Rooted supports people with a migration background in rooting in The Netherlands and mostly, in themselves. Rooting is about embracing your layered identities, dancing between them and authentically being a part of society. This leads to a deep sense of belonging and feeling at home – a basic human need and the foundation of a cohesive society.
“Rooted was a powerful intervention that brought life back to my life. After Rooted, I feel more centered and my chin is up when I walk outside. I did not want this country to change who I am, so that I may fit. I felt I had to be something else, to be accepted or loved. But now I know, I am part of a bigger ecosystem. I belong here, too.”
Philisiwe, Rooted participant, roots in South Africa
About 26% of the Dutch population has a migration background but far from everyone feels at home here. This affects personal well-being and societal cohesion. Rooted is here for people who have come to the Netherlands for asylum, love, work, adoption, with their parents or were born here and raised with multiple cultures. We transcend the stigmatization of labels (such as refugee, expat, labor migrant, spouse or second/third generation migrant), as the search for a home is universal. People with a migration background encounter similar barriers and can inspire each other in their search for belonging.
Based on academic literature and extensive experience, we have developed our own methodology around eight dimensions of rootedness: spatial, temporal, physical, intergenerational, emotional, mental, social and spiritual. Our unique and holistic method supports people to increase their sense of belonging, and thereby their agency in taking up space in society. After Rooted, people no longer see themselves as a temporary visitor or someone of whom only a certain part is welcome, but as a full-fledged member of Dutch society. This improves their well-being and strengthens societal cohesion.
“We were the only Black family in an all-white environment. My parents immigrated here before I was born, and we were raised with the idea that we shouldn’t stand out too much. I tried really hard to not take up any space, to adjust. But our surroundings never let me forget that we were different, sometimes through subtle comments like, ‘Oh, your Dutch is so good,’ and other times through outright bullying. I realized that no matter how much I adapt, no matter how small I make myself, it will never be enough. At Rooted, I came to see that I had spent my whole life trying to live up to someone else’s standard, and in doing so, I had lost sight of who I actually was. The Rooted weekend changed my life. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone. I remember one exercise in particular. It was about connecting with the Dutch nature. I became aware of this deep-seated feeling that nature didn’t belong to me. That it belonged to white people, and I was just a visitor on this land. For the first time, I felt that this country belonged just as much to me, as to anyone else.”
Esther, Rooted participant, roots in the Netherlands, Suriname and Curaçao
Through workshops, group weekends, community events and all sorts of public story-telling, we provide a safe space, a community, increased consciousness, and concrete tools to be your true and rooted self. We invite you to come home.
“Belonging is a state of being with yourself and with your surroundings. It is not a geographical destination. Every day you can take the active decision to strengthen your own sense of belonging. Rooted guides you in that journey.”
Noor Cornelissen, founder of Rooted, roots in the Netherlands
Rooted also works on a community and societal level. We build connections between individuals and communities, strengthening belonging and social rootedness. In doing so, we contribute to a society in which our diversity is celebrated and used as a source of strength, connection and equality. We strive to transform personal experiences into broader social change. By supporting people with a migration background in their journey to rootedness and spreading their stories widely, we contribute to cross-cultural understanding and spur action for a more inclusive and cohesive society.
“Feeling at home starts in your heart. From there the roots grow between the walls through to the pavement and then across the world. If the seed doesn’t grow in your heart, you are
Rodaan Al Galidi, award-winning author and poet, ambassador of Rooted, roots in Iraq
nowhere at home. Rooted lets that seed sprout to then take root again.”