'The best part is when a match grows into something lasting'
Philips has already joined the Brainport for Each Other dinner 23 times. Not because they have to, but because it works. What makes this dinner so special? Everyone who comes is intrinsically motivated. You don't come for a drink or a chat. You come because you want to mean something. And because you know: it really does pay off.'
Within Philips, Frank Visser is responsible for sustainable employability and social projects in the region. As programme manager, he is also the permanent point of contact for Brainport for Elkar. 'As a company, we are less about simply funding. We prefer to deploy our knowledge, experience and people. The dinner is the perfect opportunity for that.'
Small gestures, big effect
This commitment produces great results time and again. For instance, we helped an organisation working with status holders rewrite their brochure for employers. By helping them think about the tone of voice and content, they were able to engage in a much more focused conversation with companies. That led to real job opportunities.' On another occasion, Philips made the museum available to a foundation for a study day. 'Instead of a community centre, they were suddenly in an inspiring space. Such a gesture costs us little, but means an awful lot to them.'
According to Frank, it's all about reciprocity. 'In the past, companies mainly helped civil society organisations.Now there is more exchange.Thinking with us about that brochure gave us ourselves more insight into the challenges organisations face with status holders.'The effects remain visible within Philips as well.'The conversations at the dinner give us a sharper picture of what is going on in the region.That helps us to use our volunteer work in a more targeted way.'Frank saw how some colleagues started volunteering structurally after a match, including at Neos, which works for the homeless, and at the Financial Workshop. ‘That's the best thing: when something starts as a match and grows into something lasting.’
According to Frank, the choice of location for the dinner also contributes to the impact. 'We always sit in places where civil society organisations are active. The upcoming dinner will take place at an initiative for homeless people. Then you immediately feel who you are doing it for.'
‘Just come and have a look’
With edition 25 coming up, Frank is looking ahead positively. 'The formula is there, and it works. But it would be great if other regions also join in. Last autumn, the first dinner already took place outside Eindhoven, namely in Veldhoven.' And his tip, to companies who have doubts? 'Just come and have a look. You don't have to make ten matches right away. One good conversation is the start. The rest will follow naturally.'
