Established earlier this year regional groups of Leaders of Dialogue meet regularly online to provide their members with space to share experience, give mutual support, and discuss challenges of commemorative work they pursue locally. Just recently the groups have cautiously started meeting in person as well, for mini study trips and workshops.
Inspired by a discussion on activities of the local Leaders of Dialogue, the members of the Wielkopolska-Lubusz regional group decided to explore a subject of establishing a foundation that would collect funds for their commemorative works in the region. To do so, they collaborated with other members of the national Leaders of Dialogue network to benefit from their knowledge. The initial meeting hosted two Leaders of Dialogue, Łukasz Robak and Justyna Biernat, greatly experienced in leading foundations. The regional group also invited Wojciech Olejniczak, a president of the TRES Foundation, who led a training in establishing social archives. Participants received practical advice on how to create such depositories in a professional but affordable way.
Leaders of Dialogue from the Mazowsze regional group decided to visit towns and villages they come from to get to know localities of other members. The first regional meeting was hosted by Robert Augustyniak, Leader of Dialogue from Grodzisk Mazowiecki. Robert toured the group around the local Jewish cemetery and spoke about his long efforts against the construction plans in its area. In Grodzisk, Leaders of Dialogue also met with Krzysztof Bielawski, historian and author of the newly-published book “Destruction of Jewish cemeteries” presenting the results of his long-term research. Leaders of Dialogue from the Mazowsze region had a unique opportunity not only to discuss the publication, but also ask Krzysztof Bielawski questions regarding the fate of the Jewish cemeteries in their towns.
Thanks to courtesy of the cultural centre in Biłgoraj, Leaders of Dialogue from the Lublin regional group had an opportunity to attend the media workshop led by the journalists from the local cable tv station. Such professional training will allow the Leaders to promote their commemorative works and activities in a more efficient way. Among others, they learned how to write effective press releases as well as create visually attractive video and television spots. Part of the workshop was also focused on the subject of self-presentation. The participants could delve into the subject of recording speeches or most common mistakes to avoid in efficient communication.
The projects is co-financed by the Ledor Wador Foundation and the Claims Conference.
