Implementation of the project “Common Matters” aimed to address two key social challenges: the low quality of public debate in Poland and the need to create an alternative model of engaged patriotism. The project was developed in response to social polarization and lack of trust, which impact the cohesion of local communities, as well as the lack of effective tools for conducting constructive dialogue. To root the project firmly in the social context, all key events (i.e. 11 community meetings) were held on November 11th – the day of the Polish Independence Day. We chose this date because in Poland, Independence Day is one of the most polarizing days of the year. By organizing meetings on this very day, we aimed to teach and demonstrate that patriotism, the shared future, and local challenges can be discussed in a calm, balanced, and depolarizing manner. Our main goal was to restore the value of dialogue and raise the quality of public debate through actions at the local level. We aimed to strengthen the communication skills of young local leaders, who were to become catalysts for change in their communities. We supported them in conducting local discussion meetings that engaged residents in conversations about key social challenges such as ecology, energy transition, the housing market situation, and issues faced by young people. The project goals included: - Organizing a training program for 10 young local leaders to prepare them for moderating public debates in their communities - Co-organizing with these leaders 10 discussion meetings across Poland to be held on a single day – November 11th. - Creating a “map of perspectives” – a collection of conclusions and insights generated by participants of these meetings, and sharing it with local decision-makers and publicly online. - Developing the competencies of at least 300 people (10 meetings with 30 participants each) in active listening, expressing their views, and argumentation skills - Including the perspective of young people in the public debate on key social issues. The project assumed that active participation of residents in public debates would strengthen their sense of agency and trust in local institutions. We aimed to include young people in dialogue with decision-makers, increasing their sense of civic responsibility and their influence on their surroundings. Ultimately, the project was intended to serve as an impulse for lasting change in local communities, contributing to the rebuilding of social bonds and creating a model of modern patriotism based on care for the common good. Through non-formal education and the involvement of young people in designing and implementing project activities, “Common Matters” became a space for expressing opinions, gaining new skills, and building bridges between different social groups. These goals were achieved thanks to the experience of the Ważne Sprawy Foundation in conducting educational and dialogue-based initiatives, as well as the involvement of local leaders and residents, who brought a unique perspective to the project. The conclusion of the activities also marked the beginning of new initiatives, as the leaders, inspired by their experience in the project, plan further actions for their communities.