CSO Consultations in Poland

“Full transparency of actions” and “openness” are described as the foundation. Citizens should “know exactly how their opinions and proposals will be used,” with “public reports” showing “which citizens’ proposals have been accepted and which have been rejected, together with reasons.” The problem of the “parliamentary freezer” demotivates; “after several unsuccessful attempts, many people lose faith” and “give up further activity.” Proposals include “personalized responsibility” (a person “responsible and available to citizens”), and an “online platform or mobile application” to “follow the stages,” “express opinions,” and “vote on important issues.”

Institutionalization means rooting innovations in “permanent structures,” e.g., “citizens’ councils,” “consultative teams,” “mixed teams,” “official advisory bodies,” and “regular public consultations,” so participation is not “an add-on” but “an integral part.” Participants note a “lack of mechanisms to enforce…responsiveness” and call for “political reforms.”

Early involvement “from the very beginning,” at “defining the problem” and “developing public policy objectives” prevents a “facade.” Start with “small homelands” so people “see that they are effective.” Involvement should cover “every stage” “diagnosis,” “solution design,” “implementation and evaluation.”

For “consensus,” use “deliberative methods (round tables, citizens’ panels)” and “topics” that foster “common values,” especially “local issues.” When “we focus on what is really important…‘polarization falls by the wayside.’” The ideal outcome is “our common solution.”

Create a “publicly available guide” (online/offline), “written in simple language,” with “clear, practical tips,” “rights and obligations,” and “centralized information.” Key challenge: “How do you get this to people?” Benefits must be visible: “Feedback,” “symbolic forms of recognition (certificates, acknowledgments),” “sense of influence,” “co-decision-making,” and “a sense of agency.” Show that “a new playground was built thanks to residents’ votes.”

“Civic education” is “the most frequently recurring theme.” Address “deficiencies in school education” by introducing regular classes “from the first grade…until high school graduation,” teaching “critical thinking,” “responsibility,” and “digital competences.” Strengthen “communication with citizens,” “facilitation,” and “plain language.”

Remove barriers for “busy people”: “asynchronous online consultations,” events “close to people” (festivals, “shopping centers,” “on the move in rural areas”), and simple notifications (“SMS,” “App”). Provide a “single point of contact,” a “one-stop shop,” “hotline,” or “information point.” Ensure a “friendly” format and “safe, neutral spaces,” with moderators who make everyone “feel listened to,” including “anonymous surveys” or “smaller working groups.” Use “internet influencers” and local “parish priests,” “local entrepreneurs,” or “village leaders” to reach groups that “do not respond to official communications.”

Existing “traditions, political culture, and social habits” matter. There is a “weak tradition of self-organization,” a “lack of organizational culture,” and reliance on figures like the “parish priest” or “local leader.” Build a “new tradition of participation” through “education,” “positive examples,” and “small local successes,” drawing on “neighborly solidarity.”

“Educational gaps,” “social polarization,” “discouragement, fear, and apathy” (“tumiwisism,” “fear of hate”), “structural problems” (no “role models,” “social infrastructure,” or “local leaders”), and “misinformation and information chaos” (“media and digital literacy” deficits) hinder engagement.

Some argue “polarization is not so bad,” “debate polarizes,” yet “polarization in Poland is enormous,” so start with “relatively politically neutral areas.”

Beware “excessive participation”: “be careful not to tire people,” avoid a constant “celebration of democracy.” Tie participation to “real impact on decisions,” otherwise “I don’t feel like it anymore.” Include “monitoring and evaluation”: “turnout,” “degree of implementation,” and “change in the level of public trust.”

• Education from an early age on and media education in schools.

• Professionalization and “participation from the outset.”

• Permanent consultation structures (community councils, “mixed teams,” “citizen advocates”).

• Physical and digital spaces for local engagement.

• Participation guide and platform in “simple language.

• Friendly communication and inclusive language.

• Strengthening local communities with “here and now” actions in small, local issues.

• Active use of social media and influencers.

• Deliberation instead of conflict, methods of dialogue.

• Transparency of government actions and accountability, including personalized responsibility and clear information about which citizen proposals have been accepted and which have been rejected - and why.