“Alphabet of Solidarity” is primarily addressed to young readers who do not remember

those events and usually know little about the history of Solidarity.

We want to explain to them why we – witnesses of that time – insist that this history

is still alive, that it is so very important not only for us, but also for young Poles Because,

surely, the history of Solidarity is fascinating and inspiring today too It contains a positive

narrative about Poland and Poles.

Each generation gradually grows to respect its ancestors Because, without knowing

who preceded us in the generational relay, we cannot understand ourselves. Even

if, as is the right of youth, we are ridiculing tradition, demonstrating that it means nothing

to us – there comes a time when we find ourselves lacking this knowledge And we

need it like we need oxygen.

The history of Solidarity not only inspires, but also enables us to respect our ancestors

and our nation It lets us believe in the sense of fighting for an independent

state, in the sense of patriotism, civil courage, altruism, love of our fellow man and the

clearly understood pluralism and tolerance Such heritage is included in the tradition

of Solidarity.

In order to talk about this, we selected a form that is easier to take in than a scientific

book, with hope that it will also be read by those who usually stay away from scientific

works. Hence, the idea of the “Alphabet of Solidarity” format with short encyclopaedic

entries. The book contains an alphabetical collection of names, concepts, slogans, and

surnames, which constitute a specific, synthetic guide through the history of the Solidarity

Carnival of 1980–1981. The texts are not scientific. Rather, they are testimonies of

the authors, who, usually as an op-ed, describe the phenomena of the freedom revolution

employing a variety of styles and conventions. The authors who accepted our invitation

to participate in this project are a varied and pluralistic group, just like Solidarity.

However, what they all have in common is the belief that we are all both debtors and

heirs of Solidarity, and that it is a story worth telling.

The purpose of the “Alphabet of Solidarity” is to showcase the brighter side of our

history, which still inspires people with the positive energy of that time, because…

“There is no freedom without Solidarity”.

Krzysztof Nowak