ROOMS WITH OPPORTUNITIES

By Digna / September 29, 2022

Rochdale approached me with a question about the scope and purpose of a chain clause, which was hindering the "Kamers met Kansen" (Rooms with Opportunities) project. From my work on (the transformation of) the Poelenburg Peldersveld neighborhoods in Zaanstad, both Rochdale and the municipality were already familiar with the Rechtmakers method.

I indicated my willingness to assist using the Rechtmakers method, provided both organizations are the client and agree to a win-win approach. Both parties agreed to this.

The "Kamers met Kansen" (Rooms with Opportunities) project involves integrated collaboration between Rochdale, the municipality of Zaanstad, and a healthcare provider. This is precisely the challenge of these kinds of situations: it transcends domains, and how do you organize this effectively and legally?

What does the project entail?

The project provides housing and support to young people who are at risk of falling through the cracks (and becoming homeless). This allows them to pursue education, find work, and build a network, giving them a new perspective on a bright future.

At the time I was asked, there was no transparent communication, no clarity about who within the municipality was in charge of what, there was little trust between them, but there were images of each other and that created tension.

Under the guidance of De Rechtmakers, the participants went through the collaborative and interactive process, which is part of the method. This quickly provided clarity and peace of mind, leading to solutions and the reduction of obstacles. Trust in each other grew, and the shared goal became more prominent.

The agreement

The municipality provided a sample agreement, which primarily addressed risk mitigation, liability, and privacy matters. I suggested: a contract could be so much better, more user-friendly, and more supportive of the objective. Do we need this to achieve our goal, or would it be better to create a different contract focused on collaboration? I was given the confidence and carte blanche to pursue this path. In consultation with both parties, I then drafted a sustainable Framework Agreement, which governs not only the Kamers met Kansen project but also other future projects.

The agreement is written in clear, concise language. This document gives substance to the shared goal. The agreement provides a foundation for always remembering who we are doing this for.

I'm proud to hopefully be able to make a positive impact on the lives of young adults in Zaanstad who are facing difficult situations. That's what I do it for! And I'm grateful for the space and trust given to me.

-Digna de Bruin of the Rechtmakers Method

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This is what the project participants say

We asked Digna to be an independent supervisor for the "Rooms with Opportunities" project. This is a joint project between Rochdale and the Municipality of Zaanstad. The project had a shaky, slow start, but thanks in part to Digna, things suddenly started moving. Most issues were then easily resolved.
This project has built trust in mutual cooperation.
I hope and expect that this will be a basis for a fruitful and pleasant collaboration with the municipality of Zaanstad in the field of assisted living.

Next time I would do it the same way again, but hopefully I would get on the line a bit sooner.”

 Bas Boonzaaijer Project Manager Real Estate Development, Rochdale Housing Association