Orpheus Civil Society Network
Rapid Aid Fund (RAF)
COOPERATE - COMMUNICATE: SOCIAL CAMPAIGNS AS A MEANS
FOR COOPERATION WITH BUSINESS
The purpose of the study visit was to learn about cross-sectoral cooperation, in particular about cooperation between business and non-profit organisations, in Poland. Six participants from the Orpheus Civil Society Network participated in the study visit. In the course of the visit they met with representatives of various Polish non-profit organisations, business and media and learned about different schemes of establishing strong cooperation ties with them.
The visit began with the Gala Ceremony of the Benefactor of the Year 2002 Competition. It promotes partner cooperation between non-profit organisations and businessmen aimed at solving local problems, promotion of philanthropy and distributing information on community initiatives supported by companies. Artur Ptak, Coordinator of the Benefactor of the Year Competition presented the programmes of the Academy for Development of Philanthropy in Poland that aim at promoting local philanthropy and building a partnership between non-profit organisations, media and business. The participants learned also about the methods of involving media and entrepreneurs in the activity of the organisation including training on advertising, public relations, and information provision to the press.
Anna Doliwa of the Zelow Community Foundation shared her experience from cooperation with business on a local level. As reported, it resulted in involving local entrepreneurs in the activities and programs supported by the Foundation. She presented also the concept of the capital endowment fund and the experience of the Foundation in implementing various social programs. Ireneusz Stankiewicz, Programme Coordinator of the Social Communication Foundation explained the principles for cooperation with the media in the social field and presented examples of successful social and pro-bono campaigns such as the Anti-Corruption and Good Neighbour campaigns. Piotr Chadzynski, Chairman of the Board of United Way-Poland described the fundraising mechanisms of the organisation and the recently introduced - to the companies it cooperates with - payroll system. The aim of United Way is to build links between business, local government and non-profit organisations for the benefit of people in need. The participants also become acquainted with church charity in Poland. Agnieszka Kubicka, Coordinator of the Homeless Campaign organised by Caritas Polska, a charity of the Catholic Church, presented principles for cooperation with business as well as explained the recently launched nation-wide campaign for the homeless.
Participants were also invited to meet with members of the Business Centre Club, Poland`s biggest organisation of private business owners that brings together some 2,000 members, who represent over 1,200 Polish companies. Piotr Onikki-Gorski of the Public Relations Bureau presented the activity of the Club and examples of cooperation between non-profit organisations and business at national level.
Anna Prazmowska, Academy for Development of Philanthropy in Poland
April 2003