How volunteering helps belonging in a city

Robin Cox from Good place interviewed Tetyana Benzeroual, Project Lead of the Volunteer The Hague Platform, Den Haag Doet Academy and project advisor at PEP Den Haag and Laura Linga, Community Liaison who leads and hosts Volunteer The Hague Talks about how volunteering helps you belong in a city. Laura is originally from the Philippines, lived briefly in Geneva, Switzerland and came to The Hague 2 years ago to pursue her master’s degree. Tetyana is originally from Ukraine; she lived in the United States, then Canada before moving to The Hague 10 years ago.

Tetyana states that she watched a video that explained that people connect more if they see some vulnerability, when people admit that not everything is perfect in their lives. Social media tends to show an idealised image of life and often omits the struggles behind the scenes. Their wonderful guest speakers in their first Volunteer The Hague Talks episode shared some similar thoughts. Robin asks if internationals crave to belong. Tetyana answers that many internationals who move abroad often leave most things behind, for some even a well -paid job with good benefits. While there are many similarities between countries there are some major differences too which makes you wonder where you fit in, in the local community. What does it mean to be a Haguenaar for example? It does take time to find that out but we need to stay curious to start redefining ourselves. If we only bring out our old self it is challenging to fit in. The Netherlands is a beautiful place, with amazing people who have much to offer. It’s easy to judge them but you can also remain curious and try and understand why things are the way they are. Many connections are made by staying curious and redefining your vision when living in a new country. The VTH Talks team are going to discuss the notion of what makes one feel at home with a guest in episode 2.

Robin asks whether internationals are more curious than local Dutch people by trait. Tetyana answers that as an international you are curious because everything is new. In the first 3 months, you are still in the honeymoon phase and after that reality kicks in, people start commenting about the local weather for example. She tells Robin about how when she moved to The Hague from Toronto. Canada, she thought that it was there that there were no proper winters in the Netherlands, then she realised there were no proper summers either. If that's the price to pay for not having winter, then she is all right with it. You can always find the positivity in things. Keeping that natural curiosity after novelty fades is the real challenge. Robin says that he has lived in The Hague for almost 5 years. The first couple years he says that you go everywhere and explore then you ease in. He has learned that people grow into belonging a bit more. You get to know your kind of people then settle in a bit more. Probably over time you get even more excited about the city where you live in or not.

Tetyana comments that we're social creatures, we have to try to connect with one another, whether we are internationals or locals. It's difficult to be on your own, especially in the beginning. She started at Volunteer The Hague as a volunteer because she loved the project so much. She had attended the Feel at Home Fair in The Hague but this was a yearly event and she thought we needed more events. She was taken on board as the project manager of volunteer at The Hague and then she saw how beautiful the platform was. There are organizations creating accounts to share volunteer vacancies there, and internationals creating accounts to apply for these roles., and then they connect through the platform. What she personally was missing was that face-to-face connection with organizations and with other internationals. That's how their Mix and Match Volunteer Job Fairs started. Back then they were called networking events, VTH organised t5 of them a year. Next year, we're going to celebrate 10 years of Volunteer The Hague events. She saw how people connected with each other. A book club started, not just volunteering at local organizations. She remembers saying that at the beginning: ‘Make sure you don't feel that you're a victim. Just get yourself out there. It's easy to think about, oh, poor me. Get out of that poor me attitude.’ At first, she thought people might get offended but many came to say you for saying that. Deborah Valentine, director of ACCESS mentioned that when you when you become a love pat, a lot of burden on the person. This is something definitely to keep in mind, just stay positive and keep your curiosity going.

Back then in Canada, she had a nice paid job, with good benefits, a social network, her family, and then, and then she made the decision to move to the Netherlands for love. She took the responsibility for that decision, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever but in the beginning it was really, really difficult. So, she went online, started looking for volunteering in her field, and found Volunteer The Hague. She didn't even schedule a meeting, she just walked into the office. The previous project manager looked at her like, really? She was like, ‘yes and you're gonna be lucky to have me.’ She was determined back then but she also had to learn that in the Netherlands and in Europe in general, you have to tone down that motivation a bit, not to come across is too arrogant. Thankfully the previous project manager was also Canadian recognize that and he was OK.

Robin said that he didn't know a lot of Dutch people that volunteer. He also lived in Canada for a while, things like community service there is quite common. It's very much embedded in daily life. He remembers living in student dorm, and they said, if you want to stay in this dorm, every month, you have to do at least one Community Service Act. So he went to the dollar shop, got some household products for homeless people. And then every month, there was something else to do so that already felt like volunteering. He asks Tetyana and Laura whether they agree about making volunteering appealing no just to internationals but locals too.

Tetyana answers that this is what the online platform like volunteer The Hague and Den Haag Doet are really trying to achieve. Den Haag Doet is a sister project of Volunteer The Hague, especially made for locals, where they can find volunteer opportunities that are intended for Dutch speakers. Volunteer The Hague, on the other hand offers volunteer vacancies that are specifically for English speakers and speakers of other languages than Dutch. Internationals who choose to volunteer through their platform, are usually between the age of 25 to 45. Around 80% of them are women. The great majority of them have university degree according to a survey we did a few years ago. They're struggling to find employment, and volunteering for them serves as a cornerstone before they find a job. So, in addition to looking for belonging, in addition to finding a support network, in addition to connecting with locals, in addition to all the benefits that volunteering offers, they are in the process of looking for work. Volunteering helps them to exercise different skills, and in some situations to practice some Dutch. When we compare it with the profile of locals who volunteer through Den Haag Doet, their age shifts quite much higher. They are mostly retired people, who have some spare time and are not looking for employment. Usually, they volunteer in a bit more high-end positions, like, for example, board members, and that's something that internationals would be very hesitant to take as a volunteer opportunity.

Laure explains that when you're in another country and tell an organization that you want to become a board member, they ask if you speak Dutch and if you have done a lot of things here in the Netherlands? So you have to prove that. Tetyana, adds that indeed, there is a quite a heavy involvement of speaking the Dutch language and there is a registration also with the Chamber of Commerce. Getting back to Robin’s question about making volunteer work more attractive VTH defined the target group. Tetyana likes to say that it's important to keep in mind what's in it for you. Volunteering has the reputation that it's all about saving or serving others, doing good, right? This is excellent but it has to be something that brings you joy. It's almost frowned upon to talk about what is really beneficial for a volunteer. But we must talk about that, because these are the parts that drive volunteers. They are not getting paid, so they might as well enjoy what they're doing. Volunteering has a lot of benefits for internationals, for their personal lives, professional networks, and developing support networks. Volunteering must be a win-win situation. At VTH they see some recurring faces, and some new ones as well. When they survey attendees at the end of the event, they see that the majority of them have been here already for at least three years or so. It’s not exactly the newcomers that are visiting their Mix and Match Volunteer Job Fairs, but more the ones that have already figured out the basics.

Robin says that he hopes that VTH also contributes to being more aware of the different layers of the city, of your surroundings and of the different people that are part of this city. Social fabric very important. Tetyana replies that they organized an event that they branded as Together at Home for internationals, because she really loved the title. They partnered also with residency orchestra, and they provided different forms of entertainment. It was as if the city received a new festival thanks to them.

Robin asks Laura what the most trending and main topics are that people are getting excited about participating. There are so many things to volunteer for in the city. Laura, answers that she is often asked whether there is some animal welfare volunteering. Sometimes they also ask if there is another volunteering vacancy like hers because they want to be at the same table as her. She also learned that a lot of people ask about volunteering in healthcare which is complicated and a sensitive topic, and also related to being a student or being a young professional. The Hague being the International City of Peace and Justice, is very international, and not just because there's more than 100 nationalities here. There's the ICC, the Peace Palace or the UN but there are universities with a lot of internationals. Sometimes volunteering is mandatory for their curriculum, or some of their professors or lecturers, suggest volunteering because it helps you to get inside organizations. It can be your first step to get access to the table. These students are doing it for professional development and personal development as well, and the same goes with young professionals that are internationals who moved here, that are still working towards understanding the job market and their expertise and how they can contribute.

Robin asks about how many internationals there are in The Hague. Tetyana answers that there are about 10% of the population, so about 60,000 international inhabitants in The Hague itself it almost doubles if you count Rijswijk, Wassenaar and Zoetermeer. I feel that internationals in the surrounding areas are more quiet, you don’t hear their voices as much. Tetyana shares a funny story that happened to her when she was living in Toronto, a German lady told her that she would really like the Netherlands. There she was perceived as a bit more outspoken, a bit rude and too honest. All the stereotypes you normally hear about the Dutch. Once she moved she did not change that much but she was suddenly considered to be one of the quietest and most timid.

Robin adds that in his 2 years of doing this podcast he has heard that there is a tendency to perceive the Dutch as super direct and right in your face. Tetyana adds that it is a choice to see Dutch as being rude, but it can also be seen as saving us time instead of dancing around and talking about the same subject for 10 minutes instead you can be open and sincere. Laura adds that there is a new wave if internationals who are more visible and out there. She follows an American influencer who lives in The Hague and shares about her daily life, it is relatable and inspiring. A lot of women and girls can relate to her, she is making a noise and being louder by raising awareness, like Laura. She is being involved, not only for the community but also for herself. Some people in her inner circle will tell her kudos and tap her on the shoulder.

Robin comments that it is nice that she represents her own brand but also a collective, a community through her talk series which she is moderating and hosting. He likes like volunteering is not just about being super loud but it is also about rolling up your sleeves and doing something for your city. Tetyana adds that when we talk, we don’t necessarily listen at the same time. When there is a lot of talking, little is happening. When we talk too much. we are missing on that very important part that is about listening and truly observing what is happening around us. Some of you may have already listened to our first episode of the VTH Talks. Deborah Valentine, the director of ACCESS, mentioned how The concept took shape this summer when Tetyana and Laura were reconnecting and sharing some emotions and vulnerabilities. Laura had some volunteering at the time during which she did not always feel listened to and she felt more like a follower. As a volunteer you do not just share your thoughts, you share your creativity, not just being good at social media or tech related tasks. Volunteers can start a project or a movement that can help new or existing internationals relate.

If you are volunteering and there is a volunteering coordinator, if they are willing to listen to you and take your honesty and consideration in a good way then you are a in a good place. When Tetyana and Laura talked about the concept there were some hugs and tears and when we started talking about it in a professional way Laura was a little bit scared. The whole crew of the Volunteer The Hague Talks are volunteers. They are all international: Laura is from the Philippines, someone is from Syria, Iran, Ireland and Pakistan. They are all excited and fascinated about the project and all share their own vulnerabilities, thoughts and creativity, which is beautiful. Laura wishes that people can find a community which is not just a home but also a good place for everyone. Robin says to Laura that founding this community helps her grow as a person, get perspectives on things and meet new people. All things she is going to be taking along and look back in life later on. She is an example of why people should be joining Volunteer The Hague.

Colin asks Tetyana about her dreams for the VTH as an organization and its impact. Her answer is that her dreams have partially come through during the last event on 29 November at the Social Hub of The Hague. They are a great partner for VTH and they are a fixed place for internationals, whether you are student or an expat. An excellent place for remote working too. This is the third year they organized their event there. What was different this year is how many internationals came up to their team, sometimes with tears in their eyes about the change it has already made for them or is about to make for them. They mentioned how much they learnt through their volunteer experience, how much the workshops they planned for them has helped them in the past and is helping them right now shape a form a belonging. When preparing the event many people had asked to be part of the team but Laura had put together a complete team of volunteers for the event and for the VTH talks but there was an individual who was so eager to be part of the team that all the communication that was sent about the event was perceived like this person was welcome as part of the team of VTH. During the lunch break Tetyana saw an unknown person wearing a Volunteer The Hague polo. They ended up enjoying her company and she was so enthusiastic about VTH that she became one fo the best ambassadors about volunteering at the event. She was such a beautiful ownership, an unexpected occasion which we hope to experience more often. Laura does not think that she would have done this herself, knowing that you are in the Netherlands where people are expecting to be scheduling an appointment, booking in advance. It was inspiring and empowering for her to be out there and searching for what is meaningful to them.

Robin asks Laura about her dreams for VTH, she answers that when she joined VTH she was looking for a community, to see where she belongs, where she can contribute not just her time but her expertise. A lot of people who have plenty of time choose to travel or stay at home, they choose to watch Netflix or become an influencer. She can extract her expertise, use it or gain one. Hosting and becoming a leader for the first time. Tetyana says that Laura posted volunteer vacancies on the Volunteer The Hague platform. Laura adds that one of her dreams is to be recognized not only because she looks presentable but also for her talent, knowledge, expertise and willingness to learn which Tetyana recognized in her. She has worked before, including with internationals before but never felt this kind of meaningful opportunity. Another dream of Laura’s with VTH is that people like her who feel a little lost at the beginning can put their expertise into practice.

Tetyana says that if there's a will, there is a way. Ask yourself what's in it for you. Why do you want to volunteer? That's a very important question to answer for yourself, because the moment you're being honest with yourself, then there is nothing that's stopping you. You will come across as very motivated, as a dedicated and passionate person. Some of the roles in Laura’s teams are quite professional roles. Some volunteer tasks can seem boring until you see its impact. Laura’s first guest in their first episode Ali from Holland Park Media was talking about volunteering as a creative: how to give proper feedback, how to distinguish between employment and volunteering in them in the creative world and how not to abuse that as well. There is a lot of back-end work at Volunteer The Hague to make sure that there is no abuse. VTH gets a lot of feedback about the impact that we make and it is something that drives Tetyana. 2026 is the tenth anniversary of the Mix and Match Volunteer Job Fair.

Robin shares that a lot of aspects in his life are related to volunteering even though it is not officially labelled as volunteering. He wants to share value with his surroundings, and if this is not being paid for in return them for him it is already voluntary but rather as community service. He does a lot related to community, from organizing a street party to running this podcast. He does not consider himself like a Robin Hood that gives people money but he does give value to the place where he lives. It is both what ‘s in it for you and what good you do. In Dutch they say that the knife cuts on two sides, ‘Het mes snijdt op twee kanten’ meaning it is a win-win, both sides benefit. He hopes to inspire good citizenship, whether you are about to move to The Hague, have just arrived or been here for many years, it is never too late to join, contribute and learn. 

Good Place is a podcast about conversations on a public bench about life, place and belonging. They explore living in cities and personal growth in life. You can join them for conversations to share your experiences of the city they live in, moving places, making friends, cultural differences, and starting inspiring stories and practical tips on these learnings in life. You can watch the whole interview here.

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