VNC members appreciate the association’s activities, substantive quality, and network. These are the findings of the member survey recently conduted by VNC. The results are predominantly positive, though there is also room for improvement, particularly regarding reach, communication and engagement.
With 49 respondents, this survey provides a valuable and reasonably representative picture of how our members experience the association – and where opportunities lie for further strengthening. Read more about the results below:
A Strong Foundation: Engaged and Loyal Members
The survey shows that VNC possesses a stable and engaged member base. A significant proportion of respondents have been members for several years, with a large number exceeding 10 years, indicating a long-term commitment to the association.
New members primarily find VNC through personal networks and events:
- 53.3% via friends/family
- 33.3% via events
- Only a small proportion via social media or search engines
👉 This underlines the importance of community and physical activities as an engine for growth.
Why Members Join
The primary motivation for becoming a member is clear:
- Interest in China (89.8%)
- Networking/Community (38.8%)
- Language and education (30.6%)
VNC thus fulfils a broad role: from a knowledge platform to a social network and cultural bridge. Interestingly, ‘Travel’ also scored high (40.8%).
Activities: Appreciated, but Not Yet Accessible to Everyone
VNC activities are well-regarded and form a core part of the membership. However, it appears that:
- 59.2% of members have not attend an event in the past year
The main reason for this is not a lack of interest, but rather practical limitations:
- Lack of time (40%)
- Location and geographical distribution of events
- Personal circumstances
👉 This indicates a clear opportunity: better distribution and flexibility could further increase participation.
Where Does Your Primary Interest Lie?
Members are clearl about their interests – culture remains high in demand:
- Lectures and cultural gatherings (87.8%)
- Film nights and cultural outings (55.1%)
- Networking drinks (40.8%)
- Thematic evenings on geopolitics (42.9%)
Regarding content, priorities are also distinct :
- Current Chinese affairs and politics (67.4%)
- Art & culture (47.8%)
- Economics & trade (37%)
👉 VNC is therefore mainly seen as a substantive platform with social relevance, alongside its cultural and social functions.
Satisfaction: A Solid Foundation with Room for Improvement
General satisfaction with membership is high:
- Average score: 4.08 / 5
- 75.5% would actively recommend VNC
- 91.7% find the membership fee (€50) acceptable
Members particularly value:
- The quality and diversity of activities
- The community and encounters
- VNC’s role as a bridge between the Netherlands and China
Key Areas for Attention:
While there was much positive feedback, clear points for improvement also emerged:
- The loss of a physical magazine
A striking and recurring theme is the discontinuation of the printed magazine:
“It’s a great pity that the magazine has become digital.-only”
- Geographical distribution
Members are asking for:
- More activities outside the Randstad area
- Better accessibility in the central and eastern parts of the country
- Community and onboarding
New members expressed a need for:
- A more personal introduction
- Welcome meetings
- More active communication (e.g. newsletters)
A Great Opportunity: Members Want to Contribute
One of the most positive outcomes is the willingness of members to actively contribute:
- 20.4% want to participate actively
- 44.9% are considering it
Preferred forms of contribution:
- Event organization (35.7%)
- Writing articles (28.6%)
- Social media and administrative support
👉 This offers a clear opportunity to further strengthen the association as a community-driven organization and to involve members in more geographically diverse activities.
Conclusion: A Strong Association, Ready for the Next Step
The member survey confirms that VNC is a healthy, valued and relevant association with a clear position in the Netherlands-China landscape.
At the same time, there are concrete opportunities to further increase impact:
- Better distribution and accessibility of activities
- Strengthening communication and onboarding
- Reconsidering the physical magazine
- Actively utilizing member engagement
The combination of a strong substantive foundation and an engaged member network provides a solid basis for further growth and the board will get to work using these insights.
Thanks to all participants
VNC thanks all members who participated in the survey. Your input is of great value and helps us to further develop the association.
