As the umbrella organization for Hanze student organizations, the SSA serves as an inspiring example of how to put its four core values into practice. The four core values that are central to the SSA are: supporting, connecting, representing, and inspiring.
Connect
The SSA aims to be the connector between Hanze, the Hanze student organizations, and external parties with the goal of supporting each other and promoting cooperation.
To connect the Hanze student organizations, the SSA organizes various social activities. The SSA does this to strengthen the bond between them. In addition to social activities, the SSA also organizes four General Assembly Meetings (AVO). The purpose of an AVO is to bring the Hanze student organizations together so that they can get to know each other and help each other. In addition, the progress of the SSA is discussed and there is an opportunity to discuss issues raised by the organizations.
In addition to connecting the Hanze student organizations, the SSA also makes use of a large external network, including the National Platform. The National Platform is a platform established by the SSA that consists of umbrella organizations from all over the Netherlands. The umbrella organizations can advise each other on issues within the National Platform. Having a large network is beneficial for all organizations.
By offering information services in English, international board members become more involved in the above-mentioned network. In addition, the SSA organizes activities in English when there is interest in doing so, in order to promote inclusivity.
Support
The SSA offers support to Hanze student organizations. It does this by organizing workshops aimed at increasing their knowledge and skills, offering financial support, and providing advice. This gives both the administrators and the organizations the opportunity to develop during their administrative year and achieve their goals.
Representation
Hanze student organizations need space and opportunity. The SSA represents the interests of Hanze student organizations so that they can develop and grow within their organization. The SSA considers it important to identify the bottlenecks within the organizations and discuss them with Hanze. This makes the SSA open to discussion during periodic meetings with the Executive Board, SZ, and, if necessary, the institute. During these meetings, problems from the organizations or the SSA can be raised, discussed, and, where possible, further addressed.
Inspiring
The SSA considers it important to inspire organizations so that they commit to common social goals. Inspiration makes you want to get moving and move forward. When the SSA sets a good example and inspires others, the organizations are more likely to follow. Important topics that play a role in inspiring others are sustainability and professionalization. Organizations can also inspire each other when it comes to writing statutes or a policy plan, purchasing a new website, but also the course of a General Members' Meeting (ALV) or cooperation with an advisory association body. This can be discussed when participating in the AVOs and workshops. Hanze student organizations can also provide each other with advice via the WhatsApp groups.