ATD Fourth World Netherlands: Looking towards the future

The ATD Fourth World Netherlands website is currently offline as we prepare a new version that will include our updated plans and priorities. In the meantime, we are utilising the Dutch page on ATD Fourth World’s international website to fulfil our legal reporting obligations and to keep our members and friends informed about recent developments.

We have moved out of our former National Centre and relocated our offices to a new address in The Hague: Zeestraat 100, The Hague (visits by appointment via e-mail)
E-mail address (unchanged):
New postal address: ATD Fourth World Netherlands, Postbus 384, NL-2350 AJ LEIDERDORP, The Netherlands.

Would you like to support our work with a donation?
You can do this via direct deposit:
IBAN: NL27 INGB 0002 7522 00
Account name: ATD Vierde Wereld NL. Please use the reference ‘GIFT’.

About ATD Fourth World Netherlands

ATD Fourth World Netherlands maintains a National Centre in The Hague and a meeting centre at the ‘t Zwervel farm in Wijhe. Beyond the work of our active local groups, several members from across the country have formed a working group with the goal of securing the future of ATD Fourth World Netherlands and supporting the evaluation and planning process within the scope of existing resources.

Summary of Our Multi-Year Plan for 2024-2028

Vision:
We aim to create a world without poverty or social exclusion, where every person can thrive in a just, peaceful, and inclusive community. Poverty traps people in inequality. We take the experiences of people in poverty as a starting point and strive for a society in which human rights are respected for everyone.

Mission:
Our mission is to put into practice our vision. By uniting people, starting with people in extreme poverty, we can create a spirit of unity in which every person can flourish. We follow the example of Joseph Wresinski and the International Movement ATD Fourth World, while staying true to our Dutch culture and reality.

Core values: Four words that guide us:

1. Hope – Poverty is not inevitable,
2. Respect – Every person counts,
3. Unity – Together we are strong,
4. Communication – We learn and share collectively.

Activities and Involvement

People with experience of poverty gather together several times a year to share experiences, offer encouragement and contribute to discussions on relevant topics. They are actively involved in meetings with other organisations to make their voices heard.

ATD Fourth World Netherlands Evaluation and Planning Process

Background
From 2015, the reality of people in poverty in the Netherlands worsened. This was partly due to new legislation. In 2023, the childcare benefits scandal sparked a broader awareness that poverty has structural causes. Since then, multiple initiatives have been launched, often inspired by people with lived experience of poverty.

New partnerships
ATD Fourth World Netherlands has actively sought partnerships with other organisations. Voluntary engagement, with priority given to people living in extreme poverty and their experiential knowledge, remains our guiding principle in these partnerships.

2023 Evaluation and Planning Process

With the support of ATD Fourth World’s Europe regional coordination team, an evaluation and planning process began in 2023. Meetings took place in Wijhe and at ATD Fourth World’s International Centre in Méry-sur-Oise (France). This process formed the basis for our revised policy decisions, including strategic choices regarding our property in the Netherlands.

Shaping a New Vision of Community

The future of ATD Fourth World Netherlands proposes a new, shared sense of community:

• Inside our network: efforts focused on participation from all members
• Outside partnerships: efforts focused on collaborations with government bodies and other organisations

‘Side by Side’ – Together to overcome poverty
Equality, trust, and co-creation are at the heart of this new solidarity. We aim to collaborate with others to effect social change, regardless of a person’s background or role in society.

Allies and Volunteer Corps members

Currently, there are no ATD Fourth World Volunteer Corps members based in the Netherlands; therefore, allies play a key role. The working group supports local groups and coordinates various ATD Fourth World Netherlands activities. An activity plan is prepared annually in consultation with the ATD Fourth World Netherlands Board of Directors.

Objectives for the coming years

1. Recruiting new people and rejuvenating ATD Fourth World in the Netherlands.
   Promote broader participation, especially among young people. This is essential to achieve our objectives.
2. Improving communication.
   We will continue to work on clear and accessible communication, both internally and externally.
3. Continuing the work at ’t Zwervel.
   Due to a lack of personnel, the board of directors is looking for one or more organisations to manage Zwervel. We wish to collaborate with parties that identify closely with ATD’s values. Joint and separate activities will remain possible.

In Conclusion

ATD Fourth World Netherlands will continue to work with people in extreme poverty, guided by their dignity and voice. Together with ATD Fourth World Allies and Activists, as well as other organisations, we are helping to build a future without poverty.