How a citizens’ initiative ensures that 5 Amsterdammers receive a basic income

“It started in corona time as a question,” says Harleman. “What does solidarity still mean today? I noticed that the word was talked about a lot, but always in the context of shopping for someone else.” According to Harleman, solidarity is much more than that, no matter how nice the gesture is.

She thought about the effect of the corona crisis on people’s wallets, and did not want to wait for the government to close the gap between rich and poor. she drummed a number of citizens who wanted to donate a monthly amount to support others who are financially more difficult. This is how ‘the gentle protest movement’ Collective Capital came into being.

No conditions or accountability

The money that private individuals put in a pot is distributed by drawing lots among people who are insecure about their existence. Collective Capital is an initiative that believes in a better society, says Harlem. “I think that a socially just society is absolutely feasible. I have already started to build on that.”

The idea has since grown into a major social project. By means of research, the initiators try to map out the effect of slightly more financial resources. Before 2022, Harleman hopes in Amsterdam and Rotterdam to provide 10 people with collective capital for a total of 12 months with an amount of 160,000 euros based on private donations. Without conditions, accountability and obligation.

With the protest, Harleman hopes to bring about systemic change: the awareness must grow that money provides more meaning and the possibility to develop yourself.

Full human being

One of the Amsterdam participants, who would like to remain anonymous, says that it gives a lot of confidence to feel seen. “That you are a full human being.”

At many other institutions, that person experienced it differently. “You are often treated with great distrust. Institutions assume that you have bad intentions. That you want something that you are not entitled to. That affects you.”

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Harleman calls it ‘outrageous’ that more than a million Dutch people live below the poverty line. “The Netherlands is a rich country, apparently we consciously choose to let more than a million Dutch people survive every day instead of letting them live. And then we are also surprised that they do not participate.”

The realization of Collective Capital was not without a struggle. The Collective Capital team regularly ran into the wall of bureaucracy. For example, people on welfare are only allowed to receive a certain amount of extra money, Harleman explains disappointedly. “Everything that comes with it will be deducted. Otherwise they will be fined. People who live on social assistance are more than welcome, but we think it is important to point out the negative economic effects.”

For the Amsterdam participants, the little extra money means a lot, says one. “Worrying about money costs a lot of energy. It has a paralyzing effect. With the extra amount you won’t suddenly become rich, but it gives room to have a drink somewhere after a stressful week.” And that gives energy. “I can dream about the future again and forge plans. Positive impulses, that’s what I charge myself with.”

Harleman adds: “It provides livelihood security, more dignity and self-confidence. Believe that the world is there for them. It is easier to connect with society, people are more likely to apply for jobs because they are more confident and have room to invest in social relationships. ” But most of all, Harleman says, it really makes people happier.

Today NH Nieuws publishes several stories about basic income. Curious? Keep an eye on our website.