Ochocianie

Ochocianie (full name: Stowarzyszenie Ochocianie, until 20 May 2016: Stowarzyszenie Miłośników Ochoty „Ochocianie”; also known as Ochocianie Sąsiedzi) is a Polish urban social movement and association operating in the Ochota district of Warsaw. It emerged in 2008 from a group of residents who protested against the renovation of Park Wielkopolski, which was planned according to a design contrary to the residents' wishes. Since then, the association has become a recognized local civic brand, combining grassroots activism with formal participation in district governance. The organization's program focuses on environmental protection, combating smog, improving school conditions, developing public transport and cycling infrastructure, regulating urban development, and revitalizing various parts of Ochota. Ochocianie pursue these goals by submitting projects under participatory budgets, collecting signatures, organizing public consultations, fostering community integration, and publicizing irregularities in the actions of officials. The movement's members have sat on the district council since 2010, and the group has run in successive local elections, often in coalition with other urban movements. Ochocianie maintain an active online presence through their website ochocianie.pl and a Facebook profile, where they report on local news, budget decisions, infrastructure projects, and political developments. The website serves as a hub for their activities, featuring articles on topics such as the modernization of Drawska Street, the reconstruction of Orzeszkowa Street, tree inventories, the clean transport zone, and the civic budget. The association's tenth anniversary picnic was celebrated as a jubilee event, highlighting its long-standing role in the community. As a local brand, Ochocianie represent a model of urban activism that blends direct action, electoral politics, and community organizing. Their influence extends to the district level, where they have been part of governing coalitions and have held the position of deputy mayor. The movement continues to engage residents and advocate for sustainable, resident-driven development in Ochota.

Ochocianie emerged in 2008 as a grassroots initiative in Warsaw's Ochota district. The founding impulse was a protest against the renovation of Park Wielkopolski, which was planned according to a design that contradicted the residents' wishes. This mobilization led to the formation of an informal group that later registered as an association. Initially called Stowarzyszenie Miłośników Ochoty „Ochocianie” (Association of Friends of Ochota "Ochocianie"), it was renamed to Stowarzyszenie Ochocianie on 20 May 2016. From the outset, the association combined direct civic action with participation in local governance. In 2010, Ochocianie ran in the local elections to the district council, winning 1,782 votes (5.49%), which translated into one seat. This marked their entry into formal politics. In 2014, running as part of an informal coalition of urban movements, they increased their vote to 3,018 (10.4%), securing two seats. The 2018 local elections represented a significant breakthrough. Ochocianie participated within the city-wide coalition KWW Miasto Jest Nasze – Ruchy Miejskie. In the district council elections, the association received 6,082 votes (15.18%), winning three seats, including that of Aleksander Kopiński. In the city council constituency covering Ochota and Śródmieście, the coalition won 6,908 votes (7.37%), though this did not result in any seats. Justyna Glusman, a candidate for Mayor of Warsaw associated with Ochocianie, received 20,643 votes (2.32%). After the elections, Ochocianie joined the coalition governing the district, and Dr Maria Środoń became deputy mayor. The coalition lost power in 2021 when two PO councillors changed their club affiliation. Justyna Glusman was appointed director-coordinator for sustainable development and greenery in the Warsaw City Hall, a position she held until 18 November 2021. In the 2024 local elections, Ochocianie formed a coalition with the Polska 2050 movement. In the district council elections, the coalition received 4,138 votes (12.27%), giving them two seats. After the elections, they joined the coalition governing the district, and Justyna Glusman served as deputy mayor until the end of July 2026. Throughout its history, Ochocianie have remained committed to their founding principles: protecting green spaces, fighting smog, improving schools, developing public transport and cycling infrastructure, and ensuring that urban development respects residents' needs. Their methods include participatory budgeting, signature campaigns, public consultations, community events, and whistleblowing on administrative irregularities. The association's tenth anniversary picnic was celebrated as a jubilee event, underscoring its enduring presence in the local civic landscape.

• 2024

  In coalition with Polska 2050, Ochocianie win 4,138 votes (12.27%) and two district council seats; Justyna Glusman becomes deputy mayor until end of July 2026.

• 2021

  The governing coalition loses power after two PO councillors change club affiliation; Justyna Glusman serves as Warsaw's director-coordinator for sustainable development and greenery until 18 November.

• 2018

  In the KWW Miasto Jest Nasze – Ruchy Miejskie coalition, Ochocianie win 6,082 votes (15.18%) and three district council seats; Justyna Glusman runs for mayor of Warsaw, receiving 20,643 votes (2.32%).

• 2016

  On 20 May, the association is renamed from Stowarzyszenie Miłośników Ochoty „Ochocianie” to Stowarzyszenie Ochocianie.

• 2014

  In coalition with urban movements, Ochocianie win 3,018 votes (10.4%) and two seats.

• 2010

  Ochocianie run in local elections, winning 1,782 votes (5.49%) and one district council seat.

• 2008

  Ochocianie emerges as a grassroots group protesting the renovation of Park Wielkopolski.

Grassroots urban movement and civic association advocating for residents' interests in Warsaw's Ochota district.

1. 1Ochocianie Sąsiedzi – Lokalny ruch sąsiedzkiochocianie.pl
2. 2Ochocianie – Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Ochocianie – Wikipedia (Polish)pl.wikipedia.org