From volunteer to chairman: Willy Sibiet on being a volunteer at 11.11.11 and within the NGO sector
Feb 21 2025
4 minutes
From volunteer to chairman: an impressive journey. Can you take us through your journey at 11.11.11?
"My commitment started during my high school years, late 60's, in the early years of 11.11.11. We then went out into the streets against 'hunger in the world.' That sense of justice never left me. After my studies I took some distance, but in the 90s I came into contact with 11.11.11 through a project in Congo for my employer at the time. I came to 11.11.11 to inform me better and from that moment on my involvement grew."
"It was also obvious when the global advisory council was established in Ostend that 11.11.11 to involve as a key player. I organized it together with others volunteers more and more actions. I took on more and more responsibility. Eventually I was 11.11.11 yourself asked to participate in the organization's policy bodies. And so, after seven years as vice-chairman at the helm of the organization, I finally became the proud chairman of the Board of Directors."
Volunteering is evolving. How have you seen the role of volunteers within 11.11.11 see change over the years?
"Where the focus used to be on fundraising – think of the well-known collection campaigns during the world-famous autumn campaign of 11.11.11 – the role of volunteers today is much broader. Today, our volunteers involved all year round in numerous political actions. They think along in focus groups and share their knowledge and expertise to develop campaigns and actions. Our volunteers are therefore not only activists, but also strategists and the first advocates of our mission."
"The classic forms of engagement have changed: volunteers today – especially the new generation – are less committed for the long term, seek flexibility and want to see impact more quickly. Moreover, we see that digital engagement is increasingly emerging. As an organization, we must continue to respond to this."
What drives a volunteer? What makes someone stay engaged for years?
"Volunteers stay involved when they feel that their commitment counts. They need to feel heard and experience real impact. With 11.11.11 we do our utmost to continue to involve volunteers and it is important that we value them and use their expertise. Volunteering is not just about performing tasks, it is also about being part of a movement that creates change."
Volunteers are not only activists, but also strategists and the first advocates of our mission.
Many professionals in the NGO sector started out as volunteers. What tips do you have for young people who want to get involved?
"Don't wait, take initiative. Get involved, learn and show what you excel at. Follow your heart, but also follow your mind. Because volunteering offers a unique opportunity to develop yourself, gain skills and contribute to a better world. In short: make your voice heard, dare to take responsibility and don't be afraid to take on new challenges."
Just a look into the future. What do you hope for? 11.11.11 and its volunteers within ten years?
"It is difficult to estimate where our society will be in ten years. In an ideal world, 11.11.11 within ten years of course, redundant, because that would mean that the world is running at its best. But that will not be the case. There will still be a lot of fighting to be done before we arrive at an equal world."
"I hope that in ten years' time we an even broader and diverse movement, a true reflection of society, in which everyone has a place. That we continue to grow in impact and find innovative ways to involve people. Because volunteers are and remain the core of our organization."
Finally, do you have a message for the supporters of 11.11.11?
"Let me start with 11.11.11 ourselves. Because first and foremost we must continue to look at ourselves critically. We have developed a vision, mission and strategy through the end of this year and we need to keep this under review in a rapidly changing world. Think for example of decolonizing 11.11.11. Ten years ago, this was not fully understood. Today, this is an obvious guideline to continue to look critically at our own operations."
"Finally, to our volunteers: keep getting involved! We need everyone more than ever to to strengthen international solidarity together, especially in this geopolitical context. In other words: speak out, engage others and continue to build a more just world."
Do you want to make a difference?
Become a volunteer like Willy 11.11.11 and help build a human world for everyone1 together with a fantastic movement. You can get involved in various ways.
