Working with voluntary newcomers

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.

“I have been working with newcomers for 3 years, my colleague has been working with voluntary newcomers for 25 years. These volunteers are involved in various tasks, such as walking and having coffee with the residents. Additionally, they help us with practical tasks in areas like the dishwashing kitchen or the warehouse. While the well-being of the residents is central at Amsta, we also find it important that we can make a difference for our volunteers. For example, by walking or having coffee with residents, voluntary newcomers also get to know the Dutch language.”

“Ensure easy communication in the workplace”

As a volunteer coordinator, Edwin always pairs a new volunteer with a paid staff member, someone who works in the same team. “Make sure that new volunteer arrivals always have a direct point of contact in the workplace, someone close to them within the organization. This way, you can provide good guidance and it is easy to reach out to each other. Generally, new volunteer arrivals tend to keep a bit of a distance and just do their work. Therefore, it is important to have someone next to them with whom contact can be quickly established, in case there are any issues and to answer questions.”

The paid staff member is involved early in the selection process when new volunteers are recruited. “I always conduct the first interview myself and involve the paid staff member from the same team to conduct the second interview. After all, the paid staff member is the person who will be working with the volunteer.” According to Edwin.

“A good intake is half the battle”

Edwin also emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive intake with voluntary newcomers, more extensive than other types of volunteers. “A good intake is half the work,” emphasizes Edwin. “During the intake, it is important to inquire about the background of the potential volunteer, so you know what to take into account. Try to find out during the intake what the reasons are for doing volunteer work, why the person has come to the Netherlands, which country and culture the person comes from, etc.”

“Show interest and include the person in the team”

When I further inquire about tips for organizations that have no or little experience in working with volunteer newcomers, Edwin mentions that good guidance, especially in the beginning, is crucial. “Make sure to have a conversation once a week in the first month about how things are going and if it’s working for both parties. Show interest, include the person in the team, and try to integrate the volunteer newcomer with the rest of the team as soon as possible.”

Another tip is to request a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for all volunteers. With a VOG, as a volunteer organization, you can be sure that the volunteer has not had any encounters with the law at the start of their volunteer work.”

Working with newcomers as well?

As Volunteer Center Amsterdam, we are committed to supporting new residents of Amsterdam! We assist them in finding meaningful volunteer work where they can practice the language and develop their talents. If your organization would like to provide an opportunity for newcomers, if there are already refugees involved as volunteers in your organization and you are looking for advice or would like to share your experience, please contact us atClotilde CaillaultHello.Text: Eva Bos

Photo: Marcel JansenVCA Media

VCA is committed to new Amsterdammers. We do this in collaboration with volunteer organizations, the Municipality of Amsterdam, language schools, and a team of ambassadors in theProject Status Holders: hereRead more about it. This project has been made possible by: