Tomek came to the library but did not borrow books or use a computer. He encountered Human Books for the first time ever: a Roma man, a homosexual and a Muslim. The stories he heard encouraged him to learn more about the problem of discrimination in Poland.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- 42 meetings with Human Libraries were held in 40 communities across Poland;
- 59 reports were published that forecast the level and characteristics of discrimination in Poland.

Khava and Masha have been in Poland for several months but have had few opportunities to meet Polish peers outside school. By joining play activities on the Little Refugee Day they made friends with Polish neighbours.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- 33 refugee support initiatives were implemented;
- 11 of them focused on support and integration of children of refugees.

Andrzej lives in a community where the authorities decided to hold a sports event but did not disclose the cost or funding sources. Andrzej decided to take a closer look at the issue. He started attending and recording council meetings and posted the recordings online. He understands the local community budgeting process now. Following consultations with the local people the council made a decision to webcast its sessions so that everyone can follow important local developments.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- local community issues were monitored in 125 communities;
- 6 814 institutions were audited as a result of which 122 changes were implemented in legislation and institutional practice.

Karolina's behaviour has changed dramatically in recent time. Her friends and family were worried and she did not want to see a doctor. So they organised a meeting attended by Karolina, her entire family, her best girl-friend and a therapy team that visited their community. This conversation in a secure and friendly environment helped Karolina make a decision to seek professional help.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- 7 340 individuals received mental support and therapy;
- 20 162 individuals used a variety of professional services such as medical, non-verbal communication, human rights etc.

There is no district heating in Asia's home community and most of her neighbours will use their old tile stoves. Asia felt unwell in autumn and winter suffering from headaches and persistent cough. There has recently been more talk about smog in her town and the local government has partnered with energy companies to fund replacement of old stoves. Asia has replaced hers and is trying to persuade the neighbours.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- over 9 000 individuals signed a petition to the Environment Minister to lower the air pollution alert thresholds;
- 2 567 monitored institutions entered into partnerships with non-government organisations or reacted to their initiatives.

Michał, the tutor of class VI C, finds it essential to make sure that none of the students are treated worse because of the living standard, skin colour or the level of physical or mental ability. Michał makes sure that his classes do not replicate harmful stereotypes, e.g. about women and girls. He joined efforts to develop a Code of Equal Treatment in his school and he knows how to react to situations where any of his students should be discriminated against.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- 4 477 teachers learned about handling discrimination cases;
- 14 290 students attended anti-discrimination workshops.

Janka is pregnant. She often heard unsettling stories about giving birth in hospitals from her girl-friends. She also learned that some hospitals followed modern standards of prenatal care. She chose one of them and she can make a plan for the delivery with her midwife and while in the ward she will be able to use climbing frames, balls and a bathtub.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- availability of medical care for pregnant women was inspected in 454 gynecology and obstetrics clinics. Social audits of 20 gynecology and obstetrics wards were completed;
- 3 349 individuals were involved in evaluating clinics for cancer patients;,br>
- waiting times for imaging tests were regularly monitored in 20 cities in Poland.

Andrzej lives in a centre for individuals with addictions. He is not ready yet to get a job. He has a lot of free time so he volunteered at a food bank programme. He received training and is now involved in collecting and distributing food. He has new friends, he developed new skills and his work benefits others.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- 860 individuals vulnerable to exclusion became volunteers.

Buddy was chained to a barn and was never let loose. He often had no water in the bowl. Volunteers noticed this and Buddy lives at Anna's home today and is treated like a family member. Buddy's former owners are in prison, sentenced for animal abuse.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- 349 courts, prosecution service offices and police stations were monitored for handling animal abuse cases;
- all 2 478 municipalities in Poland were scrutinised for policy on homeless pets.

Marta uses an outdoor gym near her home. It was her idea to install the gym and she submitted this project in participatory budgeting along with her neighbours. During consultation meetings she managed to persuade other community members to support the idea.

In the Citizens for Democracy programme:
- community members in 17 communities contributed to local budgeting decisions in the framework of participatory budgeting process;
- community members in 83 communities took part in developing strategies for municipalities and public institutions (e.g. community centres).