Important steps for volunteering in Amsterdam

There’s a lot happening around volunteer work in Amsterdam — and that’s good news for all Amsterdammers who selflessly dedicate themselves to our city and their neighborhood!

CDA proposal to strengthen volunteer work

The city council is positive about a proposal by Rogier Havelaar (CDA Amsterdam) to structurally strengthen volunteer work.

The proposal states:

1. The municipality is carefully considering the role of volunteers in all the city’s issues. And that’s important, because volunteers make the city much better!
2. The municipality is going to compile a list of all the restrictive rules for volunteers. And that’s ridiculous, considering parking and other regulations that hinder volunteers in their work. And of course, that can’t be true, because volunteers should be supported, not hindered.
3. Young people who have completed community service in Amsterdam are encouraged to do more volunteer work. Volunteering isn’t age-specific, but rather a way of life.

Although the council won’t formally vote on this proposal until after the summer, Alderman Marjolein Moorman has indicated that she will already begin implementing it. This is an important step towards greater appreciation and opportunities for volunteers. Because volunteering not only improves the city, but also makes you happier.

A good initiative for volunteers in Amsterdam and a good day for the city, because volunteer work makes society stronger.

New approach from Alderman Scholtes

In addition, Alderman Alexander Scholtes presented a new plan, “The Caring Neighborhood in Action,” which will invest more in recruiting, supporting, and retaining volunteers in the coming period. This will be achieved through campaigns, neighborhood activities, and personalized support to better organize and align volunteer efforts with their talents and interests. The focus is on strengthening social cohesion and tackling loneliness.

As the Amsterdam Volunteer Center, we wholeheartedly support both initiatives and have, of course, been involved in both initiatives.

They emphasize the importance of informal care, neighborly support, and the indispensable role volunteers play in the daily lives of thousands of Amsterdammers. We continue to strive for a city where volunteering is a given and well-facilitated.

Want to read more about Alderman Scholtes’ project? Read the article in Het Parool .