Host/hostess Sunday afternoon

We want to offer a place to catch your breath in the center of Wageningen. A place where you can meet other people. A place where people listen and where attention, respect, and hospitality are central. If this appeals to you and you would like to contribute, we are looking for you!

What are you going to do?

Your duties consist of welcoming visitors and making contact with them. Having a chat and/or offering a listening ear. Offering coffee or tea.

Maintain a good atmosphere in which every visitor feels at ease and safe. Keep the visitor area tidy and perform all necessary practical tasks for this purpose.

Who are we looking for?

In principle, you always work a volunteer shift in pairs. You work according to the vision of Markt 17: an open and service-oriented attitude towards others. No judgment of the visitor's difference. Everyone is allowed to be who they are. We work from the so-called 'Presence approach'.

We ask our volunteers to have respect for people. Not to reject people. To be able to contribute based on the Markt 17 vision. To have a good heart and be able to take a hit. To have space for (the story of) the other person. Not to want to 'take over' their story and thereby draw attention to themselves. Not necessarily to be focused on problem-solving. We are not a social service or care institution. Having attention and interest in people, that is what it is all about.

Offering solidarity to the visitor, no matter how different or strange they may seem. Confidentiality: the visitors' stories remain within the four walls of Markt 17, unless otherwise agreed with them personally. A good command of the Dutch language is very important for this position. Knowledge of English or other languages is also welcome, due to potential non-Dutch speaking visitors.

What do we have to offer you?

The coordinator is the point of contact for questions and offers coaching/guidance, both informally and by appointment. The coordinator also points out various relevant courses and training sessions organized locally.

Volunteer meetings are organized occasionally. Here, volunteers meet fellow volunteers and discuss their work together. The Municipality of Wageningen has arranged collective accident and damage insurance for volunteers.

What makes the work worthwhile?

Our volunteers work in a friendly and relaxed environment. On Sundays, music is played by musical visitors. Volunteers meet people they would not normally encounter. Offering hospitality and a listening ear is not a one-way street: you often receive attention and interest back from visitors.

Working hours

14:45 - 18:15