Volunteering in the Amsterdam municipal elections 2026

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?

Out The State of the City Amsterdam 2024 It appears that 36% of adult Amsterdammers do volunteer work. That’s more than 280,000 Amsterdammers who voluntarily contribute to our city. From neighborhood activities to language partners and support for vulnerable residents to sports and culture: volunteers are an indispensable force in Amsterdam. The role of volunteers in our city is significant. But do we see that reflected in the election programs?

What do political parties say about volunteer work?

CDA Amsterdam: strong communities and social engagement

The CDA emphasizes in her program the importance of strong communities and mutual involvement. The party wants to actively support and provide space for volunteers, informal caregivers, and neighborhood initiatives. According to the CDA, volunteer work contributes to a sense of community, responsibility, and connection in the city. The party also sees an important role for youth participation and neighborhood initiatives in which Amsterdammers commit to each other.

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 is clear that everyone should be able to participate and contribute to society, both through work and through voluntary efforts. In recent reports, this was also articulated by PvdA politicians, who referred to volunteer work as part of social engagement. (Source: election program PvdA Amsterdam)

GroenLinks Amsterdam: caring city and meeting places

The program of GroenLinks Amsterdam focuses on creating meeting places, caring neighborhoods, and social networks. Although the term volunteering does not appear much 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.

Volt Amsterdam – explicitly connects participation and inclusion

In the election program of Volt Amsterdam, volunteer work is clearly mentioned. 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.” (B ron: Volt program)

VVD: focus on livability and community participation

VVD Amsterdam lays down in their program especially emphasis on livability, safety, and an attractive city, and less on explicit policies regarding volunteer work. Volunteers are 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 the program from D66 Amsterdam, the party of current Health alderman Alexander Scholtes (with volunteer work in his portfolio), emphasizes 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. However, 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 getting 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 runs on volunteers. Maybe soon it will also rely a bit on you.

Good luck with casting your vote! Make sure to vote.