Description
Volunteer for the Cocktail Project at COC Friesland
Help build a safe meeting place for LGBT+ newcomers
What is Cocktail?
Cocktail is a nationwide initiative by the COC aimed at LGBT+ refugees and newcomers. In many countries, it is not safe to be yourself. Also in the Netherlands, newcomers often experience loneliness, insecurity and exclusion. Cocktail wants to change this. By organising monthly meetings, we create a safe place where people can share their experiences, find support and be themselves.
COC Friesland is starting a new Cocktail group this year, especially for LGBT+ newcomers in Friesland. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who want to contribute to these meeting sessions.
Why is this important?
LGBT+ newcomers often face a double stigma: they are refugees and belong to a group that is excluded or persecuted in many cultures. A safe, understanding environment is crucial for their well-being and integration. Cocktail contributes to:
- Building self-confidence and network;
- A sense of security and (h)acknowledgement;
- Understanding LGBT+ life and rights in the Netherlands;
- Reducing social isolation.
What will you do?
As a volunteer, you will help organise and carry out a monthly meeting. You will work with the team to create a warm, safe atmosphere where people feel welcome. Think about:
- Welcoming visitors;
- Thinking about and implementing programmes (e.g. discussion rounds, theme meetings, film nights, creative workshops);
- Practical support (preparing venue, arranging food/drinks);
- Liaise with participants and involved organisations.
What might happen during a meeting?
- Sharing stories of experience in small groups;
- Workshops on coming-out, cultural differences or rights in the Netherlands;
- Creative sessions such as painting, poetry or music making;
- Eating together with dishes from different cultures;
- Theme nights around pride, family, love, or future.
Interested?
Send an email to
info@cocfriesland.nl with a short motivation and your contact details. We will then contact you soon for an introduction.
Together we make Friesland safer and warmer for everyone. Will you join us?
What does the organisation offer the volunteer?
- A meaningful role in the lives of LGBT+ newcomers;
- Training and guidance by COC Friesland;
- An inspiring team of inspired volunteers;
- Membership at COC Friesland and volunteer outings;
- Travel allowance and access to (inter)national networking meetings.
What does the organisation ask of the volunteer?
- You are open-minded and stand firmly on your feet;
- You have an affinity with LGBT+ issues and/or migration;
- You are a good listener, sociable and respectful;
- You have time to meet monthly (and possibly help prepare);
- You speak Dutch or English (multiple languages is an advantage);
- You don't have to be LGBT+ or experiencer yourself, but you do have to be an ally.
Work address and house number:
Snekertrekweg 1 8912AA
Within the municipality of Leeuwarden
Districts:
All districts
Day parts:
By arrangement
Hours/frequency:
monthly meeting + preparation time
Travel allowance:
Yes
Volunteer allowance:
No
Other expenses:
By arrangement
VOG required:
Yes, reimbursed by organisation
Schooling/courses/training:
By arrangement
ANBI:
Yes
Responding to this vacancy?
Respond
EN 
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