I feel disgusted. Four ministries, important to me, treat me unseriously.
I wondered if I had lost my mind. Yet, after consideration and consultation, I concluded that I hadn’t. The more I think about it, the more certain I am that I don’t want the kind of cooperation I am offered. And I won’t accept it.
Ministry 1
After several meetings at the ministry’s leadership level, we were offered cooperation – to carry out work (reasonable, important, and necessary) under the ministry’s program, for the ministry’s money – but incognito. My colleagues and I were to create a product anonymously. The ministry would publish this product as its own. For the good of humanity.
We were told that the Ministry cannot mention our authorship in the publication because it is a public institution. It’s not even about the logo – but a mention in the publication of the authors, who are our employees.
Cooperation with Ministry 1 can therefore only work quietly. The people behind this have good intentions; I blame rather the logic of governmental work, not specific well-meaning individuals – but am I the only one surprised that the ministry is willing to use our expertise only on the condition that no one finds out about it?
Does the proposal itself not seem distasteful?
Ministry 2
After several high-level meetings, I heard that establishing an official consultation procedure with non-governmental organizations in Ministry 2 is not possible.
Establishing a regular group of experts for cooperation is unlikely, as there would be doubts about the criteria for selecting such a group.
If 24 years of experience working for migrants is not sufficient qualification to be consulted, then why talk to me at all? Am I dreaming? A high-ranking government official asks for my opinion, provided I don’t say he’s asking for my opinion. At the same time, without providing details, he refers to consultations with the NGO sector, which from my end look like an exchange of text messages.
If someone is ashamed to ask for my opinion, why ask at all? If I’m not worth being heard, why listen to me? If I’m not respected, why these consultations? How is it possible that an intelligent person in a high position doesn’t understand that such treatment is disrespectful?
Ministry 3
A meeting with the NGO sector is being canceled for the fourth time within six months. The Ministry explicitly has a conversation with us in its tasks. My enthusiasm is waning.
Ministry 4
During the discussion, non-governmental organizations invited to the meeting on migration issues were told that the meeting is informational, not consultative. The new government team says there’s nothing to consult because the work concept was developed by the previous government team (which they have just overthrown).
In an issue, where NGO experience is really extensive, no effort was made to use it, although organizations are eager to share knowledge because they care about the country and want decision-makers to make informed decisions.
The government representative at the meeting also allowed himself to remark that it is not the ministry’s role to care about the welfare and interests of non-government organizations.
What a shame. Because from my perspective, it’s the damn duty of all four ministries to care about my interests. One of these ministries oversees the work of my organization. There goes the stick. But where’s the carrot?
I demand and expect ministries to care about my well-being, and my interests. Mine, as a resident of this country and as a representative of civil society:
- because ministries are not for ministries, but for people. Caring about my interest is what they are for.
- because for many years, I’ve been doing a lot of work that is in fact the role of the government.
I know I’m not alone in my feeings on this, nor in those experiences. Another leader of another organization recently told me: “The rulers are playing politics. They say what won’t upset public opinion, but they don’t solve problems. Urgent topics are swept under the rug. Decisions are made without any consultations or exchange of views.”
The level of consultation and conversation with the autorities is far from satisfactory. This is not what we agreed upon. From the beginning of the refugee and migrant integration issue, matters of community building, social cohesion, and prevention of exclusion have been secondary matters for the government. However, these are primary matters for our society. The community of Poland’s residents is changing infront of our eyes. Over the years, we have become a very diverse group. At the same time – sensitive, delicate, affected by both the pandemic and wars.
What’s wrong with you, politicians? You’re all adults. Don’t you realize how un-cool it is to disregard the civil society?
I welcomed the new government with joy and trust. With relief. Well, my trust credit has ran out. Now, dear sirs, respect will have to be earned.