Partnerships
The COC is actively committed, including with businesses, to a diverse and inclusive society. We do this in the form of partnerships, looking together at internal policies, effective communications, and social impact.
What does a partnership look like?
Partnerships and collaborations with COC can take different forms, this is always customized. Knowledge, trust and commitment are important ingredients for this. This means that we support companies in their learning processes to improve HR policies, for example through workshops and presentations. We also help companies make a real impact and thus realize their Corporate Social Responsibility goals. We also advise on internal and external communication, both around Pride campaigns and throughout the year. Together we ensure a good match between intention and impact.
One-time collaborations are valuable, but emancipation is never "done. We therefore prefer to focus on sustainable, long-term collaborations. That means we like to get to know each other first, explore whether there is a match, and possibly look to the future together. We look forward to exploring this with you.
Why COC?
COC is the lhbti+ organization of the Netherlands. With over 75 years of experience, we are the oldest surviving lhbti+ association in the world. Not only do we support numerous projects and initiatives in the Netherlands, but we are also a major player internationally and active in more than 35 countries worldwide. Moreover, COC is one of the few lhbti+ organizations with official status at the United Nations. This makes us effective and decisive when it comes to promoting human rights for lhbti+ persons around the world.
A collaboration with COC often focuses on one or more of the following aspects:
- Improving internal policy and HR objectives
Examples include: collaboration on strategy to achieve lhbti+ inclusive policies, including giving presentations, collaborating on policies such as staff handbook, collaborating on attractive employment practices, etc. - External communication and PR objectives.
For example: advice on advertisements, press releases, contacts with target audience, etc. - Realizing social impact and CSR objectives
For example: working towards jointly formulated (multi-year) objectives to achieve impact
What have we done for companies?
In recent years, we have had the opportunity to work with several companies.
IKEA Netherlands' Country Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Leader explains:
"The interactive meeting with COC at our office opened our eyes. We learned about the historical perspective as well as the current challenges facing the inclusion of lhbti+ community. Within a safe and open atmosphere, colleagues dared to be vulnerable and question themselves and others. Partly because of this, a Pride Network was formed on site that was joined by both community employees and colleagues who want to learn about this."
EVBox Netherlands' Employer Branding Specialist:
"Working with COC has been a valuable and positive experience for EVBox, and we are thrilled to be a part of the PRIDE initiative for five years in a row. COC's commitment to creating a safe and inclusive society for the LGBTQIA+ community is completely in line with our values, and we are proud to support their mission.One of the highlights for us was an open discussion at our office hosted by COC. It brought us valuable insights and more awareness around lhbtiqa+ issues. Thanks to their advice on our Pride campaigns, we redesigned 170 charging stations throughout the Netherlands. Our collaboration underscores the importance of diversity, justice, equality and inclusion in all aspects of our business and society.
Would you also like to work with COC?
Want to know about the possibilities of becoming a partner of COC? We would be happy to make an appointment. This is because each partnership is unique and fits the needs of the company. Nike EMEA's Pride Network says the following about this:
"We are committed to creating a safe, equitable and inclusive work environment within Nike EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), where all employees can be their authentic selves. We have valued COC for years as a trusted partner, advisor, and community connector. For example, during IDAHOBIT, we hosted an educational panel session that included an expert from COC. Our partnership with COC helps us create a more inclusive work environment through education."
With these companies and others, we are working together for a more inclusive world
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to donate to the COC, is that possible?
You can. Our donation page can be found here, or contact us with any questions.
I set up a Pride campaign among colleagues and would like to donate the proceeds to COC
How good that you did and want to donate the proceeds. You can contact us, and we will be happy to help you.
What are my company's opportunities for collaboration with COC?
There are many different possibilities. Therefore, in our collaborations, we always provide customized solutions. Contact us, and we will look further together.
Can you help / look into our HR policies?
Good that you are working on this! We are happy to give advice, please feel free to contact us.
We donated to COC, can we mention that in our external/internal communications?
Yes you may, but please let us know in advance at [email protected]. That way we can coordinate any communication.
We are looking for a speaker for an event, can you help?
Good that you are paying attention to topics related to the lhbti+ community. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will help you out.
My company operates internationally, is COC still a suitable partner?
Yes! We also work internationally. Please contact us at [email protected] to look at the possibilities.
We are mapping how we are doing in terms of inclusion and diversity, can you help us?
How good! Please contact us at [email protected], and we can help you further.
I am afraid that my company does not have everything in place enough before I can sit down with you.
We help you take any first steps toward a more inclusive policy. We are there to clear up the initial uncertainties.