FOR VOLUNTEERS

Below you find some practical information and suggestions about doing voluntary work in Nieuwegein.

Organization
In the Netherlands, voluntary work is run by non-profit organizations. The work usually covers one or two shifts a week. Organizations favor a structural agreement about participation for half a year or longer.

Language
In voluntary work, engaging people without a reasonable command of Dutch language is not a matter of course. Most organizations will indicate that some knowledge of Dutch is a condition for doing voluntary work. Not all participants – clients, volunteers or professionals – have an easy command of English. Besides, all communication with volunteers is in Dutch. Fortunately, organizations are increasingly aware of the possibility to recruit Englishspeaking volunteers. From all participants this will require some flexibility, creativity, and
thinking out of the box. Non-speakers of Dutch will need initiative and perseverance to find suitable voluntary work. Organizations will welcome your ideas about promising openings.

Probation
After a positive introductory interview, it is common practice in organizations to agree on a probationary period. This period will allow you to find out if voluntary work comes up to your
expectations. Also it enables the organization to assess your suitability for the tasks in question.

Training and guidance
Some organizations offer their volunteers courses, workshops and intervision. Sometimes, acceptation of this provision is obligatory. Generally, courses are in Dutch language.

Contract
It is strongly recommended to come to a clear agreement about your activities – including those you are not expected to do – , and about who will give you guidance and to whom you
may turn with questions. Some organizations make use of a volunteer contract or cooperation agreement. A contract specifies agreement about tasks, responsibilities, availability, illness, vacations, probation, performance interview, expenses, and insurance. Such a contract is not compulsory, but may be practical.

Expenses
Organizations are free to decide if they will refund expenses. Some organizations provide a fixed compensation per shift, other ones only refund actual expenses, and still other 2 organizations do not refund anything. Dutch law allows you to receive up to 1800 euro’s yearly and 180 euro’s monthly for expenses without having to declare this to tax authorities.
Above these amounts you will have to show receipts for all your expenses.

Food and accommodation
Voluntary work in exchange for food and accommodation is not customary in Nieuwegein Only EU citizens aged between 18 and 30 can do voluntary work in combination with food
and accommodation, and only by taking part in the project European Voluntary Service. For more information go to http://www.europeanvoluntaryservice.com/main

Labor permit
All holders of a labor permit for the Netherlands are allowed to do voluntary work in this country. This means that EU citizens (except those from Croatia, but including those from
Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) are always free to do voluntary work here. Holders of a tourist visa are not allowed to do voluntary work. If you are a non-EU citizen
specially wanting to come to the Netherlands to do voluntary work, the organization ready to engage you has to apply for an employment permit. This apllies also for students. For this
purpose employers may contact UWV werkbedrijf, afdeling Arbeidsjuridische dienstverlening. For each individual case, UWV will provide the proper application form.

Certificate of good conduct
Organizations working with a vulnerable target group, such as elderly people or minors, often ask for a Certificate of good conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag). Applying for a such
a VOG is in most cases free for volunteers. This certificate only refers to the period in which the applicant has lived in the Netherlands. Ask the organization if they also want you to apply
for such a certificate in your home country or other countries.

Insurance
The Nieuwegein Volunteers Insurance (VGN Vrijwilligersverzekering) is a secondary liability and accident insurance for all those doing voluntary work in Nieuwegein. This insurance is only valid during the execution of voluntary work or voluntary care, and only after an appeal has been made to the primary insurances of the volunteer and the organization. Insurance costs are paid by the municipality. Volunteers are insured automatically.