AKTYWNOŚĆ SPOŁECZNIE UŻYTECZNA: TWÓRCZOŚĆ, POSTAWY I RYZYKO.

This paper aims to present tensions between social passivity and a strong belief that the key issue for our national community and the state is to create a strong civil society. Within such a context, the question most usually asked concerns the character of the barriers blocking the development of civil society. They can be of formal, financial, structural, political, mental nature, but also relating to personality. Another important reason was the lack of a civic education system after 1989. The basic mechanism for creating civil society was the non-governmental sector. The main aim of its work has led to the activation of citizens, which was - although often insufficient - the only way to overcome passivity or even civic laziness. The process was problematic especially for those, both individuals and groups, that had the capacity and competences to become engaged in public affairs, but for some reason they never did. On the other hand, one should take into account the fact that passivity is caused by the circumstances and conditions in which a society has been living (transformation trauma, economic division, distrust, increasing state oppression, etc.). Nevertheless, it can be stated that the Polish nation has a great potential for social mobilization, empathy, willingness to help and commit. This can be observed both in microscale and with significant social campaigns. However, there are problems and risks that should not be forgotten. They concern for example new communication techniques and the so-called ‘slactivism,’ with ideological pluralisation deepened by political divisions, which further leads to changes in the sphere of language and the radicalisation of moods. This, in turn, requires a well-considered institutional response, which in the Polish situation can be difficult to achieve due to low trust towards institutions. In this context, the importance of creativity and art is growing, as such factors could be an important area for strengthening civil society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]