About the VeerStichting

Linking individuals, organisations and society

The foundation
The VeerStichting was established by students from Leiden in 1978. The name refers to the students' house 't Veertje (the little ferry) along the Utrechtse Veer in Leiden where founders of the Society were accommodated at that time. The, in its name reflected, "bridge or ferry" function is in line with the foundation's purpose. The VeerStichting aims to advance the exchange of ideas between students and those who shape society. To support this an annual symposium with a philosophical theme was established in 1980. This arose from the conviction that there was a requirement for an inspiring atmosphere where people could meet and ideas and experiences could be exchanged personally.

Organisation
The VeerStichting is a non-profit institution not formally affiliated to any other organisation. However, the government and a large number of companies support its objectives and provide the VeerStichting with the necessary financial backing. The board of the VeerStichting - five students appointed for a one year period - is assisted by the Board of Supervision, and the Advisory Committee.
Conference
The atmosphere during the two-day conference is relaxed and open with the emphasis on the participants' own contribution. New ideas are put forward by speakers discussing the theme from their own point of view. The exchange of ideas and personal experiences forms a key element of both the seminars and the informal moment surrounding the conference. The conference takes place in Leiden's historical centre. The plenary sessions, drinks and dinner are held in the Pieterskerk.

Participants
About 250 students and 250 non-student participate in the conference. In order to guarantee the standard and the relevance of the discussion the VeerStichting invites the participants personally. The participants are drawn from a varied public. The students should ideally be in the final phase of their studies and from as many different universities as possible. The non-students are collectively referred to as ‘those who shape our society': policy-makers in business, government, science, politics, the trade-unions and the media. The VeerStichting also looks for creative, pioneering personalities from all sorts of backgrounds. The encounter between young and old and between many different points of view has proved to be a refreshing and inspiring experience. Prior to conference meetings are organized between students and non-students. Furthermore the students will be offered a preparatory lecture in their own town.

Themes
At the conference, subjects are discussed which lie on the borderline of the organization, society and the individual. The themes tend to deal with the kind of theoretical ideas that confront the participants from time to time rather than with problems of daily working life.