About us
Esmeralda Wolf Connection vzw
Connecting people. Discovering talent. Amplifying voices.
Esmeralda Wolf Connection vzw is a young Belgian non-profit organisation that aims to build a more inclusive, supportive and connected society, based on a broad social vision.
Our core belief is simple:
Everyone has value. Everyone has talent. Everyone has a story.
Yet not everyone is given the same opportunities to showcase their talents, make their voice heard or participate fully in society.
We want to change that.
Our work comprises various aspects
which, at first glance, may seem disparate, but all stem from the
same common idea:
connecting people, giving talent space to
flourish, bringing stories to light and creating opportunities.
Our Mission and Vision
Social work, members and volunteers
An important part of our non-profit organisation is creating opportunities for people who struggle to find their place within the mainstream labour market or traditional voluntary organisations.
Mental, social or physical vulnerabilities can cause people to be sidelined. Sometimes the right opportunities are lacking; sometimes the environment is not sufficiently adapted to what someone needs.
We want to look at things differently. Not primarily at limitations, but at talents, possibilities, interests and passions.
Through our work, we aim to offer volunteers who struggle to find a place elsewhere a space where they can contribute at their own pace and within their own capabilities.
Without unnecessary pressure. Without obligations that do not suit them.
We want to create an environment in which people can feel useful again, discover new skills, gain experience and, above all, realise that their contribution matters.
Journalism
Through our journalism programme, we aim to raise the profile of social issues and encourage discussion around them.
We want to give our members the opportunity to write and publish articles themselves. In this way, we aim not only to highlight social issues, but also to give people the chance to develop their writing skills, interests and social engagement.
Our journalistic work focuses, amongst other things, on:
discrimination and exclusion;
equal opportunities;
the position of people with disabilities;
inclusion and accessibility;
diversity;
combating misogyny and gender-related injustice;
democracy and social engagement;
and the stories of people and groups who are too often forgotten or not heard.
In doing so, we aim to give a voice to the 'voiceless', in the broadest sense of the word.
Our journalistic work aims to be independent and non-partisan. We want to inform, ask questions, highlight different perspectives and create space for dialogue and critical thinking.
For us, journalism is not just about reporting.
It is also about giving people the
chance to be heard.
Click here for an even more detailed explanation of this section.
Culture
For us, culture is much more than just
entertainment.
Films, TV series, books, music,
theatre, games and other art forms tell stories. And these stories
often contain hidden social ideas, values and perspectives.
That is why, through our 'Culture'
section, we aim to explore culture from different angles.
At present, our focus is primarily on
discussions and reviews of films and other cultural productions.
In doing so, we look beyond the
question of whether something is good or bad. What themes are
explored? What message is being conveyed? How are certain groups
portrayed? What choices were made regarding the story, the characters
or the casting? And what does a cultural production say about the
society in which it is created?
A film can be entertaining, but at the
same time it can also hold up a mirror to society, expose social
issues or encourage people to reflect.
Through our cultural activities, we therefore aim to observe, discuss, analyse and provide context.
Because sometimes a film is simply a film. But it can also be a social statement.
Click here for an even more detailed explanation of this section.
The Wolf Platform
The Wolf Platform was born out of our
passion for board games, creativity and connection.
The Wolf Platform is one of the
initiatives within Esmeralda Wolf Connection vzw and focuses
specifically on the world of board games. We believe that a board
game is much more than the end product that eventually ends up on a
shop shelf.
Behind every game lies an idea; a
creator; a creative process; hours of work; doubts; testing;
failures; new ideas. But above all: passion.
Through The Wolf Platform, we therefore
want to look beyond the box and the game itself.
We want to tell the story behind the game.
We do this through, amongst other things:
game reviews and discussions;
personal interviews with creators;
interviews with publishers;
articles and features;
spotlighting emerging and lesser-known creators;
spotlighting self-published games;
demos and playtests;
collaborations with board game shops and clubs;
and connecting creators with small or independent publishers.
We aim to build a bridge between:
- designers;
- publishers;
- board game shops;
- board game clubs;
- players
For a new designer, this can provide a first platform. For someone who has self-published their first game, it can bring new visibility and contacts.
For a publisher, it can be an opportunity to discover new talent.
For a shop, it can be an opportunity to discover a unique local or lesser-known game.
And for players, it means above all: discovering new stories and new games.
Coaching, socialising and activitities
A key aspect of Esmeralda Wolf
Connection vzw is creating a space for socialising, support and
personal growth.
We aim to offer activities, workshops,
conversations and forms of coaching for people who, at a particular
point in their lives, are facing difficulties, changes or unexpected
situations. Our approach is always the same:
not just
looking at what someone can no longer do, but above all at what is
still possible.
We want to support people in rediscovering
their potential, talents and strength, and to make them more
resilient in dealing with obstacles in their lives.
Accessible support
We believe it is important that support is not exclusively available to those with a large budget. That is why we aim to offer affordable activities and packages, whilst ensuring that quality, personal attention and a human-centred approach remain central.
This programme may include various forms of support, for example relating to relaxation and stress management, coping with long-term or chronic pain, major life changes or other situations that can significantly affect a person's life.
Our support is not a substitute for specialised medical or psychological care. Where necessary, we aim to help people find their way to the right professional support.
Experiental knowledge as a strength
A distinctive feature of our work is the use of experiential knowledge. People who have themselves gone through difficult situations often possess valuable knowledge and insights that can help others.
Within our non-profit organisation, we therefore aim to provide a platform for members and volunteers who wish to use their own experiences in a positive way to support others.
Not on the basis that they have all the answers, but from the understanding that:
"I know how it
can feel. Let's explore together what's possible for you."
Workshops & activities
Moreover, support does not always have to take the form of a conversation or coaching. Sometimes, connection is forged precisely by doing something together.
That's why we want to organise workshops and activities where people can meet one another whilst discovering their own talents and interests.
Think, for example, of creative workshops, drawing and craft activities, writing activities, games, relaxation sessions or cultural activities. Our members and volunteers also get the chance to share their own talents.
For example, someone who enjoys drawing could organise a drawing workshop. Someone with a passion for crafts could lead a creative activity. Someone who enjoys working with people could help organise social gatherings.
This creates a wonderful dynamic:
one person gets the chance to
take part, whilst another gets the chance to share their talent.
Meeting and connecting
An activity doesn't always have to have a grand purpose.
Sometimes the most important thing is simply that people meet each other.
For example, we could organise a creative afternoon for single mums, where participants do crafts together, chat, share experiences and make new friends. The activity then serves as an opportunity to forge connections.
Perhaps a new friendship will blossom. Perhaps people will find common ground with one another. Perhaps a network will emerge that someone can fall back on later.
It is precisely these small encounters that can make a big difference.
From vulnerablility to possibilities
With this section, we do not want to define people by their difficulties or limitations.
We want to help them take a fresh look at:
- What am I still capable of?
- Where do my talents lie?
- What gives me energy?
- What do I want to rediscover?
- What step can I take today?
Sometimes change begins with a conversation. Sometimes with a workshop. Sometimes with an encounter.
And sometimes simply with the feeling:
"I'm welcome here."
This section, too, therefore ties in directly with the broader mission of Esmeralda Wolf Connection vzw:
to see people as they are, to give space to their talents and to search together for new possibilities.
Click here for an even more detailed explanation of this section.
Connection & collaboration
Although our various strands each have their own focus, our main aim is to build bridges between:
- people;
- talent and opportunities;
- volunteers and possibilities;
- stories and audiences;
- creators and organisations;
- Between culture and society.
And within The Wolf Platform, between creators, publishers, shops, clubs and players.
We believe that many wonderful ideas emerge when people who would not normally meet are brought into contact with one another.
That is why we actively seek collaborations with organisations, businesses, the media, cultural partners, creators, shops, associations and other people who share our vision.
Why we chose the name The Wolf Platform
For us, the wolf is a symbol of
connection, trust and collaboration, and a very strong social
bond.
A pack is not made up of identical individuals. Every wolf has its own character, its own abilities and its own place. It is precisely these differences that make the group stronger.
This image closely reflects our vision of people and our society. We do not all have to be the same. We do not all have to follow the same path.
But everyone deserves a place where they can make a contribution.
A young non-profit organisation with great ambition
Esmeralda Wolf Connection vzw is still young. We are working hard to further develop our various initiatives, seek out partners and create a network of people and organisations who want to grow alongside us. We do not claim to have all the answers today.
What we do have is a clear vision, a great deal of passion and the conviction that connection can set things in motion.
That is why we are building step by step. With volunteers. With partners. With people who want to share their stories. With organisations that want to provide opportunities. And with everyone who believes that a more inclusive and connected society is possible.
Our mission in four words:
CONNECT. DISCOVER. EMPOWER. CREATE
Because ultimately, we believe in something very simple:
Everyone has value;
Everyone has
talent;
Everyone has a story;
And everyone deserves the chance
to be heard, seen and involved.
Togheter, we build bridges between people, stories, talent and opportunities.
Will you help build this initiative?
Are you interested in membership?
Are you interested in a partnership or sponsorship as a company?
Please contact us by sending an email to info@ewcvzw.com or by using the contact form on our contact page.