On 5 March 2026, a meeting of Netwerk Informele Zorg in Amsterdam became more than a research presentation, it evolved into a collective reflection on how grassroots knowledge can be better recognized in policymaking and neighbourhood support systems.
The gathering formed part of a broader process following recent research that explores how experiential community knowledge can be more systematically included in formal policy processes. At the centre of the discussion was a persistent challenge: informal organisations, often deeply embedded in communities, possess rich, practical knowledge built through daily contact with residents, yet this expertise is not always acknowledged or used by formal institutions.
Many informal organisations report feeling undervalued by formal organisations and the stadsdeel, the district-level municipal administration responsible for local governance and public services. In this case, the conversation focused on Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Despite their close relationships with neighbourhood residents and vulnerable groups, grassroots organisations are frequently excluded from key meetings where policies and support strategies are designed. Decisions about how to approach social challenges or assist specific target groups are often made without the voices of those working most closely with affected communities.
The research underlying this discussion was first presented in January to members of the network. Recognizing the importance of the findings, organisers were invited to present again in March, this time to a broader audience that included larger informal organisations, formal care institutions, and district representatives.
Because the initial study could only include three informal organisations due to limited resources, the second meeting aimed to widen the lens. Participants were invited to reflect on whether the findings resonated with their own experiences and to share how they navigate relationships with formal institutions. The session became a space not only for validation, but also for exchange — revealing common struggles, strategies, and aspirations.
For formal organisations and district authorities, the meeting served as an opportunity for awareness and dialogue. For grassroots initiatives, the conversation turned toward strengthening their position within the institutional landscape.
Why Measuring Social Change Shouldn’t Fall on Communities Alone
A key theme that emerged was the challenge of impact measurement. Informal organisations increasingly recognize that demonstrating their social value can help them gain visibility, legitimacy, and stronger partnerships. However, measuring social impact is complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Small organisations often lack the financial resources, technical tools, and institutional support needed to conduct such evaluations.
Participants emphasized that responsibility for measuring and defining impact should not fall solely on grassroots initiatives. Instead, formal organisations and district authorities must play a supportive role. This includes financial assistance, collaborative evaluation methods, and — importantly — joint discussions about what kinds of impact are most valuable for neighbourhoods. Aligning on shared goals can clarify responsibilities and strengthen cooperation across sectors.
The meeting brought together 25 participants and highlighted a shared willingness to move from recognition to action. Discussions underscored that acknowledging experiential expertise is only a first step; meaningful inclusion requires structural changes in how institutions collaborate, plan, and make decisions.
The event was organised in cooperation with Netwerk Informele Zorg and brought together a diverse research team and community leaders, including Nadia Sbai of Stichting Nadia Sbai, Rafia Aallouch of Stichting Home Empowerment, representatives of the Road of Hope Foundation, and sociologist Saskia Keuzenkamp from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Looking ahead
While the meeting generated valuable insights and strengthened mutual understanding, participants agreed that practical next steps are essential. Without concrete mechanisms for collaboration, grassroots knowledge risks remaining unheard.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to develop a proposal for follow-up research that will include a larger number of informal organisations. Expanding participation will help strengthen collective representation and deepen understanding of shared challenges. The next phase will also focus on translating research findings into practical tools and collaborative frameworks that enable experiential knowledge to inform real-world policy and neighbourhood interventions.
Ultimately, the process unfolding in Amsterdam Nieuw-West reflects a growing recognition that effective community support systems cannot rely solely on institutional expertise. Lived experience, neighbourhood trust, and grassroots initiative are not supplementary resources, they are essential forms of knowledge that deserve a central place at the decision-making table.
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