Column CEO: There you go!

Written by: Agnes Kroese, CEO of Dorcas

What do I think of the government programme? Someone asked me that this week. Due to the setting I was in, I chose my words carefully and responded diplomatically (and rather euphemistically) that I found ‘the developments concerning’. International development and humanitarian assistance are clearly being sacrificed. In reality, it deeply affects me that the concept of ‘fellow human beings’ seems to stop at our borders. And certainly, there are enough concerns in the Netherlands that demand attention, but the solution does not lie in closing our borders or, more generally, in shutting our eyes to the needs close by and far away. And thankfully, a visit to Assen earlier this week proved to me that there are more people who feel the same way.

I was in Assen for the official opening of the 44^th Dorcas shop. This shop was made possible thanks to the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. What began as the initiative of a few people grew into a shop that operates five days a week, run by a group of around 100 volunteers. As I stood there, surrounded by people who consciously choose to spend their free time helping others, I thought: There you go! We have not lost our humanity after all. And thank goodness for that, because volunteers are incredibly important. Not only for Dorcas, but also for most of community life.

In sports clubs, neighbourhood associations, and churches, countless people selflessly contribute to making all kinds of activities possible. Without volunteers, society grinds to a halt. Fortunately, figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) show that the number of people doing volunteer work has returned to pre-COVID levels. Half of the Dutch population is active as volunteers, and older people have even become more involved than they were in 2019.

It is encounters with volunteers, like the one in Assen this week, and statistics like those from the CBS that give me hope and energy. Hope and energy to keep going, against the political tide of stricter, swifter, leaner, and cutbacks. I do not want to close my eyes or look away, but to keep seeing those in need. Together with my colleagues and the thousands of volunteers who are indispensable in this.

Words that motivate me in this come from the Bible: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Jesus shows that love (for one’s neighbour) is the essence of our human existence. Love that makes no distinction but unites. Love that spurs us on to offer support and compassion to people both near and far. When I look around, I see that, fortunately, there are still many volunteers who embody this. No government programme can compete with that.

Agnes Kroes is CEO of Dorcas. Agnes: ‘I contribute with great dedication to our mission in creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish. One of the ways I do this is through a monthly column in Dutch newspaper Nederlands Dagblad. In this column, I share insights from my professional experience at Dorcas. My aim is to inspire, inform and encourage readers to engage with Dorcas’ initiatives, campaigns, and projects.‘

21 September 2024