Amsterdam. The Dutch anthroposophy-oriented Iona Stichting has been supporting initiatives for social renewal since 1966. An interview with Christine Geertsema, an employee of the foundation.
What is the mission of the Iona Stichting?
The Iona Stichting is an organization for social renewal. We are committed to spiritual, cultural, and social development. The Iona House in Amsterdam offers a “home” where donors, project initiators, and other inspired companions are connected. Encouraging the power of initiative is at the heart of the mission. Iona supports and develops inspired initiatives that aim for development and renewal on a social, cultural, and spiritual level. Amongst other things, anthroposophy and its fields of attention: Waldorf and other progressive pedagogy, integrative medicine, biodynamic and regenerative agriculture, (anthroposophical inspired) research, arts, and eurythmy. Preferably when various social and economic fields are brought together.
What criteria are used when assessing project applications?
Does the application fit within the foundation’s aims? Is there inspiration in combination with “feet on the ground,” vision, and practice? Does the initiative fit within the biography of the initiator(s)? Does the initiative fit within the demands of our time? Does it have an adequate contemporary shape? What is the (intended) broader support base? What is the embedding in society? Does it help to grow social cohesion? Is there an opportunity for growth and a sustainable, independent existence?
What is needed for the ongoing process of social renewal?
Social renewal is realized by people. Their bundled strength is a compass for a new society in which nature and human beings are in balance. Building up networks and strengthening them is how the Iona Stichting tries to contribute to social renewal. An example is the organization the Youth Education Days in May 2024. For three days, more than 50 people from around the world gathered to talk about youth programs. One of the comments was: “You took us off our islands and put us in a common stream.”
More Iona Stichting
Translation Charles Cross
Image The team of Iona Stiftung, Photo: Iona Stiftung
