Polish American Congress
About Polish American Congress
Established in 1944 during the Congress of Polonia in Buffalo, New York, the Polish American Congress emerged as the first major umbrella organization uniting the diverse Polish American community in response to global events and the need for a collective voice. Based in Washington, DC, the organization has grown from its founding membership of 6 million to represent at least 10 million Americans of Polish descent today. The Congress was created by roughly 2,600 delegates representing Polish and Polish American organizations, establishing a legacy of unity and purpose that continues to define its mission nearly 80 years later.
The Polish American community takes deep pride in its commitment to enduring values: family, faith, democracy, hard work, and the pursuit of the American dream. Present in virtually every state and community across America at various social, business, and economic levels, the Congress embodies the contributions and sacrifices of Polish Americans in service to both their native and adopted homeland. The organization welcomes individual membership, associate membership, and organizational affiliation, inviting Polish Americans and Poles living in the United States to share their talents and energy toward shared goals. Through its governance structure led by President Frank J. Spula and its network of State Divisions, the Polish American Congress continues to foster civic engagement, preserve cultural heritage, and advance the interests of the Polish American community throughout Washington, DC and beyond.