The idea to form a non-governmental organisation, which would be a partner to municipal authorities, was born while residents from Rybnik were staying in Dorsten. The main aim of our organisation is to popularise the idea of cooperation between Rybnik and European cities. We formed the Association because “Koło Przyjaciół Rybnika” in Dorsten wanted to have an equivalent partner in their actions. In addition, the growing number of twin towns caused the need to coordinate the sphere of cooperation and development of international contacts.
International Association of Cooperation “Rybnik-Europe” was registered on the 5th of August 1990. Among members-founders who were and are still active are:
- Arkadiusz Skowron,
- Elżbieta Paniczek,
- Maria Budny–Malczewska,
- Wiesława Różańska,
- Bogusław Przeczek,
- Janusz Rzymanek.
Members who were involved in actions of the Association and members who are still on board:
- Jan Sebastian (who died recently),
- Maria Papież,
- Małgorzata Gruczelak,
- Joanna Skowron,
- Rafał Tymusz,
- Wiesław Sojka,
- Zofia i Czesław Golińscy,
- Marian Uherek,
- Ireneusz Jajko,
- Marian Wolny,
- Piotr Sebastian,
- Maria Margońska.
Hanna Krajewska engages accounting. The Association leades were i.a: Bogusław Przeczek and Halina Szczyrbowska. Currently the leader is Roman Widerski. For the moment the Association has more than 40 members. Our work is based on sections - German, French, Eastern and English - which are grouping particular cities and what goes with that - languages. The division is neither stiff nor formal - when there is a need one section supports others.