Haarlem residents invited to shape city's future at Initiatievencafé with €6,000 in prizes
Haarlem is calling on residents to share and support local initiatives at the upcoming Initiatievencafé on 24 March. With €6,000 in prizes and a chance to collaborate on projects like community lunches and bike repairs, this event empowers citizens to make their city greener and more social.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Initiatievencafé |
| Date | 24 March 2026 |
| Time | 5:00 PM (presentations), 6:00 PM (networking drinks) |
| Location | Verhalentrefpunt De Volharding, Paul Krugerkade 47, Haarlem-Noord |
| Encouragement Prize | €6,000 total, divided among best plans |
| Examples of Past Initiatives | TommyTomato (healthy school lunches), Fix je Fiets (bike repairs), statiegeldbak (deposit bin) |
| How to Participate | Email or post on HaarlemLink |
| Event Theme | Week of the Circular Economy |
The Municipality of Haarlem organizes the Initiatievencafé to foster community engagement and support grassroots initiatives. By providing a platform for residents to pitch ideas and collaborate, the municipality aims to enhance local sustainability, social cohesion, and innovation.
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Read the full translated article below
New ideas for Haarlem
On Tuesday, 24 March 2026, we will organise a new edition of the Initiatievencafé at a new location in Haarlem-Noord. You are welcome to come and listen to the ideas, contribute your thoughts, and help initiative-takers.
The Initiatievencafé is a meeting where ideas and engaged residents come together. During this evening, residents will present their ideas to make the city more beautiful, sustainable, and social. You will hear about the plans for your neighbourhood and the city. You can ask questions and help initiative-takers with knowledge, experience, and contacts. This is how we take plans a step further together.
Great examples
There are many great examples of initiatives that have been presented at previous meetings. For instance, TommyTomato, which provides warm, healthy lunches at primary schools. And Fix je Fiets, where Haarlem residents can come to repair their bikes with the help of volunteers. Another example is the statiegeldbak (deposit bin), a separate bin for empty bottles and cans, an initiative to make the city more beautiful, sustainable, and social. After all, this means that people who want to return bottles and cans for their deposit don’t have to fish them out of the rubbish bin.
Encouragement prize
During the Initiatievencafé on 24 March, initiative-takers have a chance to win an encouragement prize. A total amount of €6,000 will be divided among the best plans.
Programme
The meeting takes place during the Week of the Circular Economy and will be held at Verhalentrefpunt De Volharding on Paul Krugerkade 47. The programme starts at 5:00 PM with short presentations by initiative-takers. The networking drinks will begin at 6:00 PM.
Do you have an idea of your own?
Do you have an idea you would like to pitch? Email us. You can also share your plan in advance via HaarlemLink, the online initiative platform of the Municipality of Haarlem. Here, you can post your idea and gather support. You can also join the plans of other residents. In addition, you will find information on the website about workshops from the Initiatievenschool and practical tips. And perhaps you will present your idea at a future edition of the Initiatievencafé.
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