Volunteer support and recognition in the Netherlands

Community initiatives in the Netherlands are focusing on the expansion, recognition, and support of volunteer efforts across several municipalities.

In Dordrecht, the Staartlicht initiative is actively recruiting volunteers for various roles, including supporting a girls’ club for ages 11 to 15 and providing communication and practical assistance for neighborhood activities. In Gouda, the municipality has introduced the ‘Goudse Ster’, an award honoring residents up to age 23 for selfless community commitment.

Efforts to recognize volunteers have expanded to Ridderkerk, where the municipality and Facet Vrijwilligerssteunpunt are accepting nominations for the Jaap van der Graafprijs and a Group Prize. Additionally, Gouda’s VrijwilligersInformatiePunt (VIP) has implemented a new confidential counselor service to support smaller volunteer organizations. This service, led by Carin van der Hor, is designed to address social safety concerns such as “bullying, discrimination, intimidation, aggression, or sexual harassment,” providing a way for volunteers to report integrity violations.