl1SB0.
+48 22 844 73 55
In Civil Network Watchdog Poland I manage the day to day duties. I started here as a volunteer in the monitoring of the cork fund [local funds for tackling alcoholism] at the beginning of 2011. My flair and passion for organising and putting everything in its place was quickly taken up and I am currently Organisational Director. To prepare for this position I took part in a course for those managing non-governmental organisations (PROMENGO).
I am also actively involved in developing many merit-related initiatives. I am a coordinator of monitoring public communal companies (http://spolki.siecobywatelska.pl/), and prior to this the civil monitoring of sport (http://sport.siecobywatelska.pl/). I am educating myself every day by reading our court correspondence concerning cases on access to information. Sometimes I go to local meetings or meet young people.
I have a flair for creating. Lots of materials – crosswords, puzzles and games which we use during our parties; it is my first love. I also like to sing and even have my own song about Civil Network written for our tenth anniversary and encouraging those to donate 1% of their taxes to us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CVAysl1SB0.
+48 22 844 73 55
He has been involved in legal counsel for organizations for the last 6 years, he knows the Act on Public Benefits very well. He is also experienced in animating. He legally consulted resolutions regarding cooperation programs and social consultations.
He is very knowledgeable about law and has a lot of practice in enforcing the right to public information. Locally he works in the Stanczyk Foundation’s legal program. He can help with issues connected to the right to public information.
He is also an instructor for: legal aspects of NGOs, access to information and petitions and complaints connected to Code of Administrative Proceedings. He works in a team dedicated to building the Stanczyk Foundation’s strategy of operations, he has experience in this field on both local and central level.
He also cooperates with Pracownia Obywatelska i Office for Supporting Social Initiatives.
He has been involved in legal counsel for organizations for the last 6 years, he knows the Act on Public Benefits very well. He is also experienced in animating. He legally consulted resolutions regarding cooperation programs and social consultations.
He is very knowledgeable about law and has a lot of practice in enforcing the right to public information. Locally he works in the Stanczyk Foundation’s legal program. He can help with issues connected to the right to public information.
He is also an instructor for: legal aspects of NGOs, access to information and petitions and complaints connected to Code of Administrative Proceedings. He works in a team dedicated to building the Stanczyk Foundation’s strategy of operations, he has experience in this field on both local and central level.
He also cooperates with Pracownia Obywatelska i Office for Supporting Social Initiatives.
