‘If you don't intervene, probably no one will intervene'. A wise lesson from his first job at the Government Information Service (RVD) inspired Frank Tebbe, a Political Science and Communication Science alumnus, for the rest of his life. He is now action coordinator at Giro555, co-initiator of 'Namens de Familie' and involved in the Impact Fair at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. A busy bee and an optimist who likes to make a social contribution.
If you don't intervene, probably no one will intervene
Name
Frank Tebbe
Current position
Action coordinator Giro555, co-initiator 'Namens de Familie’ (‘On behalf of the Family’) and more
Previous education
Master in Political Science/Master in Communication Science
Why did you choose to study Political Science?
"Actually, I was mainly interested in the working of mass media, as it was called then. That's why I wanted to study communication science and at the time that was only possible in Amsterdam and Nijmegen. Born and raised in Woerden, Amsterdam would have been a more logical choice, but Nijmegen touched me immediately: the city, the people, the atmosphere on campus, the surroundings. In a Franciscan convent in Vermeerstraat, I was able to get a room in the attic, which also helped."
"Communication studies was an upper-division study then. You first had to get a propedeuse in another study and that became Political Science. I still find the intersection between politics and mass communication very interesting. The dark sides, but also how to harness the positive of those intersections. Image formation and truth are not necessarily an extension of each other. I find it challenging to keep them as close as possible. The articulation or imagination of what you have to say, can have so much influence on the impact you make. I therefore decided to continue doing Political Science after my propedeuse. Within communication studies, I started focusing on political communication."
That work really shaped me - daring to intervene at times when all the cameras are on you and no one else does
How did this study add value to your career?
"The Department of Political Science was celebrating its 25th anniversary at the time and had therefore devised a lecture series about Monarchy. In that lecture series, someone from the Government Information Service (RVD) came to talk about the media policy surrounding the Royal Family. Afterwards, I went after her to ask if she had any internships. According to her, RVD's Royal House department had, funnily enough, never had that question before. I then wrote a proposal to compare press policy in the Netherlands with that of the royal family in Belgium, Norway and Denmark. And I was able to research that. After my internship, they wanted me to stay. I then enjoyed working there for over six years. That work really shaped me - daring to intervene at times when all the cameras are on you and no one else does. Thinking from images and thinking in terms of the best solution for everyone. The importance of symbolism and making your own choices in the force field between media and royalty. Where the only guide that tells you whether you have made a good choice is yourself. Learning all that early on, still helps me daily. And the very best thing that happened to me during this time was meeting my wife Marja. She worked at NOS (a Dutch Broadcasting Company) and I worked at RVD. That, of course, is a guarantee of love at first sight, haha."
What are your duties in your current position?
"Via the RVD, communications agency Bikker and Nyenrode, I eventually became Head of Communications at ‘het Rode Kruis’ (‘the Red Cross’). After more than nine years, I felt it was better for ‘het Rode Kruis’ and myself to take a follow-up step. But I did want to be socially relevant. Nowadays, I am self-employed and co-owner of a small communications agency. I prefer to work with clients who make a social difference. Or I help initiate social initiatives. A few years ago, for instance, we set up 'Namens de Familie' with a few people. A club of experienced spokespeople, under the wing of Victim Support, who help people who are suddenly confronted with a murder, missing person or life crime. We help them deal with the media wave that can engulf you as an ordinary citizen in such a sad situation. I am also involved in the Impact Fair: a festival for impact makers that will take place at the ‘Jaarbeurs’ conference venue in Utrecht. A positive event that mainly wants to offer action perspective to people: how can you get started making impact yourself? Very exciting to see how much impact the fair itself can start making, under the motto 'Together we can accelerate the good in the world'."
In the Netherlands, we grumble a lot about ourselves, but at such times you also see how much of a positive difference we can all make when necessary
What do you find most interesting about your work and in what ways do you make an impact?
"Whenever there is a major humanitarian disaster somewhere, 11 aid organisations join forces and Giro555 opens. I then get to work as action coordinator, aiming to launch the National Action in close coordination with public and commercial broadcasters and raise as much money as possible for the victims. Meanwhile, I have had the opportunity to do about seven, with a super-motivated club of people. As Giro555, we are a pop-up organisation. At the time of a disaster, people are released from all 11 members to fill out the action team. One minute there is nothing and the next there is an organisation of almost a hundred staff, including - if possible - my eldest daughter (pictured). The youngest would like to, but is not yet allowed. It is one of the most honourable and impactful things I get to do. And it always has something emotional about it too. In the Netherlands, we grumble a lot about ourselves, but at such times you also see how much of a positive difference we can all make when necessary."
At Nijmegen School of Management, 'sustainable environment', 'resilient society' and 'social economy' are key themes. Do you contribute to these themes in your current position and in what way?
"I do hope so, although it might be a bit scattered at times, from 'On behalf of the Family' to 'Giro555' and the Impact Fair. I am a pathological optimist. I can usually see the positive side of things. Even in the bizarre times we live in now. The world will not perish, but humanity stands a pretty good chance. Together, we can prevent it or at least limit it. Working together to keep the world livable, society resilient and the economy social. That starts small, with you, with me. Actually that lesson from my first job at the RVD: if you don't intervene, probably nobody will. They put it nicely in the musical ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ (‘Soldier of Orange’). It's about awareness and action perspective."
If we do nothing?
Who then?
Surely we can see that this cannot be done?
It's up to you and me now
Our only hope is us
Lyrics ‘Als wij niets doen’ – Soldaat van Oranje
Photos: Michiel Ton and Frank Tebbe