Lees in het NederlandsRead the august 2026 newsletter

September 2026

Wel zo op de hoogte

The newsletter of Wel zo Roze

Welcome to a new edition of Wel zo op de hoogte.

We have taken some wonderful steps recently. We received ANBI status, we are preparing new meet-ups and we keep growing our network of volunteers, partners and supporters.

In this newsletter you can read about the board's plans, new community dinners, an inspiring visit to the Ramses Shaffy House and ways you can help Wel zo Roze grow further.

Enjoy reading!

Four Wel zo Roze guests smiling together at a table during a community gathering

From the board

Joey Duis and a guest laughing together next to a rainbow megaphone at a Wel zo Roze gathering

The past months have been special for Wel zo Roze. The Dutch Tax Administration informed us that our foundation has been granted ANBI status. ANBI stands for "Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling" (Public Benefit Organisation). This makes us an officially recognised charity.

This recognition helps us build on our plans. Companies can, under conditions, deduct gifts and donations to Wel zo Roze from their taxes. Private donations may also qualify for tax deduction. In addition, an ANBI usually pays no gift or inheritance tax on inheritances and bequests. Our website now also shows the official ANBI logo.

During our board meetings we also decided where our focus lies. Until the end of 2026 we concentrate on three activities: organising encounters between LGBTIQ+ seniors and young people, setting up our buddy programme, and strengthening contacts with other LGBTIQ+ organisations.

We are also happy to welcome a new board member. Joey Duis has joined the board as head of publicity and communications. With more than twenty years of experience in communications, brand strategy and transformation, he helps organisations raise awareness, connect people and inspire action. He is committed to the visibility of the foundation and to sharing stories that show how important a strong network and a helping hand can be.

We are happy with all the support we have received so far and look forward to the next steps. Would you like to contribute or help out? We would love to hear from you.

Sjaak Blenk and Nelly Duijndam

News from our community

Three guests of the Wel zo Roze community dinner sitting together at the table with a glass of wine

Around the table with Wel zo Roze

In November, Wel zo Roze is organising two community evenings with dinner. Eating together is a lovely, low-threshold way to get to know each other.

The programme once again includes the Senior Meets Young Ones dinner. During this evening, younger and older LGBTIQ+ people meet for a cosy meal and good conversation. After previous successful meet-ups, we are looking forward to a new edition. The Senior Meets Young Ones activities are now part of Wel zo Roze.

We are also organising, for the second time, a meeting between LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and LGBTIQ+ seniors. Two groups, each with their own experiences, but also a lot of recognition. A shared meal creates room to exchange stories, make new connections and enjoy a lovely evening together.

The community evenings are also a great opportunity to get to know Wel zo Roze. Perhaps one of our activities appeals to you, or you would like to make a difference as a volunteer yourself.

More information about dates, venues and registration will follow soon.

The facade of the Ramses Shaffy House with a mural and the text 'Zing, vecht, huil, bid, lach, werk en bewonder'

Wel zo Roze visits the Ramses Shaffy House

Wel zo Roze recently visited the Ramses Shaffy House in Amsterdam. During this introduction we discovered several opportunities for collaboration.

One of the available rooms in particular appealed to us. This space could be used for meetings, gatherings and small-scale activities.

The Ramses Shaffy House feels like a warm and welcoming place that fits well with what Wel zo Roze stands for: bringing people together, meeting each other and creating new connections.

We hope to use this venue more often for our activities soon.

Help us grow

Behind the scenes we are working hard on a healthy financial foundation for Wel zo Roze. Thanks to the support of members, donors and volunteers, we can organise meet-ups, start new projects and bring people together.

Rabo ClubSupport logo, Rabobank's support programme in which Wel zo Roze is taking part

Vote for Wel zo Roze via Rabo ClubSupport

Do you have a personal Rabobank account? Then you can vote for Wel zo Roze for free.

Wel zo Roze is taking part in Rabo ClubSupport this year.

Every vote represents a financial contribution to our foundation and helps us make meet-ups, volunteer initiatives and new projects possible.

Voting costs you nothing, but makes a big difference to us.

The campaign runs until 29 September. Every vote counts.

A group of people together during a Wel zo Roze activity

No Rabobank account? You can also donate

Even without a Rabobank account, you can contribute to our activities.

Via the "I want to donate" button on our website, you decide how much you want to give.

You can choose a one-off gift or a monthly contribution that can be changed or stopped at any time.

With your support we fund, among other things, the meet-ups we are organising this autumn for LGBTIQ+ young people, older people, newcomers and other members of our community.

Together we make sure nobody has to stand alone.

Volunteers wanted

Wel zo Roze is growing. That is why we are looking for people who want to help build our foundation.

To realise our plans, we are expanding the board and setting up committees for communications, publicity, volunteer policy and volunteer recruitment. Together they help build meet-ups, the buddy programme and future support projects. At the same time, we are spreading the work across more people so that together we can achieve more.

Below you will find a number of vacancies you can respond to directly. More information and other volunteer roles can be found on our website.

Perhaps your talents lie elsewhere. We would still love to meet you. Would you like to contribute yourself or do you know someone who would be a good fit? Let us know via the contact form on the website or send an email to info@welzoroze.nl. We will contact everyone who signs up.

A younger and an older man greeting each other enthusiastically with a fist bump at a Wel zo Roze gathering

Got an idea?

Do you have a suggestion for Wel zo Roze, an idea for an activity, or feedback on this newsletter? We'd love to hear from you. Together we make our foundation — and this newsletter — a little better every time.