Samen voor Eindhoven Builds Stronger Communities

During Global Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating the organizations that are making a difference. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Samen voor Eindhoven, a Points of Light Global Network affiliate that connects businesses and community organizations throughout the Netherlands to build stronger communities.

Samen voor Eindhoven believes that magical things happen when businesses and community organizations work together for a common cause. The organization’s goal is to foster a world where everyone has the opportunity to participate, and they believe that connecting businesses and community organizations helps achieve that. We spoke with Marbritta van Boldrik, content manager at Samen voor Eindhoven, to get her perspective.

“The most important thing in life is the connections you make with others,” says Paul Ypinga, CEO of Samen voor Eindhoven.

Tell us about a project or initiative you’re working on that’s making a big impact on your community.

We organize (almost every day) impact day for corporate volunteers and local NGO’s. For example, our popular street tour, where formerly unhoused individuals walk with corporate people through our city and tell them about how they survived their period of homelessness. They also show them their personal spots. After every impact day, we send a survey with questions to measure and learn.

How are you recognizing and thanking volunteers for their contributions?

We thank them during the (personal) briefing or de-briefing. Sometimes we call the volunteer leader or give them a thank you postcard.

In addition to volunteering, what other initiatives inform your approach?

Corporate volunteering is big. Daily, we connect people from Brainport companies with local NGO’s and their target groups (like people living with illness or underserved individuals). We like to burst bubbles so two groups can learn from each other!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s looking to get more involved in their community through civic engagement?

Keep an open mind and open heart and try to listen to each other. And remember: doing good makes you happy.