From residents' initiative to city-wide network
Photo: Anne Kaere
Ever since the 1990s Buzz Along a household name in Rotterdam. What started as a spontaneous residents' action against squalor grew into a powerful movement for social renewal. Thousands of streets have since joined this unique network, which revolves around one simple but powerful idea: neighbours who together make their street, and therefore their city, more beautiful.
The strength of Opzoomer Mee lies in its approachability and proximity. With themes such as greening, meeting, language, care and climate adaptation, residents are encouraged to do something together. Of the Love and Sorrow Streets, where neighbours support each other with small gifts, to summer campaigns full of green initiatives-everything is about connection.
Small budgets, big difference
One of the keys to the success of Opzoomer Mee is the system of micro budgets. With a simple application, residents can quickly receive a sum of money-for example, €200 for a brunch, planting day or neighbourhood party.
That makes it possible to take action without bureaucratic barriers. In this way, Opzoomer Mee encourages ownership and ensures that good ideas do not get stuck in paperwork.
The Opzoomer Mee team knows better than anyone how important personal contact and trust are. They work with both digital and paper applications, know their active residents (‘pacesetters’) and deliberately keep the threshold low. The result? An impressive network of involved Rotterdammers that continues to grow.
Trust, transparency and accountability
Opzoomer Mee is all about trust with a human touch. Disbursement addresses such as community centres or playgrounds provide transparency, while samples and photos of residents' activities inspire while helping prevent abuse.
This approach shows that you can combine accountability with trust in local strength-a balance that inspires many organisations.
The next step: Salesforce for a strong digital foundation
To keep this social engine running sustainably, TwoPurpose is involved in the next step: the implementation of Salesforce.
Together with the Opzoomer Mee team, we are building a future-proof solution that supports their mission with smart technology.
Specifically:
- Mobile and flexible working
Project managers can view, approve or report applications directly on the street or in the neighbourhood. Something that is not possible with the current solution. - Time savings and fewer errors
Replacing old systems with one central cloud environment eliminates manual steps and double entry. - Smarter reporting
At the touch of a button, insight into numbers of residents involved, themes and budgets. - Personal communication
Digital as well as paper communication tailored to the resident's preference and less environmentally harmful where possible - Future-proof and scalable
A system that moves with new campaigns and social issues.
Together for a liveable city
Opzoomer Mee's mission remains unchanged: connecting people, at street level.
As TwoPurpose, we reinforce that mission by simplifying processes and creating more space for what really matters-bringing Rotterdammers together, street by street.
