Village Leadres Discuss the Development and Engagement of Local Communities

The 5th meeting of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Council of Village Leadres took place in Ciechocinek on 7 November. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, present good practices, and discuss community engagement and opportunities for the development of rural communities. Marek Wojtkowski, Member of the Region Executive Board, attended the meeting.

“Village Leadres play a vital role in local administration. They are the representatives closest to residents, rooted directly in their local communities. They foster dialogue, help build consensus around important initiatives, and demonstrate every day the tremendous value of working together for the benefit of local communities. That is why it is so important to recognise and appreciate those who serve in this role,” emphasises Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region.

Participants learned about examples of local initiatives aimed at integrating and developing rural communities. They also discussed opportunities for support and cooperation in the fields of sport and tourism in rural areas. The programme included issues related to supporting local initiatives under the “Green, Eco-Friendly Villages” programme and obtaining funding to implement residents’ ideas. Another topic concerned the operation of associations and foundations, their forms of activity, and the opportunities available to community organisations, focusing on various ways of formalising and conducting civic activities.

There are currently 2,301 village Leadres serving in 127 rural and urban-rural municipalities in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. Badges for village Leadres, funded by the regional government, have been awarded progressively since December 2023. They are modelled on the badges worn by village Leadres during the Second Polish Republic. The idea for the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Village Head Badge was proposed by Leszek Walczak, village head of Igliczyzna in Bartniczka Municipality (Brodnica County), who presented the initiative to Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Council of Village Leadres, established by Marshal Piotr Całbecki, has been operating since December 2024. It is the first body of its kind in Poland. The Council supports the Marshal in shaping regional government policies concerning rural development.

Meetings of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Council of Village Leadres provide opportunities to acquire new knowledge, improve skills and, above all, regularly exchange experiences that contribute to the development of local communities. Two editions of Sołtysiada, an event bringing together local leaders from across the region, have been organised so far.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office

9 November 2026