Uniting Society By Making Together
A solution by Makers Unite submitted to Integration and economic independence of immigrants
Makers Unite is a social enterprise with an award winning social business models that brings together newcomers with a refugee background and locals to get to know each other, while making products together. This connection between participants enables the creation of trust and visualisation of real possibilities of economic integration of newcomers in the Dutch society.
One Page Summary
Social Lab: Makers Unite Program
The Makers Unite Program aims to provide newcomers with creative confidence, personal and professional development. Additionally the program provides knowledge on the Amsterdam job market in order to match them effectively with a relevant next step in their career. Participants acquire relevant work experience by working on a business challenge that is provided by an Amsterdam based company. They also assist the tailor team in producing sustainable products.
The challenge is related to the daily life of a newcomer (in the area of language, government and regulations, career or network). In this sense, newcomers work as an expert design team on a case that relates to their context, acquiring real experience within an Amsterdam organisation, while also still with a safe space to experiment and test their ideas. During the weeks of the challenge participants work on it 2 days a week, in teams at the client, directly enlarging their professional network. At the end, they present the solution to the client.
The creative tools and methods they learn are also applicable in their own life and generate creative confidence. Participants learn how to solve problems, how to talk to the right people, and how to present themselves professionally. For the professional development they are supported through the creation of their CV, a portfolio (in the case of creative work) and a video message.
To create a solid base of trust, participants work with the collective process of making where part of the program is reserved for making products together. This generates a safe space where participants get to know themselves and others, in order to collaborate effectively and to be challenged to solve their business case.
After 6 weeks participants are matched to local volunteers for a matchmaking trajectory. The volunteers (or ‘buddies’) examine the next logical step in the career of the participant and assist the connection to our network of partners for professional opportunities which can be volunteer work, creative assignments, trainings, internship or a employment.
