One Page Summary

How can we create more opportunities and a more inclusive society?
We offer SDG House hands-on and creative newcomers who will support in solving this question in our 6-weeks creative challenge program. A design thinking sprint on diversity inside SDG House, proposing bottom-up local based solutions with a scalable methodology.

Makers Unite is a social enterprise based in Amsterdam, producing sustainable lifestyle accessories with the goal of fostering the integration of newcomers (with a refugee background) in the European community. We believe newcomers offer a chance – not a burden – to our society. We see a huge opportunity to put the talents and skills of people into practice. The arrival of newcomers and refugees asks for creative solutions from our society to build bridges and create chances.

SDG House Diversity Issue: How to turn the lessons of a Colonial past to an asset of today’s society?
Diversity at work is more than offering space to cultural diversity, it’s a representation of the society where everybody can bring his or her own knowledge, experience, and talents. Like many Dutch organisations, the SDG House wants a more diverse workforce and to create opportunities for new local talents. But how do you reach this?

We believe in an inclusive society, where diversity is an asset and an inclusive workforce is key. To create an inclusive workforce, we offer SDG House hands-on and creative support by newcomers and thus, a true connection with talented people.

Newcomers are to shape the future of diversity in Amsterdam. They can bring a refreshing insight on diversity issues, contributing to an innovative and inclusive society for all.

Makers Unite Diversity Challenge
A 6-week design thinking sprint on diversity inside SDG House, proposing bottom-up local based solutions with a scalable methodology.

Makers Unite has designed an effective social inclusion program based on collaboratively creating sustainable products. Through our program, we are paving the way towards social inclusion. The highlight of the program is finding creative and innovative solutions to a challenge proposed by an Amsterdam based organisation. As with all the Makers Unite Program, it is concluded by a celebratory final event where participants connect with partners and present themselves.
Newcomers are co-creators of the solution for a more inclusive society. We teach design thinking tools to solutions-oriented independent thinkers.

Toolkit for Impact
Makers Unite wants to work together to create an inclusive SDG House and create an example for the city. We do this by creating open source toolkits.

• Key assets of the Makers Unite Diversity Challenge:
  
• Create a diversity challenge in co-creation with SDG House and newcomers
• Research obstacles and find solutions to take action upon
• Create an open source toolkit for diverse and inclusive organisations
• Raise awareness about the difficulties
• Develop valuable connections and network for newcomers
• Create work opportunities and higher self-esteem for newcomers
  

Proven Expertise
Our approach received the What Design Can Do - Refugee Challenge award in 2016 by UNHCR and Ikea Foundation, the ‘Social Stimuleringsregeling’ by ABN Amro bank and Amsterdammers, Maak je Stad! by Amsterdam Economic Board.

We’ve worked in partnership with Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Impact Hub Amsterdam, Crafts Council, BNO, Amsterdam Fashion Week

So far we have implemented 6 successful creative programs, benefiting directly more than 70 newcomers in Amsterdam and presenting our know-how to more than 500 workshops attendants.

Diversity Challenge Recap!
By exchanging ideas, working together, and co-creating, we strive to increase our collective impact.
Inclusion of minorities, newcomers, and more diverse segments of our city population in our SDG House community
Create more opportunities for new local talents
More diverse workforce and inclusive society

We are confident to bring a innovative a inclusive society to tackle the question of SDG house and mostly to create a powerful toolkit that can use these learnings to benefit thousands of communities across Europe. Makers Unite has a proven trackrecord of expertise to make this happen and the EU Social Challenges platform is the key partner for it!

Thank you & best regards from the makers!

MU Team