The Silesian Institute of Political Education (SIPE) has emerged as a leading youth think tank in Poland, dedicated to fostering civic engagement, political awareness, and regional identity. From its inception, SIPE has played a pivotal role in shaping discussions on key societal issues, engaging young people in public life, and building international cooperation. Through various research initiatives, strategic publications, social campaigns, and collaborations with policymakers, SIPE has become a model for youth-led policy advocacy and education.
Foundations and Early Achievements
SIPE was established as part of the Think Tank – Chance for Youth project, aiming to provide young people with opportunities to influence policy, engage in civic education, and develop strategies for youth inclusion. Early on, SIPE focused on analyzing youth participation in politics, identifying gaps in representation, and promoting inclusive governance structures.
In its first year, SIPE focused on building an organizational structure, implementing an inclusion policy, and organizing its first educational events. Formally, SIPE is part of FEIS and operates under the foundation’s statute, granted on December 1, 2022. It functions as an autonomous unit with a designated structure and leadership. The institute is led by Wiktor Oleś, a student at the University of Silesia, ensuring the organization maintains its youth-driven nature. SIPE has dedicated coordinators for specific areas, guaranteeing effective project management and communication.
One of the first milestones in SIPE’s journey was the publication of Women in Politics—an in-depth analysis of female political representation in the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. This research examined gender disparities in local politics, providing data-driven recommendations to increase women’s participation in decision-making processes. The strategy gained significant recognition and was presented to regional politicians and policymakers, including Alina Bednarz, Vice-Chair of the Silesian Regional Assembly.
Key Events and Initiatives
Public Debates and Expert Discussions
SIPE has been at the forefront of organising public debates and expert-led discussions on pressing regional and national issues. Notable events include:
- How Silesian is the University of Silesia? – A discussion with the Rector of the University of Silesia, focusing on the university’s role in regional identity and policy.
- Between Court and Non-Court – A seminar with Professor Tomasz Pietrzykowski exploring legal and political systems.
- Women in Politics – A debate featuring Polish MPs Monika Rosa and Paulina Matysiak, along with regional politicians, discussing the barriers and opportunities for female political leaders.
- Women in Local and Regional Politics: Ornaments or Partners? – Co-organized at the University of Silesia, featuring MP Monika Rosa, Mayor Piotr Kuczera, and gender policy experts.
These events have provided young participants with direct access to decision-makers, fostering dialogue on youth policies and political engagement.
Regional and European Strategies
SIPE has significantly contributed to regional and international policy discourse through strategic publications. The Regional Youth Strategy examined key societal challenges and policy recommendations tailored for Upper Silesia. This strategy has been widely distributed among policymakers, researchers, and civic organizations. The publication remains available through the FEIS Foundation’s library: Women in Politics Strategy.
Building on its regional success, SIPE collaborated with its Czech and Greek counterparts to develop the European Youth Strategy, a comprehensive document addressing critical issues such as migration, radical activism, religious influence in politics, and labor market challenges. The strategy was drafted during the Athens Youth Seminar and reflects the perspectives of young Europeans on pressing socio-political matters. Full document: European Youth Strategy.
Social Media Outreach and Campaigns
SIPE has effectively leveraged digital platforms to engage young people in political discourse. Its online presence includes:
- Instagram: @sipe_institute – 590+ followers, 7,500+ reach in 2024.
- Facebook: SIPE Think Tank – 420+ followers, 5,000+ reach.
Key social media initiatives include:
- Educational Content – Posts and reels covering EU institutions, local governance, and civic participation.
- Civic Engagement Campaigns – #IdęNaWybory encouraged youth voter turnout, featuring multilingual content (including Silesian dialect) with strong social media traction.
- Political Analyses – In-depth assessments of Polish municipal elections, the US elections, and demographic trends.
International Collaboration and Erasmus+ Engagement
Through Erasmus+ projects, SIPE has expanded its influence beyond Poland, collaborating with youth organizations in Romania and Greece. This cooperation has strengthened SIPE’s role as a hub for young political analysts and strategists in Central and Eastern Europe.
SIPE Wrap-Up Conference 2024
The culmination of SIPE’s two-year journey was the SIPE Wrap-Up Conference, a landmark event that solidified the think tank’s role in regional policy discussions. The conference brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and experts to evaluate SIPE’s achievements and set future directions. Discussions focused on youth involvement in governance, the future of regional policies, and strategies for sustaining civic engagement initiatives. The event marked SIPE’s emergence as a recognized player in youth policy advocacy.
Expert Council – A Key Milestone in SIPE’s Professionalization
A major achievement for SIPE was the creation of the Expert Council, composed of distinguished academics and professionals who support young members in their research and policy work.
📌 SIPE’s Expert Council includes:
- Dr. Renata Jankowska, Prof. UŚ
- Dr. Hab. Małgorzata Myśliwiec, Prof. UŚ
- Dr. Tomasz Słupik
- Dr. Paweł Grzywna, Prof. UŚ
- Ewa Chmielewska-Blady
- Alina Prochasek (FRSE)
- Piotr Jaros (FEIS)
With expert guidance, SIPE has successfully delivered high-quality research and analysis, strengthening its role as an influential youth think tank.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Future Youth Engagement
SIPE’s success story highlights the power of youth-driven initiatives in shaping policy and fostering civic education. By combining research, public debates, advocacy, and digital outreach, SIPE has established itself as a key think tank in Poland’s civic landscape. Moving forward, SIPE remains committed to empowering young leaders, expanding its reach, and influencing policy at regional, national, and European levels.
For more updates, visit: SIPE Website