Blog Posts

Teen Times For years, Teen Times has amplified the voices of young people on St. Maarten. As the island’s only news platform created by youth and for youth, it has become a pillar of advocacy and inclusion, ensuring that teens feel represented in community life. Beyond media, Teen Times also coordinates events and activities that reflect youth interests, giving young people opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute. We spoke with Alisah, a Teen Times member, about her experience. She explained that when she was in high school, there were very few activities available for teens. “Prom was one of the only events,” she recalled, noting that even this was organized by Teen Times. Recognizing the gap in youth offerings, the organization steps in to create safe, fun, and meaningful opportunities for youth involvement. Joining Teen Times also shifted Alisah’s perspective on civic life.“I wasn’t a politics person and wasn’t interested in politics,” she admitted,“but then I started paying attention - getting more engaged with political structures and with the community. Teen Times educates us on what’s going on in the community.” She emphasized how important it is for adults to talk to, and listen more intently, to young people. Teen Times encourages engagement in multiple ways. In addition to prom, they host Halloween parties, community service programs, and the Youth Extravaganza - one of the only youth-centered, alcohol-free Carnival events. Alisah’s personal favorite is the annual Christmas Toy Drive, where the group collects toys, school supplies, and donations to share with children in need. Through collaborations with local organizations, Teen Times not only makes these projects possible but also reinforces the value of youth inclusion. For instance, during SXM DOET, the island’s largest day of service, Teen Times partnered to increase outreach and involve more young volunteers. “One of the most effective ways to get young people involved is through social events and service projects,” Alisah explained. These activities show teens that they have a place in shaping the community while building habits of service and engagement that last beyond school years. The takeaway is clear: youth want to be heard, supported, and empowered. Teen Times has taken on that responsibility for decades, while also encouraging the wider community to do the same. By offering safe spaces, highlighting youth voices, and opening doors to meaningful participation, Teen Times continues to make St. Maarten a better, more inclusive place for its young people. To learn more about their work, visit @TeenTimesSXM on Instagram or email [email protected]. Many young people are already signing up to be part of the new school year’s team - and the invitation is open to all youth.

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 ~𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫.𝐬𝐱, 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞~ In a commendable instance of corporate social responsibility, Dover Corporation, a global manufacturing conglomerate, recently partnered with local NGOs and the Volunteer.sx platform to execute a meaningful day of service on the island. The initiative, designed to have a positive impact on the community through voluntourism, brought together 65 Dover award ceremony attendees from across the globe for a hands-on volunteer activity, working alongside Leaders for Change (LFC), in collaboration with Be the Change Foundation (BTC) and Volunteer.sx (VSX). Together, these organizations planned a day of service for the Dover visitors. Wanting to make their day of service even more impactful, ahead of their arrival, Dover Corporation donated $50 per attendee to LFC, resulting in a $3,250 donation that financed the purchase of non-perishable food items, snacks, personal hygiene products, and body care essentials. Thanks to this donation, as well as contributions from local businesses such as Lucky's Cosmetics, Cost U Less, Kangroos Distributors, APS, and the staff of the NRPB, the volume of goods was further expanded. The generosity continued with Sonesta Maho Ocean Point donating the use of the Royal Islander conference room, where volunteers and NGO partners gathered to assemble 650 hygiene, snack, and school supply kits in just 1.5 hours. In addition to their on-site efforts, Dover attendees, who flew to St. Maarten from around the world, brought school supplies from their home countries which included India, China, Thailand, the USA, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the UK. These supplies will be distributed to local students in time for the upcoming academic year. “This initiative is a testament to what can be accomplished when the nonprofit community and private sector, be it local or international, work hand in hand,” said SMDF Program and Development Manager Melanie Choisy. “With global trends showing that travelers want to engage with communities, we're pleased that Volunteer.sx and local NGOs can provide positive community experiences for all.” Volunteers from Leaders for Change, Be The Change Foundation, Prominent Women, the CAGE Foundation, and the broader Volunteer.sx network joined forces to make the day a success. Together, they demonstrated that true impact is made when people come together across sectors, countries, and cultures for the greater good. “Leaders for Change applauds organizations that are committed to championing their Corporate Social Responsibility by engaging with communities. Through collaboration between organizations and civil society, we can enhance livelihoods and build greater resilience within communities”, said Leaders for Change Director Lesley Ashma Berkel.

By Foresee Foundation A mundane alleyway in Philipsburg is becoming an extraordinary work of art and collaboration, and you can be a part of it. On Saturday, 35 volunteers picked up brushes and rollers to start the transformation of Afloop Steeg in Philipsburg. Led by @colormesxm, Be The Change Foundation and Plastic Free SXM, this project isn’t just about beautification. It’s about impact. The mural, once completed, will be a vibrant addition to the Philipsburg Art Walk, inviting residents and visitors to explore the city in a whole new way. Their mission? To turn an ordinary passage into a breathtaking underwater world. One that not only captivates but also delivers a powerful message on environmental awareness. But to make this vision a reality, more hands are needed. Whether you're an artist, a weekend warrior, or just someone who loves to contribute, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark. Volunteers are needed for the next painting days on March 2, March 8, and March 16. Sign up now at www.volunteer.sx . “It was amazing to see so many people come out and support this project,” shared Laura Bijnsdorp, coordinator of @colormesxm. “We hope to see even more volunteers at the upcoming sessions! We expect to engage over 100 volunteers over the four days.” No experience is necessary, just a willingness to get a little paint on your hands and help bring this ambitious project to life. With the guidance of artists Nascha Kagie and Daphne Prevoo, every brushstroke will contribute to a masterpiece that highlights the importance of sustainability. Backed by Plastic Free SXM, St. Maarten Development Fund, LICCOM Construction, Sherwin Williams, St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, the Government of Sint Maarten, Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, and Seaview Beach Hotel, this initiative is part of a larger effort to create engaging public spaces that inspire action. When finished, the alleyway will be more than just a photo-worthy spot. It will stand as a reminder that art can spark change, encouraging both residents and tourists to rethink plastic use and protect St. Maarten’s marine life. Future plans! “We plan to include suspending 50 sea creatures crafted from recycled plastics, a collaboration with Perpetual Plastics, bringing an immersive element to the space.” Grab a brush and sign up today at www.volunteer.sx . For updates, follow @colormesxm on Instagram or visit www.facebook.com/bethechangesxm and www.facebook.com/plasticfreesxm .

Hey NPO's! Are you ready to seize the golden opportunity and claim amazing teambuilding prizes for both you and your team? VSX has partnered with the following businesses to strengthen our volunteer-based communities and reward our hardworking non-profit organizations: Honey Pot Reserve Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor Store Zee Best Breakfast & Bakeshop This collaboration aims to reward organizations that post and successfully execute the highest number of opportunities between September 1st, 2023, and December 1st, 2023. What steps do you need to take to participate in the giveaway? Ensure your organization is registered on the www.volunteer.sx portal. Post and successfully execute a minimum of 3 opportunities on the VSX portal. Register your organization with the NPOwer database. Hurry over to www.volunteer.sx and sign up today to start posting opportunities! Together, we can make a difference.

We prevent food waste and fight hunger on St. Maarten. Our target group consists of people who do not (or not enough) have access to sufficient food each day

Player Development St. Maarten is a safe place of some of the island's vulnerable students. Learning in a interactive way.

Everyone has a skill that they can share as a volunteer. Here we see a perfect example of an art teacher, at first apprehensive about if he can help, but by the end of his time volunteering with stroke survivors, he realized he made a greater impact than he had expected. Check out his TED talk by copying the link below to your browser: https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_shaw_why_people_believe_they_can_t_draw/transcript?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=2021-12-22&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social&fbclid=IwAR2MycDqr8vMVfT-l8-HN7AZWnx8RLLVHe2ANT-98yZAkcNv5IKL_jekxDM

2021 Theme: Volunteer now for our common future We aim to inspire people, whether they are decision makers or citizens of this world, to take action NOW for people and the planet. The United Nations Volunteers Programme ( UNV ) coordinates International Volunteer Day on 5 December every year to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe. Every day, volunteers dedicate time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind, drive climate action and advance the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ). When people are encouraged to get involved in solving problems, the solutions are more likely to be feasible and lasting. Volunteers engage communities and build a people-centric movement to help build a better and safer future for us all. For the generations of TOMORROW, we must take responsibility for the changes needed to build a better future NOW. Encouraging, recognizing and promoting volunteerism is an important part of creating a more equal and inclusive future for communities and worldwide. In the lead-up to #IVD2021, let us celebrate the contributions of the millions who #volunteernow. Volunteering is giving, sharing, standing by others, supporting causes you care about and creating a better future for everyone. https://www.un.org/en/observances/volunteer-day?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=II90%20-%20Island%20Innovation&utm_medium=email

Launch of volunteer.sx in St. Maarten