Renate was interviewed by Radio Noord about the project ‘No Guts No Glory’!

Why did you start this project, Renate?

We want to put the earthquake problem in Groningen at the top of the political agenda with a symbol in the form of a book.

The intention is to offer as many books as possible to all politicians in order to convince them to invest in a Delta Plan for Groningen.

With this idea we are joining the action of Freek de Jonge, who said during De Wereld Draait Door that he wants to advocate for a new Delta Plan for Groningen.

Not only because of the injustice done to the people of Groningen, but also to convince politicians that investing in innovation and creativity is an investment in the future of our country in the long term. It would be wonderful if we were to be number 1 again with something positive, namely, daring to invest in creativity and innovation for a sustainable society.

Because as we all know, thanks to the Delta Plan that was developed after the flood disaster, we are internationally regarded as innovators and experts when it comes to the fight against water.

Can you explain how the project works exactly?

Everyone can participate. If you buy a book for 15 euros, we will donate a book with a personal letter to a politician of your choice.

The book symbolizes a gift to the Netherlands, namely an investment in creativity and innovation.

Students from the Minerva Academy in Groningen have mapped out the earthquake problem on 200 pages and visualized a number of innovative ideas. It has become a beautiful book.

If I want to send a book to Mark Rutte, how do I get his address?

That is very easy. You can send the gift, preferably wrapped in gift paper, to the press room: P.O. Box 20018 Tweede Kamer, for the attention of a politician of your choice.

Mark Rutte is not in the House of Representatives, if you want to send him a book, send it to Postbus 20001, Ministry of General Affairs, for the attention of the Prime Minister.

Do you also earn money from the sale of the books?

No, we do not earn anything from it, all proceeds are used to send more books to the House of Representatives.

Is the subject very much alive among the students of the art academy?

At academies, more and more attention is paid to social design. Students are used to working with subjects that play a role in society.

The international students, more than 50% of the students at the academy in Groningen, knew little about the earthquake problem.

The Dutch students knew something about the earthquakes but had no idea of ​​the seriousness of the matter.

But after an explanation, they were happy to commit themselves to the people of Groningen.

You are not from Groningen yourself, so why do you still commit yourself to our province?

Because I, like many citizens throughout the Netherlands, get the news about Groningen on radio, TV, social media and newspapers and I also find it a great injustice. Normally, as a citizen, there is little you can do about it.

Freek de Jonge’s appearance on De Wereld Draait Door gave me the idea to support his fight for a Delta Plan for Groningen.

Not only to help the people of Groningen, but also to put the importance of investing in creativity and innovation on the political agenda.

Because I believe that investing in sustainable innovative creative solutions is an important key to success. The Delta Plan also proved that at the time.

By buying the book we stimulate politics to invest in progress. In the future of this country.