„Realizm i rozwaga”. Środowisko Ośrodka Dokumentacji i Studiów Społecznych wobec narodzin „Solidarności” (sierpień – listopad 1980)

Abstract

The article discusses the relationship of the movement associated with the Center for Documentation and Social Studies to the birth of ”Solidarity“ (August–November 1980). Established in 1967, ODiSS first remained in a close formal-legal relationship with the ”Więź“ team and the Warsaw NCI (as part of the ”Znak“ movement), then in 1974 became independent, creating a separate entity, alternative and competitive to other Catholic circles and groups. ODiSS saw Solidarity as both a labor syndicate and a mass movement for social revictimization and social empowerment. Activists and participants in the movement were actively involved in assisting regional and company structures of the union, providing advice and legal assistance, and applying for workers’ rights in the forum of the People’s Republic of Poland’s parliament. At the same time, they warned against political involvement of ”Solidarity“, demands for system change, etc. ODiSS, representing religious people, remained in close contact with Primate S. Wyszynski and the Episcopate, although it was an autonomous environment, acting on its own responsibility. It also held formal and informal talks with representatives of the communist regime. It considered it crucial for both sides of the August agreements to keep their commitments and guarantees, which was to serve a genuine national understanding and the real democratization of socialism. In its activities, it adopted the ”constructive center“ formula. Being aware of operating within the framework of the legal and political rules in force (a concessionary environment), it balanced between what was optimal and what was possible in certain political realities, hence in its assessment of “Solidarity” it maintained prudent moderation, prudence and realism.