Co-financed by the Greater Poland Voivodeship Government
QUARTERLIES
What are the *Kwartalniki* (Quarterly Meetings)? As the name suggests, we meet every quarter at the Palace in Winna Góra—the headquarters of the institution coordinating the Organic Work Trail—to explore the contemporary potential of the stories, values, and ideas associated with the organic work movement.
How do we do it?
We draw inspiration! We revisit the actions of figures linked to the organic work movement—let these pioneers become our modern-day role models. We reflect on ways to commemorate them, apply the strategies behind their achievements to current issues, and highlight lesser-known aspects of their biographies.
We modernize! We translate the values and ideas of the organic work movement (such as grassroots education, community-oriented action, equal opportunities, and work culture) into solutions for today’s challenges—ranging from large-scale issues to our own daily struggles.
We grow! We tap into the expertise of the Trail’s community—educators, regionalists, art historians, historians, cultural activists, social activists, entrepreneurs, and cultural institution staff—to gain new knowledge and practical skills through workshops, discussions, and shared meals. Following the example of the organic work pioneers, we share our own resources and skills with others to foster mutual growth and strive for the common good.
QUARTERLY ISSUE II
Date: May 27, 2026
Target Audience: Secondary school students
Topic: Education—what is worth learning, and how?
Description: During the era of "organic work," education served as a grassroots tool for fostering a sense of national community among citizens and fueling the desire to liberate Poland from the rule of the partitioning powers. It also helped level the playing field between different social groups and boosted the country's economic development. Female proponents of organic work—such as Aniela and Zofia Tułodziecka—championed the education of children and youth; amidst intense Germanization, they taught them to write in Polish while also instilling good habits regarding physical activity and hygiene. While managing estates, Wanda Niegolewska educated rural women on nutrition, maintaining home vegetable gardens, and food preservation. Dezydery Chłapowski introduced modern farming methods to agricultural holdings in Greater Poland, enabling people from lower social strata to acquire new skills and enhance their competencies.
Today, the educational challenges we face differ vastly from those of the 19th century. In the age of artificial intelligence, access to information seems limitless and instantly available. The real challenge, however, lies in distinguishing truth from falsehood. We find it increasingly difficult to focus on learning; we are distracted by the constant presence of social media and overwhelmed by a barrage of images and sounds. In such a context, what is worth learning today to improve our lives? How should we learn, and which sources and methods should we use? Is it worth talking about history, and if so, how? What significance does it hold for us today?
Drawing on the historical efforts of Greater Poland’s "organic work" pioneers—both men and women—and considering contemporary educational challenges, we will not only discuss the importance of education today but also explore ways to find enjoyment in collaborative learning and personal growth.