Dutch Lifestyle
People helping people Why volunteer? According to volunteeringsolutions.com the number one reason you should consider volunteering is because
No work is small, and volunteers are extremely valuable resources for an organisation. Whether it’s about financial, mental or physical contribution– everything together matters a lot. Volunteers have the chance to get directly involved in noble work, serving those who need your care and affection.
you are needed. I have always volunteered because the return on my investment of time and talents has been a positive reinforcement in my life in so many ways. I’ve met amazing people, learned new skills, visited interesting and diverse communities to name a few. I remember as a pre-teen I was admitted to a programme for Candy Stripers (hospital volunteers) at a hospital in my town. I was thrilled. Being a Candy Striper so long ago paved the way for me to seek volunteer opportunities in every country we have lived in. Great to volunteer
Sytske Geertsma is an Advisor for PEP Den Haag, the city she has called home since 2011, and advises civil organisations in The Hague on ways to recruit volunteers, how to better manage and how to create volunteer policies. Recently PEP Den Haag and the Municipality of The Hague created the campaign Mensen Maken Den Haag (People Make The Hague). This campaign is designed to shine a light on all 185,000 volunteers in the city. “By showing how great it is to volunteer, we hope others will join. During the year, the municipality and PEP Den Haag will create a monthly themed video and podcast,” says Geertsma. For example, May’s theme was ‘Greener’ with the spotlight on volunteers working in green roles. PHOTO: ANDRE OUELLET
BY ABBIE MARSH PUMAREJO
Year of the volunteer
2021 has been designated as the Nationaal Jaar Vrijwillige Inzet (National Year of Voluntary Service). According to Geertsma, NOV (the Dutch platform for voluntary commitment) has decided that every » ACCESS | AUTUMN 2021 | 31
