Help Stevie Move to The Netherlands!

For the past 12 years, I've harbored a strong desire to relocate to The Netherlands. My initial fascination stemmed from the inception of the organization, The Ocean Cleanup. Since my teenage years, I've been dedicated to addressing plastic pollution in marine environments and working with communities, nurturing the hope that one day I could relocate to The Netherlands and contribute to The Ocean Cleanup's mission. Last October, I finally had the chance to visit the country for the first time, and it dawned on me that this obsession with the place is rooted in it feeling like home. I've never felt more in sync with a community and a physical space before. During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting with staff from The Ocean Cleanup multiple times, which only cemented my aspiration to work for the organization.

However, I learned firsthand about the considerable expenses involved for the organization when hiring someone from abroad. Given its nonprofit status, sponsoring a visa can significantly strain its budget. Despite applying for a position before my trip last October, I discovered that my location was the reason I wasn't considered for the role.

Undeterred, I've now embarked on a mission to make this place my permanent home. Yet, moving to another country presents its own set of challenges. For those familiar with me, you'll know that I thrive on organization. I've meticulously crafted a month-by-month spreadsheet to guide me towards my goal. Currently, I've managed to sell off (on hold) roughly 90% of my belongings in preparation for the move, while also decluttering and downsizing my possessions. Additionally, I've found a buyer for my vehicle, and my ever-supportive mom has graciously agreed to hold onto the items I simply can't part with.

Upon relocating, I'll be joining my partner, whom I met during my European visit last October. You might recognize him from my social media posts, as he visited me (experiencing America for the first time) to deepen our connection. Together, we'll be residing in Purmerend, a quaint village roughly 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam.

Securing a visa won't be straightforward, but I've found a pathway through the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa. This involves establishing my own business in The Netherlands, which grants me a two-year visa. After this period, I can apply for renewal, and upon completing four years, I'll have the option to renounce my American citizenship and become a Dutch citizen. My business will focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consulting, particularly with an emphasis on waste systems. Currently, I serve as a DEI consultant for three companies, operating both locally in Washington and nationwide. I believe this expertise will position me well for a role within The Ocean Cleanup's Environmental and Social Affairs team, where they engage directly with communities to ensure their perspectives are integrated into cleanup initiatives worldwide.

My target for relocation is the end of September, though this timeline is subject to change based on financial considerations. I'm diligently saving a substantial amount of money to cover the costs associated with the move and to support myself during the initial year of work.

Here's a breakdown of the expenses I anticipate needing support with:

- DAFT visa: $4,500

- Application fee: $500

- One-way flight: $700

- Bags: $600

- Pet visas (2 cats, etc.): $2,000

- Local paperwork: $500

Total: $8,800

In addition to this, I'm saving diligently to ensure I meet my goal of relocating by September and making my dream a reality! If you'd like to support my journey, contributions are welcome via Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay. GoFundMe deducts a portion of donations. Please note that if you donate through a different avenue, I'll keep my GoFundMe updated to reflect the total amount received, so you can track my progress. A heartfelt thank you to my family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement. Without you, I wouldn't have initiated this GoFundMe campaign. Your love means the world to me.