Value 3: Independence is invaluable

As one of our newer instructors, we were curious to see which one of our 12 values Daniela would pick.
But we weren’t surprised when she told us that her favorite Friskis value was INDEPENDENCE IS INVALUABLE:

“Friskis is a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation. We don’t act out of economic interest. We do it, because we believe in what we are doing. That is our strength and this independence is invaluable. Friskis wants to make workout accessible to everybody. Therefore, we offer free summer-sessions in the park and membership does not cost a fortune. Friskis is for people from ages 3-100 (not excluding 100+), we do not target one group only.

Funding for our activities comes from members only and all the members can participate in our decision-making process. By the way: The AGM is coming up soon! Friskis is there for workout. Full stop. We don’t want to sell your data or make money with extras. Our democratic structures decide which events we join with our teams (like the Brussels 20km or La Bruxelloise) and what are the good causes we support (e.g. Les Lucioles). Isn’t that great?

Furthermore, Friskis is made by the people carrying it. Individuals from different backgrounds and countries, speaking many different languages and still finding their ideas and values reflected in that one organisation were we volunteer our time. So it’s of course not only about the independence of the organisation, it is also about independence of the individual member. It is rather easy to change role from member to volunteer and back again, depending on one’s own independent choice. And as a leader I independently choose the music that I think fits best for my session. With such a diverse crowd of instructors you can be sure to be surprised whenever trying out a new session or intensity!”

Now that you’ve heard her thoughts, how about we take a moment to get to know better know our instructor. Hailing from Austria, Daniela has been a member for 14 years before she decided to take the next step and become an instructor as a way of giving back something to Friskis as well as to challenge herself. She became enamoured with our organisation after being motivated to try it out by a friend who at the time got a T-shirt for acquiring a new member. Looks like the T-shirt payed off… When asked what she enjoys most about Friskis She has no doubts: The people! Everybody gives a special something: Music, smile, power – it’s that combination of different people that makes Friskis unique.