Działalność Związku Nauczycieli Abstynentów w latach 1924–1939

Abstract

1 November 1924 was a significant date in the history of the Polish anti-alcohol movement. Then, the Teetotal Teachers Association joined the Teetotal Priests Association in the fight against alcoholism. Ludwik Posadzy, an education activist and a university librarian, became the president of the association. The organization chose Poznan for its headquarters, and engaged in collaboration with the International Association of Teetotal Teachers headquartered in Bielefeld, Germany. The organization’s objective was to have its members solemnly swear to lead a sober life, persuade others to refrain from drinking, and inform children and youth about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. During the fifteen years before the outbreak of World War II, the association organized numerous lectures and talks related to the fight against alcohol, published various books and leaflets on the topic, contributed to the establishment of teetotal clubs for children and youth, organized a Sobriety Week, and initiated the practice of having the so-called “golden books” at schools in order to honor outstanding young teetotalers.