Pioneering Environmental Action in Poland’s Urban Centers

Amid Poland's diverse urban landscape, citizen-led initiatives are reshaping communities and addressing pressing issues with the support of NDI's Central Europe Civic Engagement Project (CECEP). The project aims to empower citizens and foster stronger collaboration between civil society and the government. Within Poland's dynamic urban centers, grassroots activism is gaining momentum, tackling environmental challenges head-on. One such initiative, the Rescue Action for Cities (RAfC), stands out as a beacon of citizen empowerment in Krakow. Born out of shared concerns over the environment and governmental inaction, RAfC embodies the collaborative spirit of its community. Their mission is clear: to unite, exchange experiences, and collectively advocate for city authorities to tackle pressing urban challenges. With CECEP's support, RAfC has become a driving force for change, shaping the political agenda, mobilizing residents to address urban issues and tapping into a community of like-minded partners.

As Poland approaches a pivotal electoral period, RAfC's endeavors provide a powerful framework to shape policy agendas and help promote more sustainable development. Using the parliamentary elections in October 2023, RAfC seized the opportunity to elevate urban issues on the political agenda. Embracing the Urban Parliamentary Agenda (UPA), a comprehensive policy framework addressing pivotal urban challenges developed by a coalition of urban movements across Poland, RAfC embarked on a mission to engage citizens and policymakers alike. The UPA provides clear guidance for Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) of the recently started parliamentary terms, divided into six categories: greenery, water and clean air, housing, urban space planning, transportation, efficient local government, and urban noise. Drawing from their daily involvement in urban movements, RAfC systematically acquired unique knowledge, which the UPA now organizes and presents. By referencing this document, RAfC strategically navigated discussions around urban development during the electoral period, ensuring that evidence-based solutions were at the forefront of policy debates.

Through a series of public gatherings, community dialogues, and exchanges with political figures, RAfC effectively shaped the narrative around urban development in the electoral arena. By amplifying residents' voices and advocating for evidence-based policies, RAfC garnered support from local communities and national policymakers, who integrated RAfC policy proposals into their party platforms. In the second half of 2024 RAfC plans to resend the UPA to MPs and MEPs and follow up on the issues outlined within. This proactive approach aims to ensure accountability and progress in implementing the proposed solutions, providing a mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of policies and addressing any challenges that may arise.

Beyond advocacy, RAfC galvanized citizens across Poland through its informal Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) network. By convening members and adopting a joint action plan, RAfC facilitated collaboration among 20 CSO affiliates to tackle urban issues and engage in participatory processes at the local level. This action plan, supporting advocacy around 11 policy points, is poised to be released as the "Urban Statement," spotlighting critical concerns such as green space preservation and safeguarding local media freedom. RAfC's proposals include increasing the number of measuring points in the river monitoring system, implementing a ban on parking in green areas, establishing standards to protect green spaces, simplifying subsidy programs for replacing old hearing appliances and reforming environmental protection authorities. RAfC's leadership expressed gratitude for NDI support, highlighting its transformative impact: "The CECEP NDI support program has allowed us to spread our wings. Organizations forming coalitions have become an even more important voice in the public discourse, proving and encouraging citizens to engage in community activities and participation actively… We hope that with NDI's support, we can continue to grow, professionalize our activities, and engage even more people and organizations."

Moreover, RAfC's membership has been growing, with urban movements and civic groups from various cities across Poland joining their cause. Their collaborative approach has led to fruitful partnerships and replication of their advocacy efforts at the local level. RAfC's impact has been acknowledged with an award in the Environmentally Friendly Activities category from a local news portal, LoveKrakow.pl, further validating the effectiveness of their initiatives in promoting sustainable urban development.

Building on their success, RAfC's efforts have extended beyond Krakow. The organization participated in the Congress of Urban Movements in Gdansk and launched an online survey to gather feedback on draft policy proposals in the "Urban Statement.". In Gdansk, RAfC met with representatives from 40 cities to discuss best practices in advancing urban policy. The coalition's commitment to expanding its membership and reach demonstrates its dedication to amplifying citizen voices and advocating for change on a national scale. As Poland prepares for upcoming local elections in April, RAfC remains committed to its environmental advocacy and citizen empowerment mission. By sustaining momentum and fostering partnerships, the group aims to drive lasting change and ensure a sustainable future for Krakow and its residents.

The story of the Rescue Action for Cities is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the transformative potential of citizen engagement. Through its remarkable achievements in mobilizing citizens and shaping electoral agendas, RAfC has demonstrated the power of grassroots advocacy in driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive urban development in Poland. As Poland charts its course forward, RAfC exemplifies what can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause - a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

NDI's engagement with RAfC is implemented with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Central Europe Civic Engagement Project (CECEP).

Author: Darina Regio, Program Manager

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NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.