Some of the people who make a difference in Poznań are rarely the ones standing on stage. They are organising events, helping others, giving their time to community projects or simply turning up when someone needs a hand.
The city is now opening the search for those people, with nominations for the 26th Poznański Wolontariusz Roku competition open until 11 October 2026.
The annual awards recognise volunteering in many different forms, from teenagers getting involved through their schools to older residents, community groups and employees taking part in organised workplace programmes.
Six ways to recognise a volunteer
This year's competition has six categories, covering individual, youth, senior, school, team and employee volunteering.
That broad approach reflects the variety of volunteering across Poznań. A nomination could recognise an individual aged between 19 and 60, a young volunteer under 19 or someone over 60 who continues to give their time to others. School volunteer groups and other community teams can also be nominated, alongside workplace volunteering programmes.
Nominations are open to individuals as well as organisations that work with volunteers. NGOs, businesses, companies and institutions benefiting from volunteer support can all put forward candidates.
The nomination process is online, with submissions accepted until 11 October.
A public vote will follow
The awards will not be decided entirely behind closed doors. Later in the process, Poznań residents will have the chance to choose their own favourite candidates for the Nagroda Mieszkańców, the People's Award.
The public vote will be organised through an online form, with details to be announced at a later stage.
The winners in the main categories will be selected by a panel bringing together representatives of the City of Poznań, members of the local journalism community and previous winners of the competition.
Winners to be announced at CK Zamek
The 2026 winners will be revealed on 4 December during an awards ceremony at Centrum Kultury Zamek.
The setting is particularly fitting for an event celebrating the people who help keep local initiatives moving. Volunteers play a role across many parts of city life, supporting cultural events, community projects and organisations that rely on people willing to give their time.
For residents who have benefited from that work, the competition is also an invitation to recognise someone whose contribution might otherwise go unnoticed.
If there is a volunteer in your school, workplace, organisation or neighbourhood who deserves a thank you, there is now a chance to put their name forward.
See more: Dom Tramwajarza: Nearly 100 Years at the Heart of Jeżyce
Source and image credit: poznan.pl, CK Zamek
