Trustees play a vital role in the day-to-day running of charitable organisations. They ensure that the charity is run in the interests of the people it is there to help by overseeing the management and administration of the organisation, keeping all activity in-line with our mission.
This week's blog outlines 10 reasons why you should consider becoming a trustee.
1) A chance to make a difference – Whatever your skills and experience, becoming a trustee allows you to use them in a way that will help others and truly mean something. It doesn't matter if you have experience in the charity or not. Skills from other sectors can provide different viewpoints which can be transferred to others and improve their lives. Your contribution could be as simple as excellent organisational skills, the experience of strategy development, marketing or financial expertise that can help our charity go from strength to strength. You don't need to be a specialist to make a difference, if you can apply a fresh perspective and a bit of common sense, you'll be a valuable asset.
2) Share your passions – Whether you're passionate about the work a charity does or want to use a hobby or skill you're passionate about to make a difference, becoming a trustee is a great way to share that you're sincere. Many people join charities that have supported family or friends that needed help in the past, or that they can relate to on a personal level. For example, if you're passionate about every child having access to quality education, healthcare and even everyday fundamentals, then becoming a trustee for Children of Cameroon could be perfect for you. Similarly, if your passions are more skills-based, it could be time to use them to make a real difference.
3) Use your influence – It could be that you have a large network of people that you could reach out to and spread the word of the great work we're doing and help us to achieve our goals. If you have a platform, becoming a charity trustee could be a great chance to use it for the greater good. Whatever your influence is, it could really help us to make a difference to so many lives. You could help teach your social media following, family, friends and even work colleagues about the work that we do. In turn, this could help us to raise more money but could also bring in more interesting and talented people to help us on our mission to end the poverty cycle.
4) Meet and greet, extend your networks – Becoming a trustee at a charity like ours is a great chance to meet people who share your passions and desire to help others. You'll meet people from a range of different backgrounds and have the opportunity to work and collaborate with them. Extending your networks in such a way could help you in the future both professionally and in your personal life. You could form friendships for life or even meet your next boss!
5) Make your CV stand out – Including your volunteer work for a charity on your CV says a lot about you. It gives future employers an insight into your passions and what drives you as well as showcasing you as a selfless individual. Becoming a trustee at a charity shows you're willing to work hard even in your free time for the good of other people. However, it can also be a great learning experience; some of the skills you will pick up will set you apart from others with similar qualifications and work experience.
6) Learn the sector – Becoming a trustee can give you exclusive insights into the charity sector. You'll see how a charitable organisation works from finances through to marketing and have the first-hand experience that can't be taught. Becoming a trustee for a charity is a brilliant way to improve your personal development and put your foot in the door of the charity sector.
7) Change of pace – If you're looking for a break from corporate life or education and would like something a little different to occupy your time, becoming a trustee for a charity offers a great change of pace. You'll be able to attend trustee meetings which will change up your week and give you a chance to meet new people. Being a trustee can provide you with a break from the day-to-day as well as provide something truly meaningful to dedicate your spare time.
8) Gain leadership experience – Becoming a trustee for a charity gives a great insight into leadership, from attending meetings to overseeing the overall running of the charity. Many people have been known to use their time as a charity trustee as springboards to corporate positions. Leadership experience is a difficult skill to build in the world of business, as it comes with great responsibility. Becoming a trustee at a charity will give you some of this insight and help you to build up the confidence to lead in the world of work.
9) It feels good to give back – If you can dedicate some of your time to helping a charity like ours, you will no doubt feel the benefits. It's no secret that it feels good to give something back to those in need. Becoming a trustee means that you'll be able to see the impact our work does first-hand, and nothing can be more rewarding than knowing you've made a difference to a person’s life, helping them shape the future they desire.
10) Being part of the solution - Most importantly, by becoming a trustee, you're playing a role in helping Cameroon's children have a better start in life. You could contribute to ending the poverty cycle and giving young people access to an education that could be vital for both their future and their family's. You will be playing a role in empowering young children to achieve their dreams and build a future for themselves, including becoming teachers, doctors and lawyers.
If you have any questions about what it means to be a trustee or are interested in becoming a trustee for Children of Cameroon we would love to hear from you.