Program aktywności lokalnej (PAL) jako instrument kreowania aktywnej polityki społecznej na problemowych obszarach wiejskich

This article includes analysis of instruments and methods used within active social policy implemented in rural areas in Poland. The first part of the article consists of considerations focusing on specific of social and human capital in rural territories, and analysis of demographic situation and determinants of economic activity, entrepreneurship of rural areas. The second part of the article presents methods of community works in problematic, neglected rural areas with the use of partnership, interactive methods and participation of local residents. The main interest is focused on a new instrument of activation, namely Local Activity Programme (LAP) implementation in the six rural gminas. Problematic rural areas studies is based on content analysis of documents of the local programmes of LAP.