Enthusiasm and great conversations during the volunteer café in Amsterdam’s Pijp district

On the National Volunteer Day on Thursday, December 7, VCA Zuid organized a cozy volunteer café in the conservatory of Cafe Het Troost, in Amsterdam de Pijp. Around 70 Amsterdammers stopped by to explore volunteer opportunities in this district. Various organizations, active both locally and city-wide, shared their motivations and successfully inspired attendees to volunteer for their organization. It led to many wonderful conversations! Of course, drinks and snacks were not missing.

For Each Other in SouthFor Each Other in Zuid brings people from Amsterdam Zuid together for support and socializing. It involves simple services that you can easily do for someone else: shopping, small household chores, gardening help, computer support, accompanying to the doctor, or just social contact like having a cup of coffee or going for a walk together. The enthusiastic team of volunteers at For Each Other in Zuid supports vulnerable residents of the neighborhood. The organization also manages BUUV, the digital neighborhood marketplace for supply and demand in Amsterdam Zuid.

Within this innovative project, individual input is valued, and volunteers receive a thank you in the form of a gift card annually and participate in team outings. The organization holds a volunteer meeting twice a year, and volunteers can take advantage of both internal and external training as needed. Check out theVacancies.Heen en Weer FoundationAt Foundation Heen en Weer, they pick up people who are less mobile and cannot independently travel short distances with a Canta. They operate in the Pijp/Rivierenbuurt, Oud-Zuid, and Centrum areas. As a driver, you take people within these neighborhoods to places like the supermarket, library, community activities, or a local restaurant. As a trip planner, you receive requests and schedule the trips. Check out theVacancies.CybersoekCybersoek is part of the Zeeburg Internetplein Foundation. Cybersoek caters to the learning needs of local residents and adjusts its programming accordingly. At Cybersoek, local residents can take courses, for example, in the Dutch language. During open hours, they can also use computers. Check out theVacanciesTranslation: .

Human Library FoundationThe Human Library increases understanding between people by being a “library of people.” Visitors to the Human Library ‘borrow’ someone they can have a conversation with. The ‘living books’ are often people with a remarkable story. People you might not otherwise speak to personally. Events can take place anywhere, such as in libraries, companies, schools, markets, festivals, or conferences. Check out theVacanciesThank you for your request.Public Libraryin Zuid.
The OBA is transforming from a traditional lending library into a community library. They work closely with visitors, neighbors, and partners to be able to offer even more and better information, knowledge, and cultural activities to, for, and with people from the neighborhood. They aim to be an inspiring place as a community library where neighbors can meet and share knowledge.

Volunteers are becoming increasingly important for the OBA: thanks to them, they can continue to expand the range of activities and courses. Volunteers support in the branches, answer questions and provide directions, assist with cultural and social activities, or contribute to training in the areas of language and computers. Check out theJob vacancies.Scouting ErskineScouting Erskine aims to offer young people between the ages of 7 and 21 the opportunity to learn, play, and collaborate through the game of Scouting Netherlands, on their way to growing independence. This is based on an open association character. Activities include weekly Saturday meetings, camps, sailing, and other Scouting activities. With a team of over 20 volunteers, the organization provides fun times for various age groups. Volunteers can further develop themselves internally through mentors, learning modules, and courses from Scouting Netherlands. They can also learn to sail or operate motorboats and obtain the recognized CWO and boating licenses. Volunteers come from various backgrounds and ages (even without scouting experience). Check out thevacanciesThank you for using WordPress!Client transport CordaanAs a volunteer driver at Cordaan Client Transport, you have a lot of contact with elderly people who cannot leave their homes. As a driver, you are highly appreciated and taken seriously by everyone. You receive a lot of gratitude and a good feeling in return. You provide stability and a nice day for the elderly with your rides.

Volunteer drivers are needed for day care locations in North, South, East, Southeast, and West. You safely transport clients from home to the day care center and vice versa, where some elderly people need help getting in and out, and others are in wheelchairs and require assistance with the lift. The times are in the morning from 8:30 am to 10:30 am and in the afternoon from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Check out the VacanciesPhotos: Huub Zeeman