Brigitte: from voluntary to paid work

“If you ask someone to pass you the butter, the step to talk about something else is much smaller”

Brigitte has been working for Dynamo for almost three years; a welfare organization in Amsterdam that facilitates connections between people and organizations. Brigitte works at the ‘Rijn 58’ location. “We have a lot of contact with the local residents. People often drop by and know who we are. That’s good.”Brigitte is involved in various projects for Dynamo. “Twice a month we organize the neighborhood lunch. Elderly people, single mothers, and neighbors who could use a chat, enjoy joining. Conversations between people quickly arise due to the practical questions asked during the meal. When you ask someone to pass you the butter, the step to talk about something else becomes much smaller.” Neighborhood support is also an activity that Brigitte enjoys helping with. She takes walks with a neighbor to brainstorm and discover how someone can be further assisted.From voluntary to paid workAfter Brigitte got stuck in the hospitality industry, she came into contact with Dynamo through a UWV reintegration program. Would she like to work as a coffee lady? That was something Brigitte was good at and wanted to do. “Soon I was doing more than just being a coffee lady. I guided activities, organized neighborhood meetings, got more involved in neighborhood work; things kept adding up. And the hours also increased significantly. Management converted some of these hours into a paid job. I continue to do part of the work voluntarily. We spent some time figuring out how to shape that properly and define my tasks. For example, I support the participation officer in guiding interns. I find it exciting and enjoyable to see how my role takes shape.”My life experience comes in handy“I love working at a welfare organization because I have been through a lot myself. I enjoy helping people who are struggling, I like to support them. In that respect, I am an expert by experience. In the hospitality industry, behind the bar, I was also a kind of social worker. All those people, everyone has a story. I bring that experience into my current work.”Make other people happy“I would recommend everyone to do volunteer work. It’s a good way to start again after illness or unemployment. You can start with what you can handle and at your own pace. And you can build on that. Hours and times are negotiable as a volunteer. It’s nice when you can do something again. The added value is that people are truly grateful for your work. Neighbors, but also colleagues and management. It’s rewarding work. You make other people happy.”

Text and photo: Helen KooistraInterested in becoming a volunteer at Dynamo?View open volunteer vacancies here
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