Towards a More Loving Society

Denise Harleman, Founder of Collectief Kapitaal

Denise: “After the TV show Tegenlicht featured Collectief Kapitaal, I got a call from Martine Goedegebuure. She felt deeply connected to our vision and wanted to be part of it. So we met for coffee—our usual way of starting things. We engage in conversation with like-minded people and see what we can mean to each other. We have our own vision of a society rooted in care and dignity, and others do too. With Collectief Kapitaal, we try to figure out how we can build that society together. In a loving society, everyone should be able to build a stable and dignified life. Are we there yet? You might find a loving environment among friends or family—or maybe even on your street—but do you find it in society at large? I don’t think so.”

Sharing Fairly Benefits Everyone

“Collectief Kapitaal gives people the opportunity to share—money, but also love. You can also support our foundation by becoming an ambassador and spreading our vision. Bos Nieuwerkerk supports us financially, but they also help amplify our message—like now, in this anniversary magazine. And Martine attends our events. For us, it’s important that the companies and organizations who support us also stand behind our values. That our collaboration sparks a deeper conversation about what it means to contribute to a better world. That’s why we sometimes say, ‘No, thank you’ to potential donors—if the connection isn’t there. We believe in fair sharing. And I see that same spirit at Bos Nieuwerkerk. Fair sharing doesn’t just benefit the ‘recipients’. We’re all stuck in a system that breeds inequality. We may not be in the same boat, but we are in the same storm. Someone who thinks they’re unaffected today may become a caregiver tomorrow and see their own stability threatened.”

Even If Your Security Is Never at Risk, You Can Still Choose to Question the System.

“Even if your own financial security is never under threat, you can still ask yourself whether you want to be part of a problematic system. That’s the kind of conversation we have a lot. Because we believe a new balance—based on values—makes everyone happier. Not just those who receive, but also those who give. And often, you’ll find yourself in both roles. Everyone gains something on this journey—self-awareness, fresh insight. You may discover certain beliefs are guiding your actions. And when those beliefs shift—because you begin to see what truly matters—your actions change too. One of our members, after reflecting on these ideas, decided not to sell his home to the highest bidder. Someone else reconnected with her family. That’s the real gain: discovering together what truly matters.”

Who is Denise Harleman?

Denise studied Theatre Studies in Utrecht and worked as a business manager in the cultural sector, including with the company of Adelheid Roosen. Her focus was always on “creating learning moments for artists and audiences alike.” She also teaches in the arts education sector.

In early 2020, just as COVID-19 reached the Netherlands, Denise had a wild idea. As government support was announced for essential workers—but not for freelancers in education and the arts like her—she decided to explore what solidarity really means. She looked for 100 people willing to donate €50 a month for eight months, and five people to receive €1,000 each month over the same period—no strings attached. That was the beginning of Collectief Kapitaal, and the launch of an ongoing exploration into what solidarity can look like.

Do you have time, income, a network, or something else to share? Join Collectief Kapitaal. Visit collectiefkapitaal.nl to discover how you can take part.