Minister of the Month – Alistair Hall

Volunteering roles come in all shapes and sizes at the Ministry.

Over the next six months we will be shining a spotlight on a few of our excellent volunteers, to celebrate just that. First up is Alistair Hall, Creative Director/Graphic designer extraordinaire.

Name: Alistair Hall

Volunteer role:    Creative Director / Graphic Designer

Live: Brixton

Favourite story:   

The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish – wonderfully wry story from Neil Gaiman, wonderfully illustrated by Dave McKean.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Male, 6’2”, 41 & 1/2 years old, sometimes afflicted by a disappointing attempt at a beard. I’m a graphic designer, and have my own studio, (www.wemadethis.co.uk), in Clerkenwell. I sometimes take photos, and often get out and about on my bicycle.

Why did you decide to volunteer?

I co-founded the Ministry of Stories with Lucy, Ben and Nick, after seeing Dave Eggers’ TED talk about his 826 project in America (www.826national.org).

I never really considered it volunteering, but I guess it was. It just looked like an amazingly creative project that really helped kids, and I wanted to create something just as good in London.

What were you most nervous about?

I don’t think I was nervous about it oddly. Just eager for it to be a success.

What has been the best experience of volunteering?

The tangible sense of doing some good with my time and skills. Doing something creatively satisfying. Seeing the Ministry and Hoxton Street Monster Supplies become a reality, and then a successful reality, is hugely rewarding.

Meeting and working with a diverse, fascinating and talented bunch of wonderful people.

But the main thing, and there’s no way of saying this without sounding cheesy, is seeing the kids when they’ve created something they’re really proud of, which mightn’t have existed without our help.

Describe the Ministry of Stories in three words

Inspiring, creative, fun.

What would you say to other people thinking of volunteering with the Ministry?

Do it. Do it for yourself. Don’t hesitate. It will make you feel good.

We’re always on the look out for skilled professionals who’d like to get involved. Right now, we’re particularly interested in people with graphic design or communication knowledge for up-and-coming projects. For more details please email volunteers@ministryofstories.org.