As a social enterprise in the current climate, I can’t decide if I’m more excited by developing a new potential revenue model or all the amazing people I’m going to meet as part of this initiative.
I’ve worked with young people for nearly 20 years and they never fail to surprise me and keep me on my toes. And it’s the same with adults. It’s so easy to ‘put people in a box’ and think they are part of your tribe or not part of your tribe depending on which newspaper they read or what school they went to.
If I’ve learnt anything, it’s that this is perfectly not the case. When recruiting Volunteer Tenancy Mentors we’ve never had to turn anyone away. Once we’re clear about the opportunity for them as well as the commitment expected, people tend to self-select.
What you’re left with are people that always humble me in their openness to learn, contribute to their communities, but also be honest about what they are going to get out of it. It’s a total win-win.
