The Solidarity Academy 2011
The objective of the Solidarity Academy 2011 was to preserve and develop the tradition of the Solidarity Movement through bringing young people closer to various aspects of solidarity – primarily the historical, economic, socio-political and most importantly moral dimensions. It is important to remember that this tradition was created not only by the experience of the events know as the Polish August of 1980, but also by the social thought of Pope John Paul II, who often referred to the idea of solidarity as a fundamental principle of social life. The main goal of the project required reflection on the heritage of the Solidarity Movement – its history and meaning, and how the idea of the Solidarity Movement can be implemented in different fields of social life (in the economy, and in non-governmental and self-governmental sectors).
We saw the need for the implementation of the idea of solidarity in an international dimension, because being able to face the challenges of modernity requires a level of co-operation, which goes beyond national borders. This have a special meaning for the countries of the former Eastern bloc that have a common history and a similar experience of totalitarianism. Therefore, similarly to the past two years, the Academy was an international project.
The Solidarity Academy 2011 was last for five days. The participants were attend lectures from renowned historians and leading figures of public life from Poland and abroad. They also took part in practical workshops, which were allow the participants to gain knowledge and basic practical skills in one of the following fields: history and the idea of the Solidarity Movement, social change or social participation. The programme also included visits to important historical places connected with the Solidarity Movement.
Workshops
Workshop Module 1
The Idea of the Solidarity Movement
Main objectives: To introduce the history and philosophy of the Solidarity Movement. Aided by the knowledge they will obtain, the participants will be able to answer the question about this sense of solidarity in a historical context and in the context of modern changes in Central and Eastern Europe.
Subjects covered:
The creation and development of the Solidarity Movement | The era of communism and the people living in that time | The values of the Solidarity Movement | The fight against the communist regime | Representatives of the Solidarity Movement, and the philosophy of the movement | Workshops based on the analysis of selected texts from literature of authors connected to the Solidarity Movement | The future of the Solidarity Movement and its meaning in the modern world
Workshop Module 2
Social Participation and Innovation
Main objectives: To familiarise the participants with effective methods of raising social awareness, to question the sense of social solidarity, and to perfect the abilities of shaping social awareness.
Subjects covered:
Reflection of the sense and meaning of social awareness | Discuss the latest techniques to raise social awareness | Social innovations | The application of the techniques mentioned above and the analysis of case studies (practical class)
Workshop Module 3
Social Change and the Role of a Leader
Main objectives: To analyse the meaning of an individual (the leader) in the process of social change, to search for the most effective ways of participating in social change, and the development of leadership skills.
Subjects covered:
An individual as a leader in the process of social change | How to be a good leader (practical class) | How to recognise and protect moral values during social change | An introduction to the theory of the ethical aspects of social change | The concept of a just society in theory and practice | Social change versus the creation of a just society | Co-operation between leaders (Case studies)