A voice that represents us
Founded in Buffalo in May 1944, the Polish American Congress represents Americans of Polish descent and stands for a free and independent Poland.
Downstate New York Division
Serving the Polonia of New York.
Polish New York has a voice, and it has a home. Together, we stand up for our community, keep our heritage alive and move our shared interests forward.
At home in the neighborhoods that make Polonia.
- Greenpoint
- Ridgewood
- Maspeth
- New York City
- Long Island
Who we are
We are neighbors, teachers, business owners and veterans. United by our roots. Committed to a stronger voice for Polonia.
National standing. Local roots.
Our Division brings that mission to the five boroughs and Long Island — wherever a Polish parish, school or club still gathers.
People who give their time
Every officer serves as an unpaid volunteer. Nobody draws a salary from membership dues. We bring our time, experience and commitment.
A shared historyGenerations of commitment.
Generations of commitment.
A community that carries on.
The Congress speaks for Polonia where decisions are made. Our Division speaks for Polonia where people live.
1944The year the national Congress was founded
5 boroughsAnd Long Island. One shared community.
Volunteer-ledEvery officer. Every day.
What we doStanding together.
Standing together.
Making our voice count.
From defending our community to preserving its history, our work begins with what matters to Polonia.
Advocacy & representation
When Polonia or Poland is treated unfairly, we put it in writing and send it to the people who can act. Our statement on the desecration of the Father Jerzy Popiełuszko statue in McCarren Park went to elected officials, the local precinct and the Parks Commissioner.
Memory & Polish culture
Popiełuszko Square in Greenpoint exists because the Polish American Congress reached an agreement with the City of New York in 1986. We keep that commitment alive at commemorations and Polish Heritage Month events.
Unity of Polonia
We work with credit unions, parishes, professional associations, folk ensembles and youth groups. Our Division belongs to a national federation of more than 3,000 Polish American organizations, clubs and veterans’ groups.
Solidarity in a crisis
In March 2022 our community joined the Polonia for Ukraine radiothon, a national appeal of the Polish American Congress on WPNA 103.1 FM. Funds supported medical needs in Ukraine and refugees in Poland.
News & statementsThe issues we speak on.
The issues we speak on.
The moments we share.
From our archive: official statements, community gatherings and calls for solidarity.
Get involvedFrom shared roots
From shared roots
to shared responsibility.
There is a place for your time, your experience and your commitment to Polonia.
Make your voice heard
Find your place in Polonia.
Stand with neighbors who care about our community’s future. Contact our Division to learn about membership and how you can take part.
Talk to our Division
Continue your support
Keep our work moving forward.
Already a member? Your continued involvement helps the Congress represent Polonia. Call our Division for current renewal and dues information.
718-389-0450
Start a conversation
Meet the people behind the work.
Come with your questions, concerns and ideas. Contact us for the date and location of our next meeting — we would be glad to hear from you.
Ask about the next meeting →A word from our PresidentOur future depends
Our future depends
on who shows up.
Our task now is simple to name and hard to do: get more of us involved, so that our voice counts in the civic life of this city and this country.
Andrew Kaminski, Esq.President, Downstate New York Division
For Polish Americans, the Congress has the history, the standing and the tools to represent us nationally. I ask you to join us, or to renew the membership you already hold.
Be part of our communityA stronger Polonia
A stronger Polonia
starts with us.
The more of us there are, the more weight our requests carry. Let’s talk about how you can get involved.
Let’s start a conversation