From worrying about each other to believing in each other
back to the core
The Dutch Cultural Sports Federation (NCS) felt that the common narrative was slowly fading. The member associations were active and involved, and yet it became less and less clear what united them. Why are we together. What do we contribute to. And how do we stay relevant to society and the next generation. Without shared direction, the NCS became less visible to their affiliates and society, resulting in diminishing appeal. The ambition was there, the future perspective demanded rediscovery.
Together with Fresh Forward, the union went back to the core. Away from familiar surroundings and away from fixed patterns. Board and volunteers went on an inspirational journey in which new perspectives were given room and the comfortable nest was consciously left behind. Participants started from the perspective of their own association, often with a wait-and-see attitude and attachment to the way things had always been. Gradually that changed. A connection emerged. A group that wanted to stand together for the union to which they are collectively attached and felt ownership of what is possible.
Out of your comfort zone
“That dreams really do matter, especially when you do it together,” he said.” says Huibert Brands, president of the Dutch Cultural Sports Association.
Dream team member Minne Gort aptly articulates the process: “Being taken out of your comfort zone can be confronting and confusing, as well as enlightening.”
Astrid Bouwer, also part of the dream team, kept it sharp with a question - inspired by Ilco van der Linde - that stuck: “Why not?”
A clear mission statement
That movement took shape in the home of the NCS, with a clear mission: unified play and movement for all by 2035. An ambition that fits the character of the NCS and what it wants to do for society. The story came alive again, to the outside world and to each other. With renewed energy and a shared compass, the union became visible and tangible again.
Plenty of commitment
What makes this case special is the commitment. Volunteers gave up 7 days off, in addition to their daily work, to build the future of their union. From that commitment came Dream Team 2.0, which keeps the NCS story alive and continues to test whether initiatives are working.
A place where everyone can participate
Another key moment was at the beginning. At the kickoff with the board, participants shared who they are, what they look forward to and what they did when they used to play outside. There it became apparent what makes NCS unique: lifelong friendships, learning to play the game of life and providing a place where everyone can participate.
About the Dutch Cultural Sports Association
The Dutch Cultural Sports Association is a national sports association in the sports and associations sector, with approximately 70 member associations and 4 employees. The association is committed to accessible, versatile and connective play and exercise in the Netherlands.
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