[1] After the war, Kolankiewicz continued his work as an optometrist while becoming active in Philadelphia's Polish-American community.

Kolankiewicz was appointed president of the Philadelphia chapter of American Relief for Poland in 1929, coordinating that group's efforts with those of international organizations helping to send money and supplies to the newly created Polish state.

[1] In 1940, Kolankiewicz entered the political arena, winning election to the state House of Representatives as a Democrat.

[2] In that year, Kolankiewicz ran in a special election for one of seven at-large seats on the Philadelphia City Council, which had become vacant after the resignation of John F. Byrne Sr.[1] He defeated Max Leon, his Republican opponent, easily.

[5] Kolankiewicz resigned as president of the Philadelphia chapter of American Relief for Poland in 1964 in order to better concentrate on his duties as a councilman.