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American-born psychologist, educator and business owner, Amy van der Drift-Naudet, moved to The Netherlands in 1988. Following her studies in International Business and Marketing in Leiden, Amy lived and worked in The Hague, where she developed a love for the city and a desire to be of service to the local community. Extending her work supervising student teachers in preschools and daycare, Amy created an international community center in nearby Wassenaar, complete with childcare and language lessons by day, as well as yoga, tai chi, fine arts, and extended support for mothers-to-be, even twelve-step meetings, also in the evenings. Her aim was to serve the international women's community and young expat families, as they adjusted to life in The Netherlands. Amy worked closely with several international schools and organizations in The Hague, and is proud to have made a difference in the lives of so many in The Netherlands. Today her business is 30+ years-old and serves the now much changed expat community, as well as the local Dutch community. Amy's commitment to volunteer service that began at a young age in the US, has continued into her retirement. Which organisation did you volunteer for? What is their mission? I began volunteering through Volunteer The Hague several years ago, and I especially enjoyed the opportunity to work with teenagers. I chose The World In Your Classroom, a Gemeente Den Haag and PEP Den Haag program introducing Dutch high school students to people from around the world. I enjoyed speaking with the students and getting to know them as they practiced their English-language skills and had a bit of fun together.I also enjoyed every VTH event I attended. I learned something new every time! The best part of volunteering through The World in Your Classroom has been the wonderful people I have met, both students and teachers with whom I spoke at their schools, and fellow volunteers, who are all interesting individuals, also committed to serving others. I had such a positive experience that even my son decided to volunteer for TWIYC! The training he received helped him with his public speaking skills which was very useful at his work. What volunteer role did you have and what tasks did you perform? I have served in a variety of volunteer roles throughout my life, and I have learned a bit about what makes them so special. It all began with her desire to serve young people. In addition to being a scout leader for each of my children, I served as a 'Youth Friend' to many children. Today I continue to serve others in several roles, especially remaining in service of expat women, young and old. In more recent times, my focus has become organizing regular coffee and lunch opportunities for women to get together to socialize and to be of continued support to one another, as many are now growing older and experiencing illness and the resulting life changes. Volunteering can grow with us, as our interests and our reality are shaped by changes in our own circumstances and of those around us. Photo by Henriëtte Guest taken during a Volunteer The Hague training What is typical of your own culture (values, mindset) that you bring to your volunteer role? My friendliness and open nature help me in my volunteer work, to make new connections and to be open to learning from and with others. Though my American-ness may also surprise others, I hope I am a good ambassador to build bridges with the Dutch. Have you ever learnt something from volunteering that became useful for your studies or paid work? Undoubtedly, my volunteer work has improved my 'paid' work greatly. I believe my communication skills and social sensitivity and intercultural awareness have been greatly improved, to the benefit of both volunteer and paid work performance. What piece of advice would you give to potential volunteers about how to find a suitable volunteer role? I personally enjoysvolunteering in positions with some freedom over scheduling, though of course it's the norm for people to travel in the Netherlands, so not the biggest deal to need to miss occasionally. My best advice for new volunteers is to have a look at the opportunities available, and see what sparks your interest, your passion. I found it a wonderful way to improve her people skills generally, improve Dutch communication skills, for certain, and a great way to meet many new people. Talk about a WIN-WIN! This is a WIN-WIN-WIN; It's a win for every volunteer, and for every recipient, and for our community as a whole. It's great to be part of the solutions to so many issues. It's great to be a part of Volunteer The Hague at PEP Den Haag! It's also a fun thing to do together with a friend, and there is truly an opportunity to fit everyone.

Welcome to the Changemaker's Friday, a monthly gathering for anyone working on initiatives for a better world. Hosted at The Hague Humanity Hub together with We Are Changemakers, the day offers a relaxed mix of coworking, peer exchange, practical learning, expert support, and community connection. It is designed for people working on ideas or organisations with social impact who want to connect with others, make progress, and feel part of a supportive ecosystem. The programme consists of 3 parts: ​#1 Fresh start – 9:00 AM nbbnn ​Networking and first introductions. ​#2 Free workshop – 10:30 AM ​A free 90-minute workshop followed by lunch to reflect. The topic will be announced soon! ​#3 Coworking & experts – 13:00 PM ​Continue the day with co-working and a series of open desks by experts. ​We share lunch from 12:00 to 13:00 – Bring Your Own or buy a delicious lunch at the Hub Cafe. ​Come for the co-working, stay for the community and leave inspired for the weekend ahead. Please let us know which parts you will join with a quick message after registration. Register here: https://luma.com/kscp2s8v ​About our open desk experts: Augaly Kiedi Augaly is a senior expert in fundraising and a member of both We Are Changemakers and The Hague Humanity Hub. She will run an Open Desk on funding for early-stage companies and initiatives. Check out her story here. Sina Tahoori Sina, Technical Advisor from Xanboor, offers simple, practical, and founder-friendly technical support to impact-driven startups. Founders can drop by for guidance on software architecture, technology choices, web and mobile app development, scalability, accessibility, and other technical challenges. Laura de Franchis Laura, senior expert from The Alternatives Factory, supports purpose-driven people and organisations with results, impact, and theories of change. She will run an Open Desk to help founders define what success looks like, map how to get there, and think through how to track meaningful change. — Stay connected Want to stay connected beyond Changemakers’ Friday? The Hub offers a special starter package for founders and early-stage initiatives looking for a base in The Hague, combining membership, coworking access, community connection, visibility, and opportunities to engage with relevant events, experts, and office hours. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

Are you new to The Hague and curious to meet other newcomers? Join us for our Welcome to the Hague event on Thursday, 10 September 2026! This is the perfect opportunity to discover your new city, and connect with other newcomers while receiving practical information about life in The Hague. During the event, we will delve into the rich history of The Hague, and highlight the Dutch culture and habits. This event will start in the central library, then we will take you on a guided tour through The Hague historical centre. The evening ends with drinks and snacks at the Dutch Language Cafe (Herengracht). Learn more about: Settling in and making The Hague your home with valuable insights and tips for a smooth transition; The Hague's vibrant history; The Dutch culture and habits, in daily life but also at work; Discovering The Hague's culture, events, and museums;  Building your network. Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026 Time: 18:00 to 20:00 (CET). Doors open from 17:30 Location: Centrale Bibliotheek Den Haag (Central Library The Hague), 5th floor, Spui 68, 2511BT The Hague