Struktury terenowe Rady Głównej Opiekuńczej w Galicji Zachodniej w latach 1919–1921

Abstract

LOCAL STRUCTURES OF THE CENTRAL WELFARE COUNCIL IN WEST GALICIA IN THE YEARS 1919–1921

The outbreak of a world-spanning military conflict in 1914 resulted in a substantial deterioration of the living standards of civilians. The Polish territories were no exception in this respect. In an attempt to remedy its plight, the society itself undertook to establish organizations that would provide help for the most needful people. One of such institutions was the Central Welfare Council (Rada Główna Opiekuńcza, RGO) based in Warsaw. Since 1915 the Council operated on the German-occupied part of the Kingdom of Poland. In 1919 its activity was expanded to the other territories of reborn Poland, including Galicia (Lesser Poland). In the same year, June saw the emergence of the structures of the RGO in East Galicia, while September, in West Galicia. Welfare Councils were formed in most districts on that territory. In West Galicia the work of such local bodies was coordinated by the Local Welfare Council (Rada Opiekuńcza Okręgowa) in Kraków. The main task of the Local and the District Councils was to provide support for the existing welfare agencies, mostly soup kitchens, orphanages, day-care facilities for half-orphaned and underprivileged children, and poorhouses. Endeavours were also made to set up new welfare centres. Special care was given to the children. The District Welfare Councils, which were directly responsible for helping the needy on the areas within their jurisdiction, numbered an average of a dozen or so members. Efforts were made for each council to include representatives of diverse social classes and groups of professionals, yet eventually the members were mostly clerks, teachers, clergymen and landowners. The funds required to provide welfare services came from government subsidies, the budget of the head office in Warsaw, and fundraising events for the local communities. Some food products and clothes were received from abroad, and in particular from the United States. Considering the needs, the means obtained to provide help were even more than insufficient. With time the hitherto role of the RGO and its local branches was gradually taken over by central and local authorities. In March 1920 the Local Welfare Council in Kraków was liquidated, but its subordinate district agencies could continue in their welfare services; they were now official branches of the Local Welfare Council in Lwów. However, it was already in December 1920 when the decision was made by the government to dissolve all structures of the RGO.