Między absencją a zaangażowaniem. Diaspora polska wobec organizacji polonijnych (komunikat z badań)

The paper aims at presenting the conclusions of research encompassing: an analysis of the social participation of Poles living abroad alongside with a diagnosis of crucial determinants of that involvement, a diagnosis of their opinions concerning the functioning of Polish diaspora organisations, and the identifi cation of Poles’ readiness to become involved in such organisations. The analysis is based on empirical data collected during an internet survey among Poles living in 11 Western European countries and the USA and a qualitative study conducted among Polish diaspora elites in those countries. Results of the empirical research show that the surveyed Poles living abroad were characterised by: relatively low knowledge of Polish diaspora organisations, a low level of involvement in Polish diaspora organisations, and a low level of readiness for future involvement in such organisations. Moreover, the research proved low levels of the survey participants’ general involvement in three distinct aspects of social life: political, cultural and civil. The article also presents the main determinants of the diagnosed social phenomena.