Your Voice Matters: Be Active, Be heard, Belong!

Randy Heuschen, Civil Servant for the Municipality of The Hague, gave a workshop called 'Your Voice Matters: Be Active, Be heard, Belong!' during Volunteer The Hague's 2025 Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair. He would like to inspire you to become an active resident of The City of The Hague by becoming involved in your community based on the following three concepts:

• Your personal story is your strength, it brings you further in life whether your experiences made you feel good or bad.
• Be social! Join activities, you never know when someone might inspire you or YOU inspire them.
• Even though it will likely feel scary, allow yourself to be vulnerable. It makes you human and makes it easier for other people to relate to you ina meaningful way.

Building a Home Away from Home in The Hague

Feeling at home in a city is about more than just having an address. It is about being heard, being active, and truly belonging. For many internationals living in The Hague, building that sense of connection can take time, but it is absolutely possible. Randy Heuschen understands this journey firsthand. Having spent 15 years abroad as the son of a diplomat and been educated in the British international system, he experienced what it means to adapt to new cultures. Now 29 and working as a civil servant and district employee for Scheveningen within the Municipality of The Hague, his ambition is clear: bringing internationals and Dutch residents closer together. His guiding belief is simple yet powerful: your story is your strength.

The Role of the Municipality

The Municipality of The Hague plays a central role in daily life. It maintains the Personal Records Database (BRP), issues passports, identity cards, and driving licences, and provides financial assistance to those in need. It is responsible for implementing key legislation such as the Social Support Act (WMO), the Participation Act, and youth care services.

Beyond administration, the municipality shapes the physical and social fabric of the city. It plans residential and green spaces, supervises housing construction, maintains streets and cycle paths, manages waste collection, supports schools, and ensures accessibility to industrial parks. It also funds community facilities such as libraries and swimming pools and issues permits for local businesses and market traders.

Be Heard

Residents are encouraged to speak up and engage with their local district. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or initiatives, your voice matters. Active participation strengthens neighbourhoods and fosters a deeper sense of belonging.

Be Active

The city offers numerous ways to get involved. From volunteering to joining student clubs and neighbourhood projects, there are opportunities to connect with others and contribute to community life.

Support is Available

The Municipality of The Hague provides various forms of support to residents, including:

• Subsidies for rainwater harvesting projects (climate adaptation)
• Funding for activities in your city district
• Support for student club initiatives
• Compensation for the cost of a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for volunteers

Residents can contact the municipality by calling 14070 (press 1, then 3) during weekday working hours.

Creating a place that truly feels like home requires participation. By being heard and being active, residents of The Hague, whether Dutch or international, can help shape a city where everyone belongs.