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Social economy in Poland – 3 types of institutions

BORIS, 2013

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Historical overview

Prior to the Second World War: primarily cooperatives and mutual insurance companies. During the communist period, these institutions were exploited for propaganda purposes and, as a result, arouse negative associations for some Poles.

After the fall of communism: a variety of institutions, ranging from time banks to social enterprises.

Contemporary social economy institutions in Poland are involved in a wide range of activities, address different social problems, and often support specifically targeted social groups.

All of them are characterized by the dual objective of maintaining financial independence and fulfilling a social mission.

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Social economy environment – institutions for vulnerable social groupsPhysically and mentally disabled people

Occupational Therapy Workshops (Warsztaty Terapii Zajęciowej) – A legal and financial entity formed by either a local government or non-government organization which helps individuals that have difficulty joining the workforce because of a handicap. The workshops take on different ways for the individual to regain vocational skills that are needed to function in the workforce.

Vocational Rehabilitation Facility (Zakład Aktywności Zawodowej) - employment opportunities for the handicapped. In a qualifying facility, at least 70% of the workers will be handicapped. The intend is for these jobs to be temporary and occur during the time that the individual is going through social and vocational rehabilitation. The facility can be run by either a local government or non-government organization whose primary function and focus is social and vocational rehabilitation for the handicapped.

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Social economy environment – institutions for vulnerable social groupsLong-term unemployed, homeless,illSocial Integration Center (Centrum Integracji Społecznej), Social Integration Club (Klub Integracji Społecznej)

created through either local government or NGO initiative aimed to aid people on the margins of society by reintegrating them into society, socially and vocationally. The center plans to do this by offering workshops and shops aimed at helping members develop vocational skills, gain qualifications for certain vocations, and simply expand their social interaction in order to develop social skills. The programs usually have an extensive curriculum and can last up to 11 months. Despite this length the status of the participant does not change, as he or she will still be registered as long-term unemployed or seeking work. The CIS and KIS is not a separate legal identity. Rather, it serves under control of an assigned NGO or local government branch.

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Social economy enterprices

Social Cooperatives

The objective of a social cooperative is to carry out a joint venture based on the personal needs of its members. Social co-ops serve to socially and vocationally reintegrate its members. These co-ops are formed and run by individuals with societal disadvantages, such as homelessness, unemployment, illness, or poverty. They can be also created by legal entities.

Non – profit companies

A limited liability company which is not profit driven is considered a non-profit company. In such a company all income gained from any type of activity is not distributed among shareholders and workers. Rather it is dedicated towards social purposes. A non-profit company has more leeway than a vocational rehabilitation facility, as a non-profit company has the free hand to invest its profit into its own growth and development, as in the end this increases their social entrepreneurial ability.

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Social economy enterprices - NGOs

Associations and foundations which conduct economic activity not for profit – all the income is dedicated towards their statutory activities.

Not necessairly created by people from vulnerable groups, but active in different fields of common interest/common good.

Source: www.ekonomiaspoleczna.pl

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