Word volunteer! Check out all the possibilities online: Choose from about 1,000 fun and meaningful tasks.
Safety is an important theme. Also within volunteer organizations. Is it okay for a child to become friends on Facebook with the homework tutor? Can a volunteer earn some extra money by doing odd jobs for a client? It is not always clear where the boundary lies. What is acceptable and what is not? Opinions may differ.
How do you ensure more safety?Word volunteer! Check out all the possibilities online: Choose from about 1,000 fun and meaningful tasks.
At Business Involved, we connect companies to social initiatives and help businesses and their employees to sustainably make a positive contribution to the region. BI is your partner in CSR and CSR.
Do you choose for the one-time involvement of your team as a volunteer? We would like to refer you to one of our partners focused on team volunteering.
All civil servants of the municipality of Amsterdam are allowed to do volunteer work during working hours. Find something that suits your wishes through us!
Do you want to collaborate more often with companies? And preferably not for one-time short jobs but are you looking for a partnership with more impact? VCA is happy to help you.
Personalized advice tailored to you. At one of our 17 locations in the city or by phone. Schedule an appointment!
Sometimes a situation arises between a volunteer and a social organization where both parties cannot find a way out. We help!
Roelien is market master at the Indian neighborhood festival. Mark September 6 in your calendar! The day to meet each other in the East.
Are you looking for an educational Communication internship and do you have a passion for volunteer work? Then you might be our new colleague!
“It was one of the most enjoyable summers I’ve had in a long time,” Vanessa says. Last May, she decided to follow her curiosity and try out various volunteer tasks. “One week I was at a museum with the elderly, the next week at a festival or at Artis. I not only rediscovered my own city but also myself.”
Despite his busy job, Gerben is committed to De Zonnebloem Jong Amsterdam. “I just make time for it, because it’s 100% worth it. It really gives you a different perspective on life.”
Are you committed to a more sustainable and inclusive society? Then this is your call!
Kimbo van Stralendorff was homeless for only one day in his life, but that was enough to experience how vulnerable you are at that moment. “It taught me that not everything is about money; satisfaction comes from helping others.”
Esther has MS, and this disease drastically turned her life upside down. She had to give up her job, but she didn’t sit back and do nothing. She became active in the MS Association and has since become an energetic hub connecting patients, professionals, and advocates.
Myrthe and Stephan, father and daughter, work together for the Homeless Shelter Chair Project. “In the beginning, it was all very impressive for us, of course.” Now, eight years later, they still enjoy doing this volunteer work. They passionately share their story and paint a picture of what a service looks like.
Charlie (56) cooks dinner for neighbors every other week on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Community Center Olympus. As a Brit in Amsterdam, he discovered that volunteering not only helped him learn the Dutch language but also find his place in the city. “I feel like I really belong here.”
Rob: “I can be myself here, I can do what I enjoy the most, fixing things. When you come, the coffee is ready, sandwiches, snacks, cookies. The warm feeling I have received here is very special.”
Jack, 35 years old, volunteers once a week at Cordaan’s day care center. “I live in a Safehouse myself,” Jack says candidly. “I am a recovering addict. For me, my most important activities are sports, meetings, and volunteer work.”
Writer, poet, and theater maker Joost Oomen has created a poem for National Volunteer Day 2024.
Giving is the new buying! After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s time for #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 3rd. Because giving (love) truly makes you (sustainably) happy. We are happy to provide you with inspiration.
Nassira is also active as a volunteer at SEZO. She is dedicated to helping Amsterdammers with various questions during the WegWijsSalon of Buurtteam Amsterdam Nieuw-West. “I have truly become a different person.”
December 7 is National Volunteer Day. The moment to highlight as many people as possible who do something good from time to time! Are you or do you know one of them?
After his early retirement, Frank didn’t want to go to the gym. He has now become indispensable as an all-around volunteer at the Woonzorgcentrum Het Schouw. The highlight is singing together on Wednesday afternoons. “I am slowly learning that it is quite nice to combine reason and emotion.”
Volunteers spread happiness, which we all greatly need! That’s why the Thank You Cargo Bike from Volunteer Center Amsterdam will be riding around the center of Amsterdam on Friday, December 13th to thank them. With a poem and a small surprise. Everyone who is volunteering is welcome!
The Thank You Day South 2024: more than 320 volunteers from Amsterdam South enjoy music, food, and togetherness. Thanks to Rashid Novaire and Ellen ten Damme, it became an unforgettable afternoon.
At City Farm Osdorp, people with early-stage dementia have been able to participate in various activities as day care for over a year. This peaceful, healthy, and green environment is perfect for this purpose. Ria and Joke lead these mornings. “We both do it with love and want to be a link for the people.”
Social organizations shared what you can do with them and what makes it so fun and valuable. After that, everyone could continue talking to them and ask their own questions. Many matches were made. Couldn’t you be there, but are you curious? We’ll put everything in a row for you!
Eelkje comes to Janny’s house for an hour every week. They enjoy going shopping together at Osdorpplein or Eelkje cooks and bakes. “I prefer meatballs because I love them so much,” Janny beams. Janny is so limited by her rheumatism that she is completely dependent on others. For the past five years, she has not been able to go outside independently. Eelkje is happy to help her. “It’s just an hour a week.”
From your couch, behind your laptop, or in your own kitchen; you can also make a difference and do something good from home! Nice and easy. We have listed 9 fun options for you below!
When Niki Jongman (36) heard last year that she could take extra vacation days at a discounted price, she decided not to spend them on a beach. Instead, she wanted to do something ‘fun and useful.’ This led her to NDSM Treehouse, an art incubator in Amsterdam-Noord. For two weeks, she contributed to their Art Park exhibition. “I now feel more at home in the neighborhood.”
Feeling like partying? Sign up for the Volunteer Appreciation Day for District South on November 16, 2024.
During his studies, Rohan was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression. Not only did continuing his studies become impossible, at one point he couldn’t even leave the house and became isolated. He recommends anyone who is stuck in a deadlock to start doing volunteer work. “I was able to build rhythm and self-confidence at my own pace.”
Business Involved facilitated the connection between Klimaatroute and Amstergaard. This is a wonderful example of how companies pursue their commercial goals while simultaneously contributing to a better and greener city.
From September 27th to October 2nd, the national Week against Loneliness is being organized. What role can volunteering play in this?
Expat Briony is volunteering at the Animal Shelter Amsterdam. “It brings me joy, confidence, and respect. If I didn’t use the PowerPoint presentation in my work, the world still turned around.”
Sander is a Language Coach at MoMo education. People with different backgrounds work there, and their level of Dutch also varies. Sander teaches them Dutch and helps them progress.
Booch has been working as a volunteer behind the bar at the Community Center Buitenveldert for 7 years, where visitors can enjoy his delicious Latte Macchiato.
Looking for new volunteers? Want them to choose your organization over someone else? A good, compelling call can make a big difference. We share eight tips.
Whether you want to do something for your neighborhood, fight against poverty, or support cultural initiatives: in a board, you contribute to the impact of a social organization and develop your own talents.
Let us know what makes you happy, and we will send you some fun and surprising volunteer tasks that match your interests!
An interview about a piece of social foundation in practice in Amsterdam. Nynke Vlieger has been the director-manager of Buurtteam Amsterdam Centrum for a year. “I don’t think volunteers should be the answer to the lack of the welfare state.”
Aziyme Akgun finds great joy in giving people the opportunity to help others. That’s why she regularly organizes charity events and currently runs the Giveaway Shop at Columbusplein. “Sharing something via WhatsApp can already make a difference.”
Saskia: “This gives me energy, inspiration, a meaningful use of my time, and the opportunity to follow my passion.”
Report of the networking breakfast Business Involved for organizations. How do you get the most out of collaborating with companies?
We have compiled the most fun (one-time) summer volunteer tasks for you! A great way to gain cool new experiences. For enthusiasts of art, culture, sports, games, well-being, education, photography, hospitality, or nature. Choose something that makes you happy and have an unforgettable summer experience!
Gitta Bessem is a voluntary board member at Children’s Farm De Werf in Oost. “Our volunteers come here to have a nice day, work, and learn. You can discover here how to increase your resilience for life but also how to step out of your own bubble.”
What can you do to keep volunteers happy and satisfied? Organizations, take advantage of these tips.
On June 4th, newcomers at the AZC Willinklaan received a certificate for their volunteer work.
There is nothing better than feeling tired and fulfilled after a day of working outside, according to Daniella, who volunteers in the garden at De Horizon. “It relaxes you and ultimately gives you more energy again.”
Machteld de Goederen is a volunteer at Studiezalen. Here she provides homework assistance to children from vulnerable neighborhoods. “I enjoy the one-on-one contact with young people. It is a huge enrichment, also of my own life.”
Are you looking for ways to promote your volunteer organization? The volunteer text writers and photographers of VCA Media can help you with that. A personal interview or a photo reportage can be the way to show others what your organization means for the neighborhood and city.
How to find volunteer work that suits you? With the help of a VCA mediator. This was also experienced by Marieke Buijs, who now cooks at BuurtBuik Amsterdam Noord and is very happy about it!
Language volunteers are much needed. Fortunately, there were many interested people at the Language Volunteers Cafe at the OBA on Postjesweg who want to help residents in Nieuw West.
The Oranje Fonds and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport are giving an impulse to strengthening and sustaining voluntary efforts. Apply for funding and make use of free knowledge.
At Vrouw en Vaart, women come to further develop themselves. The activities range from empowerment to vocational training and recently a Textile Repair Café. Nabila and Fatiha work here as volunteers: “When you help someone, you also feel better yourself.”
Good news! The 2023 figures from CBS indicate that 49 percent of the population aged 15 and older has volunteered for an organization or association at least once in the past twelve months.
Marty Bosch from Zorggroep Amsterdam Oost works as a volunteer coordinator with several recognized refugees who are doing volunteer work. And with success: “They are so motivated to integrate and learn the language and are happy to have a place where they can feel at home and show their qualities. We provide that place.
To the Dutch lessons given by volunteer Judith at the Amsterdam Neighbor Women’s Contact (ABC), women from all over the world backgrounds come. “They are incredibly eager to learn and help each other where possible.”
What has Volunteer Center Amsterdam done in 2023 to strengthen volunteer organizations and volunteering? Read in our annual report how we help volunteers to brighten up the city.
In 2024, we conducted a survey among volunteers. Read the results here.
The pressure on volunteers in healthcare means that there is not always a safe and clearly defined work environment. How do volunteers and volunteer coordinators deal with this situation? We discussed this with volunteer Lodewijk de Mol van Otterloo and volunteer coordinator Alexander Regeling.
Whether you want to do something for your neighborhood, contribute to the environment, or support cultural initiatives: as a board member, you can truly make a difference.
On March 21st, the presentation of the research ‘Caring Together for Amsterdammers’ took place. It was a lovely interactive meeting about the role of volunteers in facilitating the elderly in Amsterdam to live independently at home.
What role do volunteers play in facilitating Amsterdam’s elderly to live at home longer? This was investigated by research agency De ParticipatiePraktijk on behalf of Volunteer Center Amsterdam (VCA). Read the full report here.
The blind and visually impaired members of sports club Cormeta take a refreshing dive in the De Meerkamp swimming pool in Amstelveen every Saturday morning. They are supported by voluntary swimming guides. The joy is contagious!
Leila founded the Mother Network Foundation to support parents of children with disabilities: “We connect and build bridges.” What once started as volunteer work is now Leila’s full-time job. “By starting with volunteer work, I discovered a new side of myself and was able to walk my own path.”
Volunteer Aaldrik Zaaiman founded the Amsterdam Cultural-Historical Association, an association that organizes lectures, excursions, and courses. “I enjoy researching stories about the buildings in the city.”
Volunteers Bas and Richard are enjoying themselves at the tool library De Blauwe Duim: “We love fixing things, having a chat, and giving advice.”
Clientenbelang is committed to people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, vulnerable elderly, and caregivers.
Elias worked as a volunteer at the Neighborhood Ceramics Workshops in Amsterdam West for 19 years. It gave him the opportunity to share his passion and knowledge.
Volunteering often opens new doors. Just like Brahim, who got into politics through volunteering and eventually found his dream job there!
On the National Volunteer Day, VCA Zuid organized a cozy volunteer café in Amsterdam de Pijp. About 70 Amsterdammers stopped by to explore volunteer opportunities in this neighborhood.
Since December 1, 2023, all volunteer organizations in the Netherlands can participate in the National Volunteer Awards 2024 by submitting a vlog. The registration period runs until February 29, 2024.
It’s time for an important ‘thank you’. On National Volunteers Day (December 7), we thank all Amsterdammers who volunteer their time for the city and its residents.
On November 15th, people could enjoy music, food, and various fun workshops in Nieuw-West.
On November 11, around 300 volunteers from Amsterdam Zuid came together to enjoy music, food, and togetherness.
Tineke is a volunteer hostess at Museum Amsterdam Noord. What does she like most about her work? “The contact and the enjoyable conversations with the visitors.”
Annet Bos started an organization in 2008: Foorel-qaar. With this name, she wanted to make it clear that the organization is there for everyone.
Volunteers in Amsterdam South share their story. Watch and be inspired!
Last Thursday, October 12, the cozy space of the Gibraltar Playground filled with people looking for (more) volunteer work. First a delicious bowl of pumpkin soup and bread with hummus, then seven pitches from organizations from the West.
Feeling like partying? Sign up for the Volunteer Appreciation Day for District South on November 11, 2023.
VCA and Dynamo recently organized an interesting meeting for newcomers at Grand Café Genieten.
Volunteers carry the city and make the city more beautiful, livable, and brighter with their dedication.
From July 1st, VCA is also allowed to further promote and develop volunteering in this active city district.
ABC presented a study at VCA on reaching bi-cultural volunteers. What is their stance on volunteering?
Ympact020 organizes a free holiday week full of volunteer adventures for young people in Amsterdam, will you join? You can sign up for one or two weeks. There are 2 groups: 14-18 and 19-25 years old.
Volunteers are increasingly encountering people with early-stage dementia. What can you recommend they do?
About 75 volunteers and volunteer coordinators came to listen and experience what dementia is and how to deal with people who have dementia.
A few years ago, Omar started volunteering at Prisma to boost his CV for medical school. Once a month, bowling shoes were taken out of the closet to go bowling with a friendly group of people with intellectual disabilities. In the end, medical school turned out not to be for Omar, but he still goes bowling every month: “That Wednesday is one of the most enjoyable days of my whole month!”
In honor of the 5th anniversary of the GDPR, VCA has prepared a refresher quiz for you to test your knowledge.
Hilke has always had fun but quite challenging jobs. Until she got completely stuck and didn’t want to do anything for two years. Her therapist advised her after a while: ‘Maybe volunteering is something for you?’ That’s how she ended up behind the bar at neighborhood center De Boomsspijker. “I was skeptical about this at first, but I had no other choice. Slowly but surely, I blossomed again. This even helped me to get back into a paid job!”
The Coffee House on Haarlemmerstraat is a safe haven for homeless or undocumented visitors. The foundation is a social enterprise largely run by and for participants, along with the necessary volunteers. Together, they provide clean clothing, coffee, lunch, and the cleaning and gardening teams make the surroundings clean and colorful.
A Super Cup of almost two by two meters with stories and portraits of volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to football clubs. That’s what this pop-up exhibition is about.
Curious about meeting new people in your neighborhood? Do you enjoy having a chat? Share knowledge and experience with others and make new connections. Become a language buddy. Come to the Volunteer Café Language South at the OBA Roelof Hartplein.
VCA Team Zuid Dasha van Amsterdam and Melita Bacic participated in NLdoet on Friday, March 10, a day with rain and snow. “Yes, it was truly an adventure!”
Feedback from our customers has led to some adjustments in the job board. We believe that the system for organizations looking for volunteers has now become easier to use. How nice that our customers are involved in the process.
“It’s beautiful that you can help people so much in a very difficult period for them, without actually doing anything strange or extraordinary.”
Rachel is celebrating this week that she has been a lunchtime supervisor at Rijk Kramerschool for 10 years. “It brings me a lot because you get a nice break, also outdoors in the fresh air, and you have nice contacts with your lunchtime colleagues, the teacher of your class, and of course with the children. I especially find the preschoolers really enjoyable.”
We have signed the Manifest ‘Healthy aging is a joint effort’ by health economics professor Marcel Canoy and call on healthcare parties and administrators to engage in discussions with us and other volunteer organizations on how to achieve a fruitful and equal partnership.
On the 10th and 11th of March, NLdoet is back, two days when people all over the Netherlands volunteer for a day. Do you have any tasks that would be fun to tackle in a group?
On February 14th, love was in the air at Jungle Amsterdam, a sustainability center in the East district, where we organized the first Valentine’s Volunteer Café. Over forty visitors and nine social organizations came together to meet each other.
How about starting to volunteer with your colleagues? Volunteer Centre Amsterdam has many opportunities to make a long-term, structural difference for companies and their employees in the city.
Rashed is a sweet, humble man, with a delightful twinkle in his eyes, and he enjoys a good joke. He feels right at home at the BORO*ATELIER.
The Card Game Social Safety helps you search for nuance. It helps you find the words to express what you find acceptable and what you don’t. It helps you think about what is not allowed within the organization and where the room for maneuver is in volunteering and to make agreements with each other about rules and regulations. Download the game and manual [here].
This magazine is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. With the stories in this magazine, we hope to inspire as many people as possible to make an impact, in any way they can. Together, we are making the city a little bit more beautiful!
“After working as an architect in the Middle East for a few years, I decided to quit my job and travel around Europe with my partner. We fell in love with Amsterdam and decided to move here. It was scary for a while, though. How could I be part of the local community? I decided to volunteer with children: You do something good and a smile comes on someone’s face, I find that super fun.”
In our podcast series, we take you into the wonderful world of Amsterdammers who enrich Mokum in their own way. What drives them, what does it bring them? Enjoy listening.
On December 7th, we celebrated the first anniversary of Business Involved. An event with Impact!
From January 1, 2023, as a volunteer, when you serve as a director, commissioner, or supervisor of a legal entity (foundation or association) in the municipality of Amsterdam, you are insured under the Amsterdam Volunteer Insurance (AVV).
Bojana Duovski is a mover & shaker at Stichting Studiezalen. In the past one and a half years, thanks in part to her, they have gone from two to no less than twenty-three partnerships with companies. What are her secrets to achieving this? How does she shape this? And what does it yield for both parties?
In tijden van veel vraag naar vrijwilligers is het slim om de vrijwilligers die je hebt te koesteren. Zodat ze heel lang bij je blijven. Hoe doe je dat?
During the period from September 1st to October 20th, we recruited many new volunteers with the campaign Take the first step quickly. The campaign focused on low-threshold and flexible volunteering, as this better suits the busy schedules that many people have nowadays.
Couldn’t you attend the Volunteer Café? Here you will find the organizations present listed + the link to their volunteer tasks! Seven volunteer organizations were present, sharing information about the volunteer work you can do with them.
Do you want your organization to also benefit from the opportunities that collaboration with companies offers? Visit the Business Involved website, sign up, and submit a request for assistance. Or have a conversation with Rachida el Alami.
Since July 1, 2021, the WBTR (Act on Management and Supervision of Legal Entities) applies to all associations and foundations. The law imposes obligations to ensure good governance. However, it is not a one-time obligation, but something that requires ongoing attention. That is why we now have the Board Checklist.
Are you already using our new job board? Since mid-February, we have been working with a brand-new system. Here we provide five tips to attract more volunteers.
How can we better match newcomers with volunteer work? The municipality and VCA exchange knowledge.
Thanks to Business Involved, successfully deploying employees as volunteers. Cooking for the cleanup crew of the Coffee House by employees of the software company Personio,
Many volunteers receive a volunteer allowance or an expense allowance. The tax authorities see it as one whole, which can lead to problems. Kassa paid attention to this. On our site, you can find the regulations listed. Do you have any questions about this? Then call or email us.
Noorderling Magda is a voluntary mentor at Stichting Mentorschap Amsterdam. As a mentor, she represents two clients from Amsterdam who are unable to make decisions about their medical care themselves and do not have family members who can take on this task. “It has opened up a completely different world for me, namely that of care institutions and the life that is happening within them.”
People are offering their help massively for Ukrainians in need. Do you also want to do something? Here we are collecting the most important relief efforts in Amsterdam and online.
Volunteers have been given more tasks in recent years. But while the workload increases, they do not always set their boundaries. Jogien can relate to this. She increasingly helps out as the elderly man with dementia, for whom she does shopping, requires more care. Now on EenVandaag.
Jolanda has been volunteering for the Red Cross for six years. “I work in the Emergency Response department, which includes population care. Volunteers are deployed when there is, for example, a fire or a train accident. Currently, a lot of aid is being provided to the refugees from Ukraine.”
The voluntary photographers of VCA have once again created beautiful series at various organizations recently. Is this something for your organization too?
Toos Beentjes has been involved with Casa Migrante for over thirty years, currently in the coordination team. “This volunteer work brings me a lot: unexpected moments of happiness and contact with beautiful people.”
On March 8, we will explore and search for solutions to the statement: The expectations of voluntary involvement in informal care are (too) high. Volunteers become overwhelmed and drop out.
Gerrit and Sophie are board members of the Amsterdam Association De Zondagsschilders. An association that stimulates the creativity of many Amsterdammers. Do you want to help them as a board member?
Well-functioning volunteer organizations are the social capital of the city. They keep Amsterdam, its residents, and the volunteers healthy and resilient. That is the starting point, but is it still true? Are volunteers and their organizations becoming overwhelmed?
It’s time to prepare the annual financial statements again, and how can you organize that smartly for now and the rest of the year? Here are some tips from the financial advisor at VCA and also head of financial administration at the Regenboog Groep.
Sometimes a collaboration with a company is a great way to add something to your organization. And there are certainly companies that want to be socially involved. But how do you shape that collaboration?
December is the month of thanking and appreciating. Around December 7th, National Volunteers’ Day, many organizations thank their volunteers. How do they do that? Why is thanking so important? What can you do if you have no budget?
How do you ensure that everyone feels safe in your organization? And how can you reduce the risks of infection as much as possible? 7 pieces of advice and 2 example situations.
Are you a (language) volunteer? Do you have questions about the digital options to stay in touch with your buddy or your colleagues? Then sign up for the Digital Consultation at OBA Oosterdok.
Recently, the latest ‘The State of the City of Amsterdam’ has been published, which includes research on social participation in the city. Here we share some figures and outcomes.
Godfrey Lado (43) is a volunteer at the Human Library. He allows himself to be read as a ‘human book’ about being a war child, a refugee from South Sudan, or a black man in the Netherlands.
We have received several reports in recent weeks from organizations that have not received candidates’ responses to their job postings. That is, of course, a real shame!
Sophie is a volunteer at Het Lichthuis: a place where people with mental health problems can go on weekends when regular care is closed. “I think it’s important to be aware of people around you who are not doing so well. I do that in my own neighborhood as well, and I encourage everyone: approach someone who needs help or, for example, sells a homeless newspaper.”
Many organizations are eager to work with newcomers and create space within their organization for this target group but do not know where to start and what to pay attention to. Read here tips that were shared during an inspiration meeting.
Annemarie Verschoor is committed to Voedseltuin IJplein. “This brings me peace of mind and delicious vegetables on my plate!”
The shortage of affordable rental housing is leading to an increase in the number of economically homeless individuals. The Rainbow Group has initiated a pilot project to assist this group with the help of volunteers.
What kind of volunteer work can you do? How can you find something that suits you? Can you earn money with volunteer work?
Franciska is a volunteer at the Children’s Farm Foundation the Animal Island in Molenwijk. “In this green animal oasis, I often have a moment of happiness.”
Guusje (81 years old) is a volunteer at the Energetic Seniors Foundation Amsterdam Nieuw-West. With her young, enthusiastic voice and a soft G, Guusje is an ambassador that every volunteer organization would wish for.
The campaign Gappie Gezocht has won the Amsterdam Communication Award 2021 for social projects!
Care organization Amsta has many years of experience with the voluntary involvement of newcomers. We speak with Edwin Abbenhues about his experiences as a volunteer work coordinator.
What offerings are available for volunteers to become more digitally skilled? What are the needs of volunteers? And what do the supervisors want?
Four funds for projects that make the neighborhood beautiful, bring people together, and stimulate culture.
There are several platforms where you can come together online as a group. In this article, we will tell you more about Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meet.
How do you organize an online meeting with your volunteers? How do you create a varied program?
Organizations that work with volunteers often encounter this issue: volunteers who start experiencing dementia. What do you do?
Do you have a question about safety, inappropriate treatment, or another difficult situation? Contact one of the trust contact persons of VCA.
At the consultation hour of Pluspunt at the Community Center de Witte Boei, Leo de Vrijer assists residents with all kinds of questions. Adrienne Garber was one of them.
Summary of three masterclasses
Heleen Ophof knows from personal experience what it’s like to be lonely and how important it is to have contact with people when you’re going through a tough time. Now she is a buddy of Jan-Willem Reijmerink.
Corona also sparks creativity and new ideas that require voluntary commitment during and after the crisis. In November, we organized two inspiration sessions with organizations, and these tips emerged from them.
Marian van Wijk (70) worked as a social worker in Amsterdam until her retirement. Now she is a language buddy for Sonya (43) at the Amsterdam Neighbors Contact.
Check out the most beautiful moments of the kick off Gappie gezocht: Roos Schlikker, Willem Dieleman, and buddies couple Philip and Paloma.
Christian de Bruijn (30) is a freelance journalist and copywriter. He finds the stories of other people, especially those outside his own bubble, extremely interesting. Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, he has been a phone buddy to Sonia Dias Pinto.
During the kick off event Gappie gezocht on November 4th at De Balie, ‘Pancake Man’ Willem Dieleman shared what he learned during a 2.5-year journey through Asia. Read his tips!
Zowik has a busy life, and he wants to compensate for that by giving back. Burennetwerk is an organization that fits well with his schedule: he chooses when and who he helps with something. He has been visiting photographer René for almost a year now. A friendship has developed between them.
Paloma (22) is a companion for Philip (83) who lost his wife last year. In this interview, they share what they mean to each other.
An estimated eighty thousand residents of Amsterdam need a buddy, due to loneliness, mental health issues, language barriers, or because they need help solving their debts.
Maxime Burgers is a friend of Rafiek Saddal. He lives at the Salvation Army. In this interview, they share what they mean to each other.
The Human Library is a library… with people. Because here you ‘borrow’ living books. These books are people you wouldn’t normally talk to so easily.
In collaboration with the Amsterdam Meeting Centers (AOCs) and DemenTalent, Volunteer Center Amsterdam is organizing an online meeting for volunteer coordinators who may experience volunteers in their organization becoming forgetful.
Volunteers Central Amsterdam and dozens of social organizations join forces and launch a major campaign throughout the month of November to recruit volunteer buddies in Amsterdam Center, East, and South!
How do you involve people in your initiative or project? How do you get in touch with people from the neighborhood? How do you ensure that people start to feel co-responsible?
On September 9th, we organized a speed dating event where new volunteers could receive information and get to know a number of organizations in the city that help people with language, math, and other basic skills.
With some regularity, we receive questions from volunteer centers and support points about our approach to meetings and training sessions. To share and exchange this knowledge, we are organizing an online meeting on Thursday, September 24.
“You can of course complain that the streets are a mess or that people no longer look out for each other, but you can also just do something about it,” is the motto of Dick Schäfer (67)
Did you know that Femke Halsema has also done a lot of volunteer work? We have listed what she has done and with what motivation.
The third webinar on Monday, August 31 with professor Lucas Meijs will address how volunteers and their organizations can best guide and retain voluntary energy.
Volunteer organizations and initiatives are the cornerstone in neighborhoods where many Amsterdam residents can turn to. They are the foundation of much!
Are you interested in volunteering? On September 29th, we are organizing a Volunteer Café for people aged 60 and older where you can get information and meet some volunteer organizations in the city center district.
Are you back in action? Hang up the welcome poster and let everyone know.
Review of the webinar Back to school by OBA, Live and Learn! and VCA in collaboration with the GGD where classroom language organizations could ask questions about resuming their activities.
How do you guide volunteers in times of crisis? Some surprising insights we gained during online meetings.
We have gathered 11 tips to retain your old reliable team of volunteers and the newcomers. For later, when we start working with ‘the new normal’.
The abundance of assistance in this special time is great. How do you ensure that the new volunteer picks up the tasks as quickly and safely as possible?
Several funds have made money available for projects that help vulnerable target groups during the coronavirus crisis. Do you want to start a new project and need money for it? Are you in contact with families where children lack the necessary tools to learn? Is your own organization suffering financial losses?
In this article, we provide a few tips to make the most of the coming time. VCA advisors are ready to help you with it.
A roof tile falling on a visitor during a storm, someone falling off a broken bar stool in your canteen. A data breach. What risks do you face as a volunteer organization and which ones are well covered?
On February 27, 25 seniors were guests at the Marionette Theater in the heart of Amsterdam. During this Volunteer Café for Seniors, six volunteer organizations briefly presented themselves.
Volunteers who registered with us in 2019 were asked to share their opinion about our services.
Non-profit organizations can achieve more with Simon Sinek’s Why. What is your dream?
Volunteer in sports: Once a week, Finn serves as a leader at a basketball court in Amsterdam East. Here, he organizes 3×3 basketball activities and tries to encourage as many children as possible to participate.
Tim is the host at Pampus
The Ajax ball, signed by all the selected players, raised the most with 800 hours.
How nice is it to celebrate your successes at the end of the year, during a Christmas dinner or other cozy gathering.
Curious about meeting new people in your neighborhood? Do you enjoy having a chat? Share knowledge and experience with others and make new connections. Become a language buddy. Come to the Conversation House on 12-12 at the OBA Roelof Hartplein.
Volunteer Center Amsterdam sees many internationals during consultation hours who are looking for volunteer work. They are enterprising people, familiar with the concept of volunteering, and are often highly educated, flexible, and easy to communicate with. How can you provide them with a place in your organization as volunteers?
Marijana volunteered for an afternoon shift at the bar and had a great time. “It was so easy, just one phone call and two days later I could already join in!”
VCA organizes dilemma lunches where we explore concrete dilemmas in a Socratic manner in 1.5 hours. With an open attitude, free from judgments and assumptions. This results in a pleasant depth.
At almost all volunteer organizations, volunteers work who, for whatever reason, require more attention. It is in the DNA of many volunteer coordinators to welcome these people as volunteers. But how do you ensure that this goes well? And what are the consequences for the rest of the organization?
Volunteer photographers from VCA Media took the most photos for the City Pass cookbook ‘Amsterdam aan tafel’.
Hans (72) helps out at the NEMO Science Museum depot a few days a week. Examining, cleaning, and repairing objects.
Els works monthly in nature, such as hanging birdhouses, pollarding willows, and planting lots of flowers along the ditch banks to increase biodiversity.
The Volunteer Center Amsterdam (VCA) will be active again starting July 1st, working with the AZC residents in Nieuw West.
Loes works one morning a week as a hostess at The Traditional Costume Museum. There, she also regularly gives workshops on Staphorst Dot Painting and assists with the setup and dismantling of exhibitions.
At an event where visitors are assisted in finding work in Amsterdam, the Volunteer Center Amsterdam (VCA) is always happy to participate. The Foundation ‘Learning Helps!’ in collaboration with ‘Toptaal’ organized a job market on Thursday, May 23 at Garage Notweg in Nieuw West. We were there!
Denise (19 years old) has been a volunteer at Huttendorp every summer for five years. There, she guides a group of children in building huts and, together with the other volunteers, ensures a super fun week. “It’s a big, positive world there, this is really fantastic!”
We organize a Mix & Match event twice a year, with the aim of creating valuable connections between the social organizations and businesses present.
Driss volunteers at the Rialto cinema. And, a nice bonus: he also gets to watch movies for free.
Nicky is the initiator of butterfly garden Mok in Mokum.
We asked young people: “What is your perception of volunteering?”, “Have you ever done any volunteering?”, if no: “Have you ever considered it?” Here is what they said.
Ilse: “Sometimes people are very sad and they go out the door with a smile.”
Karen thinks she has the best volunteer job in the world. She transports people with limited mobility over short distances through their neighborhood in De Pijp and Rivierenbuurt.
Karlijn volunteers for the Red Cross one day a week. “I receive a lot of appreciation and it’s nice to see all those happy faces after an information session.”
One morning a week, Tim rolls up his sleeves here: preparing food for the animals, feeding them, taking care of them, and cleaning the cages.
Peter is picking up litter in Westerpark, collecting all kinds of cups, bottles, and packaging. “This has become an important activity where I like to involve as many people as possible.”
Cees gives creative workshops at the SOOP (Foundation Meeting Space for and by the Elderly).
Volunteering always seemed a bit dusty, boring, and dull to Eva (29). But in the past few months, she has done 1001 different tasks, and now she thinks: Why didn’t I make time for this earlier? “I even do volunteer work on vacation nowadays!”
Housing association De Samenwerking made three homes in the South available to refugees with official status. Some neighbors took on the role of providing support. Syrian refugee Shams and mentor Harry share their experiences.
What ideas are there to retain volunteers at small care facilities?
Ellen helps seniors to get more exercise and companionship by matching them with a sweet dog sitter in the neighborhood.
I am a buddy at Running Blind Amsterdam. I guide fellow runners who cannot (or no longer) see well, so that they can still go running. The sport we share together. I am the eyes for a fellow runner, so to speak.
“I live in the Spaarndammerbuurt, a multicultural neighborhood. Many people speak limited Dutch. I want to make a difference and help people improve their situation.”
Right from the first handshake, I saw the sparkle and cheerfulness in Jacqueline’s eyes. She is 70 years old, but in appearance and energy, definitely the new 50.
In conversation with civil servants and officials from the municipality of Amsterdam about dilemmas in volunteering.
MUG photographer Sake Rijpkema collaborates with Volunteer Center Amsterdam to create photo reports about Amsterdam volunteers. A new series is published every month on the MUG and VCA websites.
Did you know that many large companies like to contribute to a better world? For example, Google offers free advertising for non-profit organizations.
Mohamed, who learned the Dutch language as a newcomer himself, now helps other newcomers as a language coach.
Paula (47) is spastic paralyzed but gets around everywhere with the help of her mobility scooter. “I don’t linger in a negative spiral for long; you can always find something positive in it.”
We conducted a survey among contacts of volunteer organizations registered with VCA. Read the results here.
Aimable is a volunteer at the Street Art Museum Amsterdam. He is from Burundi and therefore speaks French. And that was exactly what SAMA was missing, someone who could guide French-speaking tourists.
Aartje (84): “I lead the Intercultural Meeting Mornings, every Tuesday morning. Everyone is welcome; meeting comes first, from woman to woman with respect for each other. I still enjoy doing it.”
Column by Nettie Sterrenburg about the wind chill factor in the district of Nieuw West.
From the Kitchen: volunteers support people with intellectual disabilities during their work in the restaurant. Together, they prepare a three-course menu for guests on a weekly basis.
Petra is a volunteer at Buurtbuik. “We collect food from supermarkets and companies that is on or one day past the expiration date and turn it into a delicious meal. Everyone is welcome to join. I always say: as long as I’m here, no one is hungry.”
Music connects. Relaxes. Improves condition and alleviates loneliness.
What does volunteering bring you? We list the most important points.
Rini Stegeman (69) has been a volunteer at the Animal Ambulance for eight years. We were allowed to spend an afternoon with her on the ambulance.
During our Mix & Match meeting on July 4th, we tried to create as many valuable connections as possible between the social organizations and companies present.
Peter van der Mast (57) is a running buddy for blind and visually impaired individuals. They go running together in the park every week. “I enjoy helping others to stay active. Plus, I get to hear the most interesting stories and my fitness is improving all the time.”
You may pass by it on your bike: the coffee house of the Volksbond in Haarlemmerstraat. A shelter for the homeless. Martine volunteers here. “Being able to act decisively is a requirement.”
“I give presentations about people with disabilities among other things, and I support clients of the MEE foundation. For me, this definitely brings meaning to life.”
I have gotten to know the visitors of this cozy community center well; a group from Philadelphia always comes here on Fridays to do crafts and cook soup.
Henriette van der Meij took over from Maribi Gomez on July 2nd. “I am curious about the Amsterdam volunteers and volunteer organizations. I really want to connect with the needs that exist in the city.”
Frank Hemminga is one of the founders of the MOVE foundation. They organize educational boat trips in Amsterdam.
This is an abbreviated version of the story that future psychologist Tom Kniesmeijer shared on April 17, 2018, for Volunteer Center Amsterdam.
Visitors from all over the world come to the Van Eesteren Museum in Nieuw West. Linda Ottens-Falkenberg is a volunteer museum guide here. “I welcome them hospitably with coffee and snacks.”
Janine has been leading the Intercultural Women’s Meeting Morning for over twenty years, together with her colleague volunteer Aartje, on Tuesday mornings at the Waterlandplein Community Center.
“At the age of 42, I had a stroke. Instead of being a manager in triple gray on the Zuidas, with a good salary, a new house, and a thick BMW, I spent two years in a rehabilitation clinic.”
In addition to her four-day-a-week job, Annemarie is a volunteer swim coach. She also assists at the athletics club as a judge and first aider, and organizes youth camps for various associations.
Soon I was doing more than just being a coffee lady. I facilitated activities, organized neighborhood meetings, got more involved in community work; there was always something new added.
“Saving someone from the water is indescribable in words”
Would you like to volunteer at the Amsterdam Lifeguard Brigade too?
Volunteer of the Month Harry hosts the house radio weekly at Jan Bonga nursing home and is a coffee buddy at Stichting Philadelphia.
March 27 – VCA Meet – What does the new privacy law mean for your organization?
Watch the short film by Michiel van Erp, Long Live the Volunteer! online
Every month Jan Barnhorn, a volunteer at VCA, interviews a volunteer. Seeking the motivations of these people. This month Jan meets Edith Otten. She has been wholeheartedly connected to the Heemtuin in Sloterpark for years.
Jaber, a newcomer himself, now wants to help others integrate by doing volunteer work.
A full-time job where you can do paid volunteer work one day a week? It’s possible! With this idea in mind, Samenvijf was established in January 2017. A reportage.
Cynthia Jhinnoe (35) has an impressive resume as a volunteer. At the age of sixteen, she was already involved in the establishment of the youth information café The Site. After many volunteer positions, she is now active for Burennetwerk in the Baarsjes.
Mathis Fleer (38) can be found at the Marnixbad every Monday evening playing games with people with intellectual disabilities. Read the interview with him.
Every month, Jan Barnhorn, a volunteer at VCA, interviews a different volunteer. Seeking to understand the motivations of these individuals. This month, Jan meets Frans Braam. He volunteers for three organizations, always focusing on organizing administration.
Tami Annouwari (71) was Volunteer of the Month in Amsterdam North in June. “I find it very important to contribute to this group of people, stemming from a sense of solidarity. I am available to anyone who asks for my help.”
Carla de Vos lost her job after a reorganization. She walked into the Multifunctional Center de Edelsteen in de Pijp. There, she helps people with dementia and their caregivers together with her little dog.
Arjan (43) is originally a technician, but after a serious accident, he is unable to return to his old profession. Now, he volunteers at SPIN to maintain various playgrounds in Amsterdam-Noord.
Zena has been a volunteer at Home-Start for ten years. She supports families in raising their children. Not by telling them what to do, but by giving them a feeling of friendship.
Ron (64) works as a volunteer bus driver at Nursing Home De Die, where he takes residents on outings to Artis, the beach, and museums.
Cecilia Aguirre talks a lot. Despite her Spanish accent, she is easy to understand. We are in a small office at the Community Center de Buurtzaak.
“I know deep down that I am a valuable woman. But doing volunteer work also makes me feel that way again. This way I can contribute to society, keep my social contacts up to date, and feel useful again. Yes, that brings me joy.”
Yvonne is a volunteer in the control room of the Animal Ambulance. “It is also great fun to be able to make people happy when their pet is found again.”
The Municipality of Amsterdam has had a documentary made about boundary-crossing behavior among volunteers: What you don’t see. Watch the trailer [here].
Anne Coos is a volunteer at ARTIS. She started as a visitor guide in the garden, then at Micropia, and now she is training for the ARTIS Planetarium: she could not have imagined it beforehand.
Eiga (47) has been visiting Mrs. Corrie (87) weekly for friendly home visits for the past two years. A warm bond has developed.
“To learn more than you learn at school. To speak the language better. Practice.” Majd (23) looks determined in his answer to why he was looking for volunteer work. “In Syria, I was studying to become a gym teacher. But then the war came. Now I have been here for a year and a half. I don’t want to sit at home, not take money for doing nothing.”
Since Titi Bouman has been a volunteer at Zuid voor Mekaar, she has regained her sense of self-worth.
Peter Smith changed course a few years ago, transforming from someone who complains a lot to a person who thinks in solutions. This led him to start caring about litter.
Hein Hoefnagels (76) still has both feet in society: He plays squash, bridge, volunteers as a bus driver for nursing homes, goes on bike rides with blind people, and much, much more. “My secret? Living as carefree as possible!”
Ingrid reads to Nick, 6 years old, every week. His parents are from Iran. This allows her to visit people she would never otherwise meet. Nick has taught her how to make jokes.
Audrey Ninaber (48) is Volunteer of the Month in Noord. She organizes creative activities with visitors, such as crocheting, knitting, and coloring mandalas.
Read Nettie Sterrenburg’s column about balancing in volunteering.
Check out this series of photos of the Twiskemolen in Landsmeer, which is entirely run by volunteers.
Students from Hogelant College in Amsterdam North have completed a social internship at the nursing home Het Schouw. A glimpse into each other’s worlds.
Elythé is one of the cutest local shops in the North. Petra Vermazen (45) can unleash all her creativity here.
Joop Collé (60) is a garden volunteer at Stichting Tolhuistuin. He takes care of the plants and trees, cleans parts of the garden, and lays the tiles. Enjoying the outdoors!
Juliet has been living in the Netherlands since May 2014 and would like to improve her language skills through volunteering. She meets with Mrs. Van De Voort (91) once a week to go for a walk together. Juliet always refers to Mrs. Van De Voort as “mevrouw.”
Edwin van Batum (53) has been living in Amsterdam-Noord his whole life. He is currently looking for a job and is busy applying for positions. Additionally, he is active as a volunteer at Humanitas, where he coordinates home administration tasks.
Jan Petit has a busy job, but the flexible volunteer work he has been doing recently makes him very happy. “Thanks to her, I have learned: it’s the little things that count!”
Refugees whose asylum procedure has started are allowed to volunteer. They are insured by the Amsterdam Volunteer Insurance. However, a volunteer declaration is required.
“I am Joep Scholder, 64 years old, and have been living in Noord for 15 years. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, I help customers with broken electrical appliances, welcoming them with a chat and a cup of coffee or tea.”
“I am Marian Labib, 32 years old; I come from Egypt and have been living in the Netherlands for four years now. For the past two years, I have been living with my husband and daughter (3) in Amsterdam-Noord.”
We all know it. The feeling of coming home. After the holiday, when you are back in your own house, smelling again how your house smells. Nettie Sterrenburg is an organizational consultant at VCA and writes about what she sees happening around her.
Dori Hoogerdijk (62) has been a volunteer at De Zonnebloem for over twelve years. She organizes activities for residents in the North. “I also regularly accompany as a guide during holidays and outings, spoiling the people!”
School’s Cool ensures that they can give children who are starting high school a good start. Irma Vejzovic (21) is one of the volunteer mentors who visits her pupils once a week to help them with their schoolwork.
Metta Touray was in South Africa last year, where she helped out at a children’s home for five months. Now she is a first-year history student at the UvA. She also reads to Nour for an hour and a half each week to help her with her language skills.
When Sander (34) was in his early twenties, he completely lost himself in drugs. So much so, that he even experienced psychoses. He no longer wanted to live like that, and he decided to fight for a change.
Berend Smits (23) is a language coach. Every week he meets with Abdulwali (30), a refugee from Somalia. “A kind of friendship has developed.”
Mohamed Marrabou, 52 years old, is the father of five children. He is currently training for the marathon in Genk, Belgium, and is an assistant coach in Doras’ running group.
Hans van Lijf has a muscle disease that prevents him from working. He is looking for volunteer work to stay productive. Report of a search.
Georgette is in between jobs and meanwhile volunteers to guide people with disabilities in drawing and painting. “You can be a little silly. They enjoy that.”
Peter Koopman (62) guides participants in the Simple Furniture Making course at the Public Workshop.
Pam Kaaij is a consultant at WonenPlus in Landsmeer. There, forty volunteers help residents in the village to live independently for longer. They do chores, groceries, and provide transportation to the hospital.
Martin ten Brinke started Stadsboerderij Osdorp in 2014, a place in the neighborhood where vegetables are grown, where residents can work on a piece of land, where people can meet each other, and learn about nature.
Zoureena Nagessersing (52) is the general coordinator at the Hulpdienst Buitenveldert. “Faking something doesn’t work for me.”
VCA in Zuid guides people with barriers to the labor market towards volunteer work. What are our experiences after one year?
Corrine van Huet is a voluntary coordinator at the Voorleesexpress.
Jamie is 15 years old and a volunteer at the football club ASV De Dijk. He is a coach, referee, maintains the fields, and works in the match room.
Nasir has been named Nice Amsterdammer 2014. He was a colonel in the Iranian army and now does full-time volunteer work, including at the Rainbow Group.
Joop Stoel has been volunteering at the Dienstencentrum Landsmeer for eighteen years, several days a week. Being active makes him feel good.
Souad (24) is a volunteer at the White Tulip Foundation where she gives children language and math tutoring every Sunday. “The children are very eager to learn, I find the interaction with them interesting.”
Hetty van Bommel is the art director at Convoi Exceptionnel and has recently started working with volunteers through VCA. This has allowed her to meet extraordinary people.
The Children’s Animal Party, the annual celebration for 1500 chronically ill and/or disabled children and their families. Made possible with the help of 1700 volunteers.
Hannah van de Grient (28) is volunteer coordinator at The Mall de Baarsjes. “Our volunteers walk alongside young people on their journey through life.”
Mart (18) and Menno (16) work every other week on Sunday at the studio of the Local Broadcasting Company Landsmeer.
Lauren did volunteer work with girls, she cooked with them every Friday. It helped her to get to know more people and to have a purpose in her free time.
Nick is an Englishman, living in Amsterdam for work and volunteering at the Food Bank.
Paul Jansink became disabled after working in the technical industry for years. Now he enjoys doing volunteer work and receives personal appreciation.
Zarina volunteers at the Foundation Single Super Mom, which informs and supports single mothers.
Johan Sturm is the language coach of Kang Li from China. Kang moved to the Netherlands three years ago to live with her Dutch husband. He only speaks English with her, so she went looking for someone to practice Dutch with.
Carla de Monchy (68) reads together with children from group 4 and 5. Personal attention and fun are central.
Sylvia started doing volunteer work in the same field where she has worked her entire life: the hospitality industry.
Nawaz has honed his skills in computers and now volunteers to assist people during a computer consultation at Dynamo.
Anne Coos Vuurmans is retired and has been a volunteer for the public at Artis ever since. She informs visitors about animals and plants.
Aranka has done two years of volunteer work at the Sarphatihuis as preparation for her medical studies.
“What VCA did for me is an entry point in the local nonprofit sector. I had to build a network from scratch. VCA connected me with the right people so that I could continue in the same field I worked in before.”
In this Toolkit, you will find forms, checklists, and sample contracts and policies that you may need in the daily operation of a volunteer organization.
Tailored advice during individual conversations. Do you have questions or could you use some inspiration on a specific theme? Make free use of our organizational advisors!
Do you want to strengthen social organizations and contribute to powerful volunteer work? As an organizational consultant at VCA, you help local initiatives grow, connect people, and bring collaborations to life.
Are you a true connector with a heart for care and society? This position is for 36 hours per week, but a lower number of hours is negotiable, and the position can potentially be filled as a job share.
From March 27 to 29, the Kom Buurten action weekend will take place in the Kolenkit neighborhood. Neighborhood residents can get to know volunteer work, neighborhood activities, and local initiatives in an accessible way.
Often, not much is needed to make someone’s day better: a chat, a walk, a message, or just some time together. That’s exactly what buddies do.
More than eighty involved representatives from the social base of the West came together to make an even greater difference for residents. The energy was high — new ideas and collaboration plans were bubbling up everywhere!
A photo report of your activities? An interview with a special volunteer? Submit your request to VCA Media!
New radio series about volunteer work in Amsterdam starts on Red Light Jazz Radio. Listen now to the first 3 episodes!
Do you want to help us make the city a little more beautiful?
An overview of all the parties we collaborate with.
Give a little warmth this December. Whether you are available for one morning, an afternoon, or a day, there is always a way to bring a smile. We gather the most fun one-time volunteer opportunities in December.
Volunteering opens doors to new experiences and connections. See how you can contribute!
With over 200 volunteers from all corners of the city, we celebrated #NationalVolunteerDay on Sunday, December 7, and the tireless commitment that makes Amsterdam stronger and more social.
While others are still searching for what they want to become later, Wail Kherrazi is already actively building. He is the youngest climate mayor in the Netherlands. And with a group of volunteers, he organizes free workshops on technology and sustainability and deploys stationary robots for social impact. His drive? Giving back with what he has received himself.
On Saturday, November 22, the volunteers from Zuid gathered at the Concertgebouw for the annual appreciation day for volunteers in Zuid. It was another lovely afternoon.
Not to miss: The aftermovie of our Thank You Lunch on Sunday, December 7 #NationalVolunteersDay with over 200 volunteers at Sofitel The Grand.
In 2025, volunteers in the Netherlands together made millions of hours of impact. How does VCA connect and strengthen this national movement locally for sustainable commitment to a more social and stronger Amsterdam?
Companies that take their CSR seriously can make a difference today by committing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The BI team is happy to assist you with this!
Do you want to do something good, meet new people, use your talents, or discover something new? 2026 could be your year to help others and enrich yourself.
Looking for volunteers? Or for fun and meaningful volunteer work? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Business Involved facilitated the connection between Klimaatroute and Amstergaard. This is a wonderful example of how companies pursue their commercial goals while also contributing to a better and greener city.
Looking for volunteers? Or for fun and useful volunteer work? Then you are at the right place.
A pleasant atmosphere and good collaboration in the board make the work more enjoyable and effective. Are you looking for ways to strengthen collaboration within the board? Do you want to prevent tensions, improve the atmosphere, or ensure that everyone remains sustainably involved? Click here for practical tools and advice on fun, rotation, and (self-)evaluation within the board.
How much expense reimbursement can a volunteer receive at most?
What is the maximum volunteer compensation you can receive?
2026 is the International Year of the Volunteer. Worldwide, there is extra attention for the value of volunteer work, in line with VCA’s commitment to volunteer work in Amsterdam.
Valesca visits a single mother with a toddler weekly. “There is no prior education to become a father or mother; you really learn that in practice. That’s why it’s nice if someone occasionally gives you a push in the right direction.”
Do you want to contribute with your leadership to a city where volunteer work truly makes a difference? At the Volunteer Center Amsterdam, you can provide direction and further build a future-oriented organization.
Looking for volunteer work in the West? Or are you a social organization looking for advice, workshops, or help with recruitment? We are happy to assist you.
For Ginho, a burnout was the starting signal for a completely new path. His weekly visits as a buddy at the Regenboog Groep show how small gestures can make a world of difference, for him and for others. “I learn to listen and give space.”
Marion’s commitment to the neighborhood team? Full of meetings, small victories, and a big smile.
In the South, we make a difference together. Whether you want to do volunteer work or are looking for volunteers — we are here to help you.
Booch has been volunteering behind the bar at the Community Center Buitenveldert for 7 years, where visitors can enjoy his delicious Latte Macchiato.
In Amsterdam West, additional support is available for Amsterdammers with a social welfare benefit who want to do volunteer work.
Three days of camping in your own neighborhood, food, games, and fun with your neighbors: that is the Neighborhood Camping. In Amsterdam, at the Sloterplas, volunteer Martin makes sure everything runs smoothly.
Companies that take their CSR seriously can make a difference today by committing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The BI team is happy to assist you with this!