By Nina Tellegen
Like many changes in life, the development of the Nieuw Amsterdams Verbond began with a number of questions. How is it that social initiatives in different neighbourhoods do such important work, according to anyone in a position to know, and yet always struggle to make ends meet? How can it be that they have to stumble from money for one project to a small budget for another? How can it be that so many companies say they want to do more for the city, but there is no support for them to give shape to that desire? And how is it that in a city with so much wealth and so many amenities, so many families still live in poverty?
From those questions, I began my exploration in February 2024. After talking to more than 100 people from every nook and cranny of the city, it was clear to me. We need a platform for meeting and connecting in this beautiful city. A place where knowledge, money, experiences, resources and networks are shared by involved Amsterdammers, social initiatives, companies, the municipality and funds. A place where, on the basis of equality, we look at how we can together make this city more liveable for everyone. An association so that all allies have a say in the direction. An action plan was drawn up, the first financiers: a committed Amsterdammer, Rabobank, Booking.com and the municipality stepped in, and so the Nieuw Amsterdams Verbond could be built. Thanks to namesake and patron Femke Halsema and the Amsterdam 750 Foundation, we launched the association with the first 31 allies on 31 March 2025.
The journey I have been on for the past two years has been one with many highs and some lows. Potential allies who had made a verbal commitment withdrew, others did not join after endless mail exchanges and conversations, it was sometimes difficult to find the right support and building an association including website, house style, financial administration, etc proved to be quite a big job. But what prevails is a feeling of enormous gratitude and pride. Grateful that, together with others, I was able to make this journey. Grateful that what started as an idea has grown into a solid association with 50 members, a director-director plus small team, a fine Supervisory Board, the first financial commitments to social allies and concrete collaborations within the association.
For me, it was clear from the beginning that I did not want to become the first chief executive officer. After 23 years in that role, I am ready for something different. Fortunately, by the time I was able to offer the NAV to the 750-year-old city on 27 October, we had already found someone with great knowledge and commitment to take over from me. With great confidence in Jarcine Spaander and colleagues Shenelva Booij and Angie Koelewijn, I took my leave on 29 January.
The NAV is in my heart. That is why I will continue to follow you with great commitment, including as the first Friend of the association. I would like to sincerely thank all allies for your trust. When the first of you stepped in, it was mainly an idea. And look what it is now. I wish you all the best - and above all, stay connected to this beautiful city.
