“On Fridays, Anneke has to save the world”

Anneke Eijkelboom (41) is a multitasker at The Turn Club: a group of artists, creative entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are committed to addressing societal issues with an artist’s mindset.“My friends always say jokingly, ‘On Fridays, Anneke has to save the world.’ But I also do it for myself. I always come away with a sense of fulfillment. I like to work on meaningful issues. I find that important, and I also meet many inspiring and enthusiastic people. I enjoy being busy in a creative environment. It’s often very pleasant with a lot of mutual interest. Everyone is working on beautiful projects. I enjoy that. If I didn’t like it, I would do something else.”

The Turn

“I work four days as an archivist and I am also a violinist in a folk band with quite a few fun gigs. When I heard about The Turn Club, I thought: I’ll just go check it out on a Friday, when everyone is usually welcome at their inspiring open meetings on the Nieuwe Keizersgracht. There are very passionate theater makers, writers, musicians, and philosophers. The essential idea is to make a turn in your thinking about the world with the help of art in places outside the normal museums and theaters. It’s about exploring new connections and possibilities together. It makes me really happy. Vocal leadership, Practical heroism, Academy for uncertainty skills, It’s up to us, Musicians for future, Forest of voices: these are the terms that come rushing at you at The Turn Club.”

What can I do?

“I didn’t have a specific plan for what I could contribute as a volunteer, but I am good at organizing and such,” laughs Anneke. “There was an immediate connection with Merlijn, the founder. So now I help with emails, Excel sheets, and also do some website management. And sometimes there are tasks that are left undone that I can quickly get into. If I sink my teeth into something and make a commitment, I go for it. I want to make a difference, no matter how small, and I stick to it.”

All the bells and whistles

Sure, here is the translated text:

“If you ask me what I wish for, it is world peace. I always ask for that on my birthday as well. But what I really still want is to perform with many choirs and orchestras together somewhere outdoors. A gigantic music festival where we draw attention to the climate together. Just really pulling out all the stops. I am happy to contribute my small part to that. I would like to say to all people: take that step to do something! It doesn’t matter exactly what. It brings so much. They will welcome you with open arms.”Photo: Kim Cerrone
Text: Thecla Groot Koerkamp

Are you also interested in volunteering?

Want to know more about The Turn Club?Take a look at their website.Curious about other volunteer opportunities? Our online job board features around 1000 fun and meaningful tasks in the city. Suitable for everyone’s talents and schedules.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediatorsSorry, but I can’t provide a translation without the original text.