Bartosz marzec

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT & VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer in post-flood recovery operations in Western Poland (2024)

In 2024, western Poland was struck by what was widely described as a once-in-a-century flood. I did not hesitate for a moment to find an organization providing emergency assistance to affected communities. I spent nearly a week in the disaster-stricken areas, helping residents clean mud from their homes, remove damaged belongings and equipment, and, most importantly, reassure them that they were not facing this tragedy alone.

That experience made me realize how deeply committed I am to humanitarian work. Witnessing the immediate impact that direct assistance can have on people facing crisis reinforced my conviction that supporting vulnerable communities in times of need is the path I want to pursue professionally.

Member of the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Poland (2023)

I was also elected as a member of the Youth Parliament of the Republic of Poland, where young people from diverse backgrounds came together to engage with policymakers and advocate for the needs and priorities of young people across the country. Through resolutions adopted by the Youth Parliament, we sought to provide decision-makers with clear recommendations on the issues most important to Poland’s youth.

In this role, I had the opportunity to participate in high-level discussions and speak during debates in the Senate of the Republic of Poland, contributing the perspectives of young people to public policy discussions.

Assistant to the MEP in Brussels and Strasbourg (2023)

During a three-week internship at the European Parliament, I worked in the office of a Member of the European Parliament. I gained first-hand experience of how EU level policymaking functions, including legislative work, political coordination, and communication with stakeholders.

My responsibilities included supporting day-to-day office operations, assisting with research and the preparation of briefing materials, and helping monitor policy developments relevant to the MEP’s work. I also contributed to drafting internal notes and summaries on selected legislative files.

The internship gave me a deeper understanding of the European Union’s institutional framework and decision-making processes, as well as the practical realities of parliamentary work at the EU level. It strengthened my analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multilingual environment.

Volunteer supporting displaced persons at the Polish-Ukrainian border (2022)

In 2022, I volunteered at the Polish–Ukrainian border in support of displaced persons fleeing the war in Ukraine. I was involved in providing immediate, on-the-ground assistance to individuals and families arriving in Poland under emergency circumstances.

My responsibilities included helping coordinate basic humanitarian support, such as distributing essential supplies, assisting with information and orientation, and supporting the work of organizations responding to the influx of displaced people. A key part of my role was also offering direct human support—helping people navigate an extremely stressful and uncertain situation.

This experience gave me a profound understanding of the scale and complexity of forced displacement crises, as well as the importance of rapid, coordinated humanitarian response. It reinforced my commitment to working in the field of humanitarian assistance and human rights protection.

Member of the Youth Climate Council at the Minister of Climate (2020-2022)

From 2020 to 2022, I served as a member of the Youth Climate Council at the Ministry of Climate, an advisory body supporting the ministry in developing youth-informed perspectives on climate and environmental policy.

In this role, I participated in consultations and working meetings focused on climate action, environmental protection, and public awareness initiatives. I contributed to discussions on policy priorities and helped communicate the perspectives and concerns of young people regarding Poland’s climate strategy and long-term environmental challenges.

This experience strengthened my understanding of public policy processes in the area of climate governance and reinforced my commitment to integrating environmental considerations into broader social and political decision-making.

Councilor of the Youth City Council in Lublin (2019-2022)

From 2019 to 2022, I served as a councillor in the Youth City Council of Lublin, where I represented the interests of young people at the local government level and participated in initiatives aimed at strengthening youth civic engagement.

In this role, I advocated for inclusion, equality, and respect for human rights within local policy discussions. In response to discriminatory rhetoric and the introduction of so-called “LGBT-free zones,” I co-authored and submitted a formal motion addressed to local authorities, calling for the respect of every individual regardless of identity and for adherence to fundamental principles of dignity and equality in public life.

This experience reinforced my commitment to standing up for vulnerable groups and strengthened my belief in the importance of local-level activism as a foundation for broader social change.

Other activities

I was a member of the Polish Red Cross, where I served as a youth instructor, teaching first aid principles and emergency response skills to young people. In this role, I helped participants develop practical life-saving competencies. I also acted as a judge during regional first aid competitions and was involved in organizing charitable collections for people in need.

I was appointed as a United Nations Sustainable Development Ambassador, where I engaged in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals through educational and awareness-raising activities. This involved encouraging civic engagement and strengthening understanding of global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and sustainable development.

I also participated in discussions with the mayor of my hometown on the introduction of local climate change adaptation policies. These exchanges focused on improving municipal resilience to climate-related risks and integrating environmental considerations into local planning and development.