Job Openings at the OOG in OOG Association

The OOG in OOG Association has grown significantly in recent years. We have also begun the process of further professionalizing the association. We are looking for a new president who is willing to continue guiding this transition in the coming years—in collaboration, of course, with the other board members, volunteers, and staff.

Who are you?

• You have some administrative or policy experience, and you’re interested in further developing your skills in these areas.
• You’d enjoy working with our enthusiastic office staff and volunteers to achieve great results.
• You enjoy contributing ideas regarding the policies of the OOG in OOG Association.
• You are hands-on, a good communicator, flexible, a self-starter, and have good people skills.
• You have experience working online
• And you’ll need to set aside an average of 5 hours per week for this volunteer position.

What are you going to do?

• You will chair the (online) board meeting 8 times a year.
• You will work closely with the other board members and the office staff.
• You’ll be managing one or two volunteer teams. Which ones? We’ll decide that together.
• You’ll help shape the future of the OOG in OOG Association.

What do we offer?

• You’ll be part of a dynamic board.
• You have the opportunity to further your professional development in the field of management through INVOLV’s courses.
• You have the freedom to manage your own time.
• You have the opportunity to put your knowledge and skills to work for a good cause.
• Of course, your expenses will be reimbursed.

Want to know more?
Are you interested in this board position with our association? Or would you like more information first? If so, please send your response to volunteer coordinator Saskia Spinhoven at vrijwilligers@ver-ooginoog.nl

Are you the linchpin of our board? The OOG in OOG Association is growing, and so is the number of activities and tasks we handle. That’s why we’re looking for an additional board member.

Who are you?
Would you like to help shape the policies of the OOG in OOG Association? Would you enjoy leading one of our volunteer teams? Are you hands-on, a self-starter, good with people, experienced with working online, and—last but not least—do you have a sense of humor? And do you have an average of 2 hours per week to dedicate to this volunteer position? Then we’re looking for you!

What are you going to do?

• You attend the (online) board meeting 8 times a year.
• You will work closely with the other board members and the office staff.
• You’ll be leading one or two volunteer teams. Which ones? We’ll decide that together.
• You’ll help shape the future of the OOG in OOG Association.
• Based on your experience and background, we’ll work together to determine which portfolio is the best fit for you.

What do we offer?
You’ll be part of a dynamic board. You’ll have the opportunity to further your professional development in the area of governance through INVOLV’s courses, and you’ll have the freedom to manage your own time. Of course, your expenses will be reimbursed.

Are you interested in a board position with our association? Or would you like more information first? If so, please send your response to volunteer coordinator Saskia Spinhoven at vrijwilligers@ver-ooginoog.nl

For the OOG in OOG Association, we are looking for a facilitator for support groups for people who have undergone an eye removal. This is a new initiative by the association: together, we will explore what the appropriate format, frequency, and structure should be. We would appreciate it if the new volunteer could contribute ideas and help shape the program.

We’ll start with smaller groups of up to 5–6 participants and sessions lasting no more than 1.5 hours. If there are many sign-ups, we’ll form a second group. The meetup group will meet three times (online). We expect that a group will also form that would like to stay in touch; that group may be able to continue on its own later.

Format & Frequency
The first meeting will be in person, if possible, in a central location in the country; subsequent meetings will be held online via Zoom.
In this meaningful volunteer role, you can truly make a difference. You’ll support people who see with one eye and wear an ocular prosthesis as they navigate life after eye removal and deal with mental and emotional challenges.

Who are you?
• Demonstrable experience with communication skills and facilitating group discussions (e.g., as a coach, peer support specialist, or healthcare professional).
• An interest in ocular prostheses, orbital treatments, and monocular vision.
• You can foster a sense of safety and trust within the group and know how to address mental health issues.
• You communicate clearly, empathetically, and respectfully—both verbally and in writing.
• You are a team player who can also prepare and coordinate tasks independently.
• You work carefully and meticulously.
• You have digital skills (Zoom, email, basic documents).
• Requirement: knowledge of medical terminology (including orbital surgery and ocular prostheses).
• You enjoy contributing ideas about the structure of the evenings and the further development of this new initiative.

What will your responsibilities be?
• Preparing, leading, and wrapping up a series of group meetings together with another facilitator.
o Kickoff meeting in person if possible (in central Netherlands), follow-up meetings online via Zoom.
o Working with small groups (5–6 people), sessions lasting up to 1.5 hours.
o If there are many registrations, start an additional (intake) group.
• Create a safe, inclusive atmosphere in which participants can share experiences regarding grief, identity, relationships, work, self-image, and everyday practical challenges.
• Practice active listening, summarizing, and asking follow-up questions; ensure everyone has a chance to contribute and facilitate group dynamics.
• Providing feedback to the board of the OOG in OOG Association (brief reports/lessons learned) and, where appropriate, offering input for peer support and educational initiatives.
• Collaborate and coordinate with other volunteers within OOG in OOG.
• Contribute ideas regarding the format, frequency, and structure (including intake procedures, follow-up groups, and ongoing groups).

What do we offer?
• You’ll be part of a dedicated and enthusiastic team of volunteers.
• Opportunities for professional development through free courses offered by INVOLV (including training on communication skills and group peer support).
• Reimbursement for expenses incurred.

Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?
Does this role as a discussion leader at our association appeal to you? Or would you like more information first? Please send your response (a brief statement of interest + relevant experience) to volunteer coordinator Saskia Spinhoven at vrijwilligers@ver-ooginoog.nl

As a patient participation volunteer, you’ll represent our constituency in scientific research and the development of medical guidelines. This involves people who see with one eye and wear an ocular prosthesis. In this challenging and independent volunteer role, you can make a difference by working together with others!

Who are you?

• You have an interest in and knowledge of ocular prostheses, orbital treatments, and monocular vision.
• You enjoy delving into complex topics.
• You have a college degree or knowledge of scientific research.
• You enjoy networking.
• You’re a team player, but you’re also good at working independently.
• You work carefully and meticulously.
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• You’d like to help expand the advocacy efforts at the OOG in OOG Association.
• Ideally, you have knowledge of medical terminology (particularly in the field of orbital surgery and ocular prostheses).

What will your responsibilities be?

• Working together with other volunteers who are committed to advocating for the interests of the OOG in OOG Association.
• Maintain contact and consult with external stakeholders (such as doctors, professional organizations, government agencies, politicians, and health insurers)
• Incorporating the patient’s perspective into scientific research and guidelines on orbital surgery and eye conditions
• Conducting member consultations through surveys, focus groups, and interviews
• Contributing to Policy Development at the OOG in OOG Association
• Coordinate and implement the established policy.

What do we offer?
You’ll be part of an enthusiastic team of volunteers. You’ll have the opportunity to further your professional development through INVOLV’s free courses, such as training sessions related to advocacy. In this role, you’ll have the freedom to manage your own schedule. Of course, your expenses will be reimbursed. You’ll work closely with the board and other volunteers using digital communication tools. The OOG in OOG Association doesn’t have an office, so you’ll work from home.

Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?
Are you interested in this role as an advocate for our association? Or would you like more information first? Please send your response to volunteer coordinator Saskia Spinhoven at vrijwilligers@ver-ooginoog.nl

Have you always wanted to write or take photos for a magazine? Then this is your chance. Oog in Oog magazine offers a sense of connection, recognition, and insight into life with one eye. The magazine is professionally guided by the editor-in-chief and designer. We’re looking for enthusiastic, eager-to-learn volunteers who want to join our editorial team.

Who are you?
Do you have experience in journalism, such as writing articles and/or conducting interviews? Or would you like to develop those skills? Or do you have a background in communications and a way with words? Are you curious? Are you a good listener? Do you work well both independently and as part of a team? And do you have two days available each quarter? If so, we’re looking for you to join us as an editor.

Or do you have experience as a portrait photographer? And would you like the chance to see your work featured in a respected magazine and on our new website? Are you available for two photo shoots each quarter? If so, we’re looking for you as a photographer.

What are you going to do?
This volunteer position will take about two days of your time each quarter. The editor writes one article each quarter, or you’ll be responsible for a regular column. The photographer creates two portrait series. To do this, you’ll reach out to interview candidates and/or experts. You’ll attend the online editorial meeting three times a year.

What do we offer?
We offer you enthusiastic colleagues, reimbursement of expenses, professional guidance from the editor-in-chief, free journalism courses, the freedom to manage your own time, and the platform of *Magazine Oog in Oog* to showcase your talents.

Interested? Please send your response to volunteer coordinator Saskia Spinhoven at vrijwilligers@ver-ooginoog.nl