To mark Trustees Week 2021, Ministry of Stories Trustee and incoming Chair of the Board – Michaela Greene – talked to us about what it’s like being a trustee at a local charity.
(Ministry of Stories are actively looking for local people to become new trustees in 2022. If you’re interested in finding out more, drop them a line at [email protected].)
I became a Trustee at Ministry of Stories… More than five years ago after being introduced to them by a friend. From the moment I joined, I loved it! It was such a unique organisation, providing free creative writing programmes for young people at a time when the arts are being squeezed out of the national curriculum.
What I enjoy the most about being a Trustee is… At the start of every board meeting we all share writing from the young people in our programmes. I’m always delighted, surprised, amused or astounded by the quality of the writing by children as young as eight. It provides a bit of magic and keeps us inspired and connected to the charity’s mission.
I would recommend someone to become a Trustee because… It’s fun, rewarding, and gives you a different perspective on life. I’m moving into the role of Chair for Ministry of Stories in November and I’m excited about the plans we have for the future. Next year we’ll be looking for some new trustees to join our board and we’re really keen to hear from members of our local community. We’ll also be improving our work around diversity and inclusion to ensure that no young person is missing out on our programmes, building on our work in local schools, and developing new relationships with funders, businesses and community partners.
If you are reading this and are interested in finding out more about how you can apply to join our board of trustees, please drop us a line at [email protected] – it’s a great time to join us on our journey!