Revival of the civil society: development of the third sector in Poland 1989-2008

Abstract

Development of the Polish third sector after 1989 has been hampered by the deficiency of resources (both human and financial), inadeqaute legal regulations and imperfect cooperation with public authorities. In the years 1989-2008, the functioning of the third sector has undergone substantial positive developments. The following can be named by way of an example: emergence of umbrella and infrastructure organisations, professionalisation, intensification in terms of cooperation with business and public authorities (more public funds being earmarked for third sector). The Public Benefit and the Volunteer Work Act has also been finally passed. In spite of these positive developments the Polish third sector still faces the following substantial challenges: stimulating social activism, establishing new sources of financing, as well as further increasing the influence that the third sector exerts on decisions of public authorities.