By Jarcine Spaander (Managing director)
In my round of introductions, I regularly heard the question: ‘I don't know what my role is or what I can add to the alliance?’ And in conversations with parties in the eco-system, I hear: ‘What actually is NAV's role? Surely not another network?’ Understandable questions. Especially in the pioneering phase we are in. And these questions help to get ever sharper what we are made of and do more and more of what suits each. So keep asking questions, questions open our thinking, not answers.
In my first ten days, I stepped out on my bicycle to visit ten social initiatives, in neighbourhoods I honestly don't visit very often. What I saw there made a deep impression. Valuable and powerful organisations, supported by passionate leadership. Organisations that continue to develop and dedicate themselves to what really matters, even if support and financial means are sometimes lacking. These teams and leaders deserve a stage in the city. What an inspiration!
Then I got to know companies, corporates as well as SMEs, which are often perceived as being mainly money-driven. I can recommend everyone to visit these thirty allies themselves. In preparation, I see a surprising amount of attention to social impact on websites and in annual reports. But more importantly: in the conversations I sense genuine motivation and a joint search for how they can be more meaningful to Amsterdam.
I also spoke to committed Amsterdam residents and family foundations. People deeply rooted in the city, with a lot of experience and social commitment. Not organisations they represent, but individuals who want to contribute in a personal capacity. That brings up great questions: how can I personally contribute? It is precisely in these conversations that valuable insights and ideas quickly emerge. With their networks, short lines of communication and entrepreneurial creativity, they are an indispensable group within the alliance.
The funds played a big role in selecting the initiatives. After looking back together, we mainly looked ahead. They are keen to stay involved to jointly discover how this collaboration - with multiple perspectives at the table - continues to develop. This is also instructive and relevant outside Amsterdam.
And finally, I met the mayor, patron of our alliance. She listened attentively and sincerely to my first impressions and to the valuable connections that are already forming. And if we want to dedicate 27 October, Amsterdam's birthday, every year to a lasting gift to the city's liveability, she fully supports it.
All in all, this confirms what I have felt in these first 100 days.
