The ethnographic inspiration behind this dissertation were the initiators of refugee support organisations in Rotterdam, who themselves came to the Netherlands as refugees. It was through their eyes that Lieke van der Veer studied the infrastructure of support and the advocacy for and by newcomers. She accompanied them during their meetings with other initiators, established organisations, government officials, and informal advisors who helped them shape their support organisations. What do these encounters and relationships teach us about municipal policy priorities and representations of diversity and citizenship? This dissertation sheds light on the so-called ‘procurement trap’ and examines practices of professionalism. In doing so, it reveals the fragility of bridge builders and the tragedy of role models. Where the fear of compartmentalisation creates new divisions, the persistence of blame exhausts those who have something good to offer. This dissertation shows how initiators provide, strive, transform and are followed. With an eye for both recalcitrance and docility, Van der Veer reconstructs the transformation from recipient to giver of aid.