About STEP
The “Step to Europe” Association (STEP) is a non-governmental organization whose formal activity began in July 2024, although its roots go back several years. The STEP team consists of many young people passionate about discovering the world, new cultures, and the opportunities waiting to be explored.
Many members of the association began their journey in social activism within the Rozprawy o Europie (ROE) Association, which since 2018 has been engaging and supporting the development of young people in the Świętokrzyskie region and beyond through numerous local and international projects.
“Step to Europe” was born from the initiative of young people striving to broaden their horizons even further and carry out activities that, as they themselves point out, their peers truly need. One of the greatest strengths of this organization is that its members remain in constant contact with local youth. This allows them to accurately identify their needs and, using their own skills and resources, create projects and initiatives that anyone interested can benefit from.
The word “anyone” holds particular importance for STEP, as one of the association’s priorities is to effectively engage people with fewer opportunities, including those affected by factors such as place of residence, disability, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation.
This commitment to preventing social exclusion is reflected, for example, in the fact that the organization is registered in a rural village – Tychów Stary. The members of the association believe that this decision not only does not hinder the implementation of STEP’s mission but actually supports it, as many young people living in the area are eager to get involved in new projects.
Our team
Dominika Chmielewska
President of STEP, youth policy expert, and former chair and later mentor of the Starachowice Youth City Council. She currently supports young people across the Świętokrzyskie region as a Youth Policy Specialist at the Kielce City Hall. She has carried out dozens of projects as a coordinator, mentor, and trainer. She studied international relations at universities in Poland, Portugal, and Spain. A true Erasmus+ enthusiast, she believes in the power of young people and their ability to change the world.
Klaudia Chamera
Vice-President of STEP, specialist in the promotion of international projects, and former Chair of the Starachowice Youth City Council. A community animator, volunteer, and event organizer. She builds teams, leads educational activities, and aims to become a certified trainer. She studies Human Resource Management, combining academic knowledge with her passion for youth work and supporting local communities.
Kamil Stanos
President of the Rozprawy o Europie Association, expert in youth policy, civic participation, and EU-funded initiatives. Author of local development strategies, revitalization programmes, and several dozen social, educational, and civic projects. For years he has supported NGOs, young leaders, and local communities both in Poland and internationally.
He currently oversees cooperation with NGOs, social initiatives, and youth engagement in one of the largest local government units in the region.
An expert in Democracy Reloading and Europe Goes Local, connected with Erasmus+, the European Social Fund, CERV, and the European Solidarity Corps. A person who combines vision, experience, and real effectiveness.Ekspert inicjatyw Democracy Reloading i Europe Goes Local, związany z programami Erasmus+, Europejskim Funduszem Społecznym, CERV i Europejskim Korpusem Solidarności. Człowiek, który łączy wizję, doświadczenie i realną skuteczność.
Julia Łaszewicz
Chair of the Starachowice Youth City Council, responsible for social media and promotion. A student in a geography–language profile, activist, volunteer, and young leader of international projects. Passionate about foreign languages, travel, and creative communication.
Kacper Zięba
Filmmaker, photographer, and sound engineer. Creator of numerous films, reports, and multimedia materials. He combines creative vision with technical precision — from framing, through editing, to final sound design. Thanks to his work, stories gain depth, rhythm, and emotion.
Bartosz Gawlik
Former Chair of the Youth City Council and student of the First High School in Starachowice. A natural leader — combining charisma with empathy. He listens, inspires, and takes effective action. For years he has been involved in social initiatives, leading youth projects and developing his organizational talents.
Iga Poliszczuk
Vice-Chair of the Youth City Council, graphic designer, and social activist. She creates the visual identities of STEP and ROE and is responsible for creative communication. She combines artistic sensitivity with real action for young people and the local community.
Piotr Styczeń
Actively works for rural areas, believing that real change begins locally — with people, their relationships, and shared responsibility. He supports the development of small communities by engaging young people and residents in social, civic, and educational projects. An Erasmus+ participant and mentor of young leaders who helps uncover the potential of rural areas, strengthen local identity, and encourage co-decision-making about the future of the community. For him, the village is not the periphery — it is a space of opportunities.
Wiktoria Sadrak
Youth City Council member (two terms), former secretary and vice-chair. Graduate of a math–physics profile, youth leader, organizer of festivals and workshops. Volunteer, participant of international exchanges — energetic, proactive, and always present where something important is happening.
Wiktoria Derlatka
A social activist deeply committed to youth issues and the local community. She served as a member of the Youth Council of the City of Starachowice and as a councillor of the Youth Assembly of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. Creative, responsible, and full of initiative, with extensive experience in organising events, managing projects, and facilitating community activities.