The aim of the research was to evaluate the functioning of social communication and participation in a rural community using the example of the Zaręby Kościelne municipality. In the municipality, we can observe the formation of good bonds between authorities and inhabitants, which constitute a basis for social participation. Although one-way communication was evaluated as being on a good level by respondents, a low level of interest in participation in the preparation of local administrative documents was observed. To sum up, the inhabitants of the Zaręby Kościelne municipality are aware of the fact that most of the issues and tasks performed by the administration should involve their participation, but they feel the lack of an incentive that would encourage them to participate more actively.