This article examines the role of voluntary response groups within the Polish rescue system, with particular attention to their position in the broader framework of internal security. The analysis is based on the assumption that grassroots civic initiatives, despite their informal nature and limited resources, can significantly support public institutions, especially during the initial phase of crisis response. The author discusses the legal foundations for such involvement, notably the Act on Civil Protection of 5 December 2024, and provides examples of volunteer engagement during emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Key challenges facing these groups are identified, such as unstable financing, limited access to training and equipment, and high turnover among volunteers. The article calls for a more coherent regulatory framework and highlights the potential of voluntary groups to enhance social resilience and improve coordination within local crisis management systems. The study is based on a literature review, legal analysis, and selected case studies of local initiatives