Can you use more volunteer buddies?

That works out well, because Volunteer Center Amsterdam and dozens of social organizations join forces and carry outthe entire month of NovemberA major campaign to recruit volunteer buddies in Amsterdam Centrum, Oost, and Zuid! The campaign is calledLooking for a babysitteren was already a great success in Amsterdam Noord. On November 4th, the kick-off will take place where Willem Dieleman will talk about spreading joy.

Corona or not

One in ten Amsterdammers could use a buddy, due to loneliness, mental health issues, language barriers, or because they need help solving their debts. The coronavirus crisis has further exacerbated issues for many people. Even in the ‘new normal’, more and more Amsterdammers need a buddy.

But many more people are needed to volunteer for this work. As a volunteer, you visit someone for a period of six months to a year to help them with their situation. This help can be very practical, personal guidance, or just some company. Having a chat, exercising together, practicing language skills, or organizing mail.

Are you in doubt?

Many people hesitate to become volunteers. They think it takes too much time. That the work is too difficult, or that they are not suitable. They worry that dealing with a vulnerable person is too ‘difficult’.

In this campaign, we aim to dispel those doubts and encourage people to become a buddy for someone who could really use it. In the month of November, Amsterdammers are invited in various ways to become a buddy. Through posters and flyers, through a social media campaign, with a video, various physical promotional activities, and free publicity, we aim to inspire many Amsterdammers for this valuable volunteer work.

Actions

In the month of November, you will see red Gappie letters around you in Amsterdam: on the street and in cafes. A super nice video will be available online. We will also travel with flyers, coffee, tea, and a portrait poetess to events in Amsterdam. The poetess invites you to a conversation about volunteering and based on that conversation, she creates an ‘portrait poem’ on the spot for potential volunteers. They will then take it home with them.

Are you joining?

Volunteer organizations and initiatives active in the city districts of Centrum, Oost, and Zuid can participate. If you join, we will refer volunteers to your organization. We ask you to provide job vacancies and participate in a physical action in one of the districts in November. Perhaps you are already organizing an activity or recruiting at a market. We can join you there. We will provide you with PR material.Sign up by October 7th at Volunteer Center Amsterdam, Simone Timmer.s.timmer@vca.nuof 06-38690039