The article briefly presents the most important activities and actions (especially dialogue, information and education measures) undertaken in therecent years by the self-governments of the Pomorskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Lubelskie voivodeships, where exploration and examination of unconventional hydrocarbon deposits are being conducted. Described are also independent initiatives of the self-governments in this field such as international cooperation, public opinion research and seminars, conferences and workshops. The article indicates the engagement of the Marshals of the voivodeships in the debate on the possibilities of managing unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs in Poland and Europe.