Written by Anne-Lin van Gelder
They may have already passed by, our board blogs. Here we tell more about our board positions. Since we would not be able to volunteer without the help of our committee members, we would like to let them do the talking! In this blog, eight committee members will tell more about volunteering at STC. These are just a few of our committee members! Two volunteers from each committee speak.
Committee member Serve the Grey
Name: Ashley van Donk
Age: 20 years
“Why did you volunteer at STC?”
In addition to my communication studies at Fontys Hogescholen, I was looking for a bit more challenge in other areas. Volunteering seemed a good choice to me. That way you can contribute to people who deserve extra attention, which gives me a lot of satisfaction personally. I thought the combination between volunteering and contact with students was very nice. You get to know a lot of new people who, like you, want to contribute part of their student days to the well-being of people in Tilburg. The elderly in particular were an interesting target group for me to work with: after all, with small contributions you can mean a lot for the lives of these (mostly lonely) people. So it was a logical step for me to register for the Serve the Grey committee.
“What is the most beautiful volunteer activity you have experienced so far?”
The most beautiful voluntary activity that I have experienced is definitely walking with the elderly. Jelle van Dijk, treasurer of the 2019-2020 board and chairman of Serve the Grey, organized weekly walks with elderly people (in collaboration with Woonzorgcentrum de Kievitshorst). Every week students could register for this for a few hours of walking. I also walked twice, which I found very special both times. During these mornings you can see how “small” the lives of these people are, but at the same time the elderly appreciate that you take them for a walk (and invest time in them). That’s what you do it for!
”Would you recommend volunteering to other students? If so, why?”
I definitely recommend everyone to volunteer (at Serve the City Tilburg). After all, it is special to organize activities for those in need in society, together with fellow students. It gives you satisfaction, you get to know new, friendly people and it is also great fun to do in your free time. I also believe that a committee can contribute very well to your personal development. Enough reasons to register now as a committee member at Serve the City Tilburg!
Committee member Serve the Grey
Name: Lennart Sinjorgo
Age: 22 years
“Why did you volunteer at STC?”
I started my master this year and was looking for something that wouldn’t be too busy. I had not heard of STC yet but happened to know two people from the board who asked if I would like to participate. My own grandparents always like it when one of their grandchildren makes some time for them and I thought it would be fun for older people who received less visitors. It also appealed to me that STC cooperates with other associations. That way you get to know a lot of different people.
“What is the most beautiful volunteer activity you have experienced so far?”
Around January, STC was asked to help with the so-called “Meeting Circus” for the elderly. The Winter Wonder circus in Tilburg had agreed to stage a special performance for the elderly. The organization had invited older people and hoped to link them together for a friendship or something more.
Together with about 15 STC students, we ensured that the day went smoothly. Visitors were received in a lobby. There they could talk to each other 1 hour before the performance started. I was asked to receive the visitors and to start the conversations between the elderly. Some were a bit shy at first, but when I asked a bit about the circus they soon showed their enthusiasm. In addition, there were conversation cards for guidance, although these were soon no longer needed. We had distributed tickets to the visitors on which they could write down their interests. On that basis, people were linked together. Despite the cold weather, the room started to fill up well. We struggled to stop by each table for a chat. Fortunately, the elderly already started conversations with each other, which of course was the intention!
”Would you recommend volunteering to other students? If so, why?”
Yes! STC gives you the opportunity to give something back to Tilburg in an easy and fun way. I had quite some time myself, which I spend better at STC than behind the TV, for example. You can also learn a lot from the elderly and they can also learn from you. It is nice to see how your effort is valued, even if it is not easy for students.
Committee member Serve the Brave
Name: Denise van Wijk
Age: 23 years
“Why did you volunteer at STC?”
I wanted to do something extra besides my studies and besides that I have already done several committees that mainly concern organizing parties for and by students, I thought it would be fun to do something different. I came out of my Serve the City. What appealed to me the most is that you can do something good for other people together with other students. This is how you get to know new people and do a good job!
“What is the most beautiful volunteer activity you have experienced so far?”
Unfortunately, I haven’t attended many activities so far. But the best part was when I was delivering for STC with ONSSoepje. We arrived to a lady and she was so happy with the delivery and appreciated it so much that she almost cried with happiness. She was so very sweet and friendly and it felt so good.
”Would you recommend volunteering to other students? If so, why?”
I would definitely recommend it to other students! It is great fun to do a committee at a study association or student association and it is certainly educational. But I think a committee at Serve The City is even more valuable because you really help others and you can give something back to the city where you study. Above all, it is always super fun and you will meet many different people, which is very cool!
Committee member Serve the Brave
Name: Myrthe van den Heuvel
Age: 20 years
“Why did you volunteer at STC?”
Hi! My name is Myrthe and I have been serving as a committee member of Serve the Brave since September 2019. I started as a volunteer because I was looking for an extra challenge besides my studies where I did connect with my education. I study the bachelor medical psychology, which focuses a lot on the relationship between body and mind. Serve the Brave organizes events for the (chronically) sick and / or mentally disabled, and then I felt that this was the opportunity for me to do something for this fantastic target group. And as I said so, I started as a committee member. Serve the Brave, unlike other committees, has only started since this school year. That is why our year was mainly about connecting with institutions so that we could plan events.
“What is the most beautiful volunteer activity you have experienced so far?”
Unfortunately my favorite activity could not take place because of corona, but we were organizing a big gala for people with disabilities. That is why I hope, as Serve the City, when this uncertain period is over, we can still let the gala continue.
”Would you recommend volunteering to other students? If so, why?”
In my time as a committee member, I have not only learned how fun and challenging this target group is, but also how important and valuable it is to be able to do something for them. You learn to switch, to think broadly and in detail, to cooperate and to take responsibility, because without you no activity can continue. In addition, you get to know a lot of new people, which also makes it super fun. That is why I definitely recommend every student to join a school year (or longer) as a board member, committee member or day volunteer because not only the vulnerable target groups will improve, but you too.
