Small with great significance for Amsterdam

“I had moved from Amsterdam to Weesp and had also started working outside of Amsterdam. However, I still wanted to stay connected to ‘my’ city. Through a friend, I heard that Volunteer Center Amsterdam (VCA) was looking for board members for their Supervisory Board.” Nadine van der Sluis has now been the chairperson here for ten years with great pleasure.”“Four times a year we meet, together with the director of VCA. We discuss the annual plan, finances, projects initiated by VCA, and innovations in volunteering. Each member of our Supervisory Board has their own expertise, serving as a sounding board for the director. I often act as a discussion partner when it comes to networking with other organizations or collaborating with the municipality. Over the past year, I have been busy, along with another member and the team, organizing a farewell for our departing director and the search for a new director.”

What is your motivation for doing volunteer work here?

“I find the VCA a beautiful organization; small with great significance for Amsterdam and its residents. What I find particularly special is that we are there for everyone: for all Amsterdammers who have something.”for the city or others who want to do something and for all organizations that work with volunteers. Whether it’s sports, culture, environment, or healthcare. Whether it’s a large organization with paid professionals, or a small-scale initiative in a neighborhood. I think it’s fantastic that so many Amsterdammers want to do something for their city and for other Amsterdammers. It is important that volunteer work is well supported – professional. VCA helps people find a suitable place, and is also there for organizations. How do you work with volunteers?”

What does this volunteer work bring you?

“Connection with the city and connection with what I find important: that people can participate and contribute to what they find important. In addition, I also gain experience from which I learn and which I can apply in my daily work as a process facilitator. Such as conducting difficult conversations. I recently had to do this a few times in the recruitment process for a new director for VCA. Not pleasant to do, but educational. I noticed that what you read in management books is true – it is best to deliver bad news at the beginning of the conversation and then explain it.”Photos: Kim Cerrone

Is this something for you?

Interested in doing volunteer work at VCA?View the available volunteer vacancies here.In heel Amsterdam, there are about 1500 open volunteer opportunities. Curious?Read more here.