STICHTING
Project description
Cem Foundation was established over 20 years ago by the youth of the Alevi Cultural Center Rijnmond. Our mission is to strengthen cultural identity, promote educational initiatives, and enhance community bonds. We organize various activities, such as cultural workshops, lectures, and discussion panels, to increase knowledge and appreciation of Alevi culture. In doing so, we work closely with the senior board.
We also promote interfaith dialogue and aim to raise awareness about social issues, while enjoying celebrations of holidays and festivals together. I have been involved with Cem Foundation for four years, and during this time, I have worked to revitalize the Alevi (youth) community, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, I served as a board member and graphic designer, but since 2024, I have had the honor of being the chairperson. Of course, all of this work is done on a voluntary basis.
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Mission and Purpose
Alevis are a minority community originating from Turkey. As a result, preserving and passing on Alevi culture, values, traditions, and identity to future generations is an important part of Stichting Cem's mission. The organisation creates opportunities for young people to connect with one another, learn about their cultural heritage, and develop both personally and professionally. Through its activities, Stichting Cem aims to strengthen the sense of belonging and identity among Alevi youth while encouraging active participation in society.
In 2023, Stichting Cem was selected by the municipality of Schiedam for the "Schiedammer in het licht" campaign. We were one of the organizations from Schiedam that were highlighted and celebrated. During this time The lady in holding the sign was our chairlady until I took over in 2024.
Activities
Stichting Cem organizes a wide range of cultural, educational, and social activities throughout the year. These activities help young people engage with their heritage, build meaningful relationships, and develop important life skills.
In addition to cultural initiatives, the organization is actively involved in social and societal topics within the Netherlands. Stichting Cem regularly collaborates with other Alevi youth organizations and boards across the Netherlands and Europe, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and joint projects.
On March 24, 2024, we finally opened the youth room, celebrating the occasion with a grand opening. Around 200 guests attended, including our senior board, representatives from the municipality of Schiedam and the mayor, as well as representatives from Dock, Heem, and other organizations. I had the honor of giving a speech and received an opening gift from the chairperson of our senior board. I also spoke with the mayor about the future of our association, and of course, we took a photo together. Finally, a group of young people and I performed to showcase one of the many ways the room can be used.
My Role
My journey within Stichting Cem began as a board member. As my involvement grew, I also took on the role of graphic designer, and several years later, I was elected chairman of Stichting Cem. In this role, I took on greater responsibility for guiding the organisation and helping define its vision and direction. Alongside coordinating activities and supporting fellow board members, I worked closely with volunteers, community members, and partner organisations to ensure that projects and events were successfully organised.
Starting in 2024, the board and I introduced a renewed vision for Stichting Cem. We chose to focus primarily on the Rijnmond region, making the needs of our local community our highest priority. While maintaining relationships with other Alevi youth organisations, our efforts became more centred on creating impact within our own region. We also reintroduced educational activities related to the Alevi faith, ensuring that younger generations could learn more about their beliefs, traditions, and values. Finally, we worked on strengthening the foundation's identity and visibility. Through a stronger presence on social media and a clearer public image, we aimed to attract new members, engage more young people, and encourage future generations of board members to become involved in the organisation.
These experiences taught me the importance of leadership, communication, and community engagement. More importantly, they strengthened my ability to understand different perspectives, bring people together, and create solutions that serve the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders. These skills continue to influence my approach to design, where understanding people and their needs remains at the centre of my work.
