I wanted so very much for the city where I live to have a substantial group of local patriots sincerely devoted to it; for it, following the example of other cities, to gather around the town hall somewhat more supporters of this beautiful Lower Silesian town than it has so far. I sent an appeal and invitations to representatives of almost the entire Bolesławiec community: teachers, doctors, lawyers and merchants. I did not forget the clergy, who in these times have regained their proper rank and importance in the life of the city. I thought that the convention of the Towarzystwo Miłośników Bolesławca, which every four years has statutory powers to make fundamental internal changes, would become a bridge for the shared aspirations of people with different convictions and for activities benefiting the city. I wrote in the appeal: we are all children of Bolesławiec and we need one another. For better and for worse. Especially in these difficult times. I referred to examples of other cities where supporters publish their own newspapers, chronicles, brochures, albums and monographs. Where poems and songs are written about the city and cultural customs and traditions are carefully cultivated. I also wrote: if the association’s name is unsuitable, it can be changed. The statute, manner of operation and forms can be improved... The people in the association’s leadership can—and even should—be replaced. With people who truly want and are able to do something for the city. What cannot be done, however, is to turn one’s back on the city’s affairs or, by throwing out the proverbial baby with the bathwater, dissolve the Towarzystwo. Every decent city has, and should have, its own association of supporters. Councillors cannot carry everything. I cannot say that the appeal went completely unanswered. Many respectable citizens responded with great understanding. More than fifty companies and private individuals even provided financial support. Examples of human kindness are, in any case, mentioned in every issue of this newspaper. However, many of the people whose presence was greatly anticipated did not attend the convention. In pre-convention conversations with some people—even some from the authorities—I sensed that a certain reserve toward TMB matters stemmed from the fact that this association was founded during the communist era and that somehow it was no longer proper to belong to such an organization. Perhaps I was mistaken in my impressions, but there must be something to it, since the city fathers invited to the “breakthrough” convention did not come. A pity. The representatives of the Towarzystwo, which has nearly 300 members, who gathered at the convention expressed various interesting opinions concerning the functioning of the urban organism. Among other things, they spoke about the need to attend more carefully to young people’s affairs, especially at a time when unemployment, drug addiction, thefts, and even robberies and suicides are spreading. A specific motion was submitted to establish a “helpline” in the city, with volunteer shifts staffed by psychologists, educators and doctors. It was also suggested that city authorities consult the historians, archivists and aesthetes gathered around the Towarzystwo on matters such as street names and the city’s appearance. The creation of Bolesławiec supporters’ circles in primary and secondary schools was proposed, so that sensitivity to the city’s affairs could be taught from the earliest years, cultural traditions instilled and an eye for aesthetics developed. The opinion was expressed that a permanent place should be provided for a Towarzystwo representative at sessions of the Municipal Council and among delegations signing cooperation agreements with other cities. There were voices at the convention approving the publication of a local newspaper, but at the same time concern was expressed about the future of this paper, which, without support from the city authorities, could share the fate of its predecessors. The collapse of yet another Bolesławiec newspaper would push the nearly 50,000-resident city—in this respect—to the rank of a “backwater” left behind by Gryfów and Lubomierz. The convention elected new authorities. Zygmunt Brusiło became president, and the Board included: Adam Baniecki, Barbara Berduła, Piotr Hetel, Stanisław Kalak, Jan Knetig, Robert Kowalski, Zbigniew Łucki, Maria Modl, Izabela Olszewska, Regina Roman, Franciszek Uściński, Alina Woźniewska and Jan Żyżak. The authorities include representatives of various professions and generations, from the youngest, Iza Olszewska (17), to the oldest, Maria Modl (a retired teacher). The Towarzystwo’s detailed program of activity will be the subject of discussion at the Board’s upcoming meetings. We will return to this topic in another issue of “Głos,” where information will also be provided on the social and professional structure of TMB as a whole. The convention adopted a motion by the undersigned not to close the membership of the new Board and to reserve three places for people newly recruited and willing to take action. I continue to believe that such people exist and that more will yet join the Towarzystwo.