What does a Ministry of Stories volunteer look like?
Ever wondered what makes a great Ministry of Stories volunteer? Our volunteer Marketing Officer Sam finds out.
They all look different! Our volunteers come from all walks of life and help in all sorts of ways.
From helping east London’s young writers craft new, exciting stories, to serving Hoxton’s monster community (and the occasional human), our volunteers are enthusiastic, they’re imaginative, and they LOVE stories!
Maybe instead we should ask: what makes the volunteers here at Ministry of Stories so perfect for the role?
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Bags of Positivity
Our volunteers have endless enthusiasm and offer oodles of support. Our mentors help young writers conjure characters, stories, and whole new worlds! Whether it’s the first paragraph, the first sentence, or just the first word, our mentors are champions and cheerleaders, developing imaginations and building self-confidence.
Our shopkeepers fearlessly serve the dead, living, and undead communities in Hoxton. They serve customers, run the till, and, occasionally, issue death certificates. No matter what, they always have a smile on their face and unwavering bravery.
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A Pocketful of Questions
Our volunteers know what to ask to get the imagination racing. They can think big, upside down and outside the box, asking weird and wacky questions to inspire whole new worlds. What would you do if your school bus went to space? Or a dragon laid an egg in your pencil case? Or your nose turned into a question mark?
Our shopkeepers know what questions give every monster the best customer service they could ask for. Have you tried our Bottled London Smog? Do you want some Rat Brains to go with your Sugar Dusted Bogies? Would you like your Escalating Panic gift-wrapped?
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Familiar Faces
Our volunteers are part of the Ministry of Stories family. Many help out every week so young writers and monsters alike really get to know them. Our volunteers know what stories you want to write; they know what books you love to read; they even know what flavour of Cubed Earwax you like best!
We ask that all volunteers attend at least six sessions in the first six months (but lots of them do waaaaaay more than that!). They might attend the same sessions every week or shake it up and try out different ones.
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A Love of Variety
Our volunteers will try their hand at anything. Our mentors can help out with writing workshops, community classes, and school programmes. Our shopkeepers lend a hand (or paw) in the shop, the online store, and at pop-up events.
Our volunteers help out with PR, marketing, fundraising, and event management. We even have slots for illustrators, publishers, and anyone willing to take on the mysterious role of ‘The Chief’…
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Bristling Imaginations
Our volunteers have rich imaginations, bristling with ideas and bursting with energy. They bring their life experience into their volunteering and their volunteering experience into their life.
Our volunteers have all this and much, much more!
