Appreciation Gift for Caregivers and Volunteers

One point of feedback that we at Volunteer The Hague often hear from internationals is that they’re happy that our service exists because it’s often hard to find casual or short-term volunteer opportunities. We also hear that many internationals don’t know which organizations to reach out to, or what volunteer work is like here in The Netherlands. This is why we’re excited to promote NLDoet, the largest volunteer campaign in The Netherlands! Together with hundreds of organizations in the country, NLDoet will be putting on this event for all potential volunteers and organizations in the country, and there will be plenty of opportunities right here in The Hague! This year, due to the corona situation NLDoet is postponed to Friday 28 and Saturday 29 May (in place of 12 and 13 March). NLDoet is a great opportunity to dip your toe in the water, as it were: Using the NLDoet website, you sign up for small, short-term opportunities that will allow you to get a taste of local volunteer activities without a huge commitment. This is great for those of you who want to volunteer but have limited time, and for those of you who want to have some “trial” opportunities in order to gauge what activities you might be most suited for. And for organizations, registering with and participating in NLDoet can help you connect with potential volunteers, get a few extra helping hands for a job that needs doing, and increase brand awareness for your organization and its mission. In addition to practical jobs, organizations can also utilize NLDoet in order to organize a festive day for those that you serve – something that is much easier to achieve with the extra hands provided by NLDoet! You can find information about this on NLDoet’s website, and PEP is also available to help advise you about this free of charge. NLDoet is organized by Oranje Fonds, the largest national social fund in The Netherlands. Unfortunately last year it got canceled due to the corona situation, but during the year before's two-day event, over 9,000 jobs were done during this event by over 350,000 people! Oranje Fonds expects this number to be even higher this year. No matter your age, talent, background, or nationality, everyone can come together to help make a difference in the lives of others and in our communities. For registration, more information, and the latest news on the event, please visit DenHaagDoet’s website. And if you’re an organization with questions about NLDoet in The Hague, please email Wai-Kin Chung of PEP Den Haag at [email protected].

Did you know that the Municipality of The Hague hosts over 135,000 volunteers? In every corner of every neighborhood, there are people who volunteer for a more healthy, involved, and caring city. We at Volunteer the Hague are so proud of all of the international volunteers included in this number, as they never let the difficulty of a new environment get in their way of giving back! As a token of gratitude for their dedication, the Municipality of The Hague offers a yearly appreciation gift to all volunteers who meet the criteria below. Who can apply You live in Zuid-Holland. You have been volunteering for at least 3 months for an organization in The Hague. You are 13 years or older. How it works You can apply online by filling in a short form. Within 4 weeks, you’ll receive an email with instructions to log in to a webshop, where you can choose your own gift card from over 100 options. Why a gift card? The gift card allows every volunteer to pick something that truly fits them: a small gesture to say thank you for your time, energy, and commitment to making The Hague a better place for everyone.

5-Minute Survey Will Assist University Research on the Impact of Volunteering While Employed Calling all volunteers - we want to hear from you! Students from Tilburg University are conducting a study on how volunteerism affects employment, and to what extent employers support those activities. This is important research that might help shape attitudes towards volunteering, so hearing from those of you who are currently volunteering or have volunteered in the past while employed would be particularly helpful! The survey takes about five minutes to complete. If interested, you can take the survey here. Thanks for your support!