Volunteering in the Amsterdam municipal elections 2026

More than 280,000 Amsterdammers volunteer for our city. From neighborhood activities to language partners and support for vulnerable residents to sports and culture: volunteers are an indispensable force in Amsterdam. FromThe State of the City of Amsterdam 2024It appears that 36% of adult Amsterdammers do volunteer work. This shows how significant the role of volunteers is in the social fabric of the city.

On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Amsterdammers will elect a new municipal council. Election programs often focus on housing shortages, mobility, and livability. But what do political parties actually say about volunteer work and social participation?

What do political parties say about volunteer work?

Volt Amsterdam – explicitly connects participation and inclusion

In the election program of Volt Amsterdam, volunteer work receives concrete attention. The party wants to agree with organizations such as the Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam that sufficient volunteer positions are created for people who are new to the city — such as those who have fled or have a residence permit. Additionally, Volt advocates for municipal support to expand the number of volunteer positions and promote participation.“We make agreements with the Volunteer Center Amsterdam to create sufficient volunteer positions for people who have fled, people applying for asylum, people with a residence permit, and people without a valid residence status.”(Bron:Volt program)

PvdA Amsterdam: broad participation and social cohesion

The election program of the Labour Party (PvdA) emphasizes social cohesion, participation, and active contribution to the city, topics that are closely related to volunteer work. Although the program does not always explicitly mention the term ‘volunteer work’ as a policy area, it clearly indicates that everyone should be able to participate and contribute to society — both through work and voluntary efforts. In recent reports, PvdA politicians have also expressed this, referring to volunteer work as part of social engagement. (Source:election program PvdA Amsterdam)

GroenLinks Amsterdam: caring city and meeting places

Theprogram of GroenLinks Amsterdamfocuses on creating meeting places, caring neighborhoods, and social networks. Although the term volunteering does not always appear literally, the program contains several passages about social participation, neighborhood activities, and connections between people — themes in which voluntary commitment often plays a significant role.

VVD: focus on livability and community participation

VVD Amsterdam lays down intheir programespecially emphasis on livability, safety, and an attractive city, and less on explicit policy regarding volunteer work. It is mentioned, “Volunteers make an important contribution to caring for other Amsterdammers; they deserve active support from the municipality.”

D66: Recognizes, acknowledges, and supports volunteers.

In theprogramFrom D66 Amsterdam, the party of current alderman Alexander Scholtes, it is emphasized that volunteer work contributes to a social, engaged city. The program advocates for support of initiatives that connect people and stimulate participation.

How much attention does volunteer work receive?in the party programs?

What stands out: volunteer work is not always listed as a separate policy area in programs, but the idea that Amsterdammers create the city together is reflected by many parties.

Amsterdam runs on volunteers

Are you one of those 280,000 Amsterdammers who is already involved? Or have you been thinking about it for a while? Volunteering often starts with one simple question: where can I make a difference? Because one thing is for sure: Amsterdam relies on volunteers. Maybe soon it will also rely a bit on you.

Good luck with casting your vote!