New National Day of Service in Netherlands

Image via Wikipedia 2009 Big Improvement Day in the Netherlands

This is a great idea. We should designate January 19 and 20 for the same purpose in the United States. It would be a great way to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a very notable way. It would also offer the chance to mark the new hope for true change that we will see beginning today with the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

We could learn from Europe.

As you might know, each year on the Third Tuesday of September the Dutch Queen delivers the State Opening of Parliament. From this year on, the Netherlands also has the Third Tuesday of January, better known as the Big Improvement Day or BID. On this day, representatives from the public and private sector join forces to show inspiring examples of things that go well in the Netherlands. Specific focus goes out to examples on sustainability, entrepreneurship, education and leadership. With this initiative we want to spread a new spirit through the country and stimulate a sense of positivism and creativity.

During the first edition a wide range of prominent people committed themselves to inspire others, and help promising dreams to come alive. Among them were BCD’s John Fentener van Vlissingen, football coach Louis van Gaal, CEO Rig Investments Henk Keilman, CEO Vedior Tex Gunning and former NATO general and most important endorser of Hillary Clinton, Wesley Clark.

The second edition of the Big Improvement day will take place on the 20th of January 2009. A select group of top people will again meet each other in Amsterdam to be inspired by speakers of national and international allure and to be overwhelmed by amazing entertainment. It will also be a day of contemplation, with mobile telephones being put on hold. January the 20 th will see the start of unique collaborations between the business community and government. With positive curiosity we look forward to welcoming you at the Big Improvement Day.

For more information please contact the organisation of the Big Improvement Day info@bigimprovementday.nl.

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