I have a new job!
It’s ambitious. It’s voluntary. I’ll still be doing all my usual work. I’mquietly proud. And equally terrified.
For the next three years, I’m chairing the North East Roots Ambassadors,part of the Community Foundation North East.
I’ve been working on this behind the scenes for six months.Conversations. Messaging. Meetings. Plans. And this week we finally move intoofficial announcement territory. That feels… eeek. Basically there’s no goingback now.
But if it’s true (and I believe it is) that ‘The secret of living isgiving’ then I’m at that stage of life where doing something big andmeaningful, something that will last beyond me, feels ever more important.
The idea behind North East Roots is simple. If the North East shaped youin some way, would you consider giving something back, whether through your story,expertise or funding?
We’re building a group of 100 Ambassadors over three years. Thebrilliant George Clarke was the first to say yes. Ten more are already onboard.I have a list ready to contact. But I need more!
My personal NorthEast Roots stretch goal is to help raise £1 million over three years. Thatfunding will make grants through the Community Foundation to address regional inequalities, build aspiration and create opportunityby backing community organisations focused on health,wellbeing, opportunity and inclusion.
And,in the spirit of Community Foundation North East, we’ll create a permanentendowment – a North East Roots Fund, to support communities across the regionfor decades to come.
To be clear, I’m not asking you for anything.
Most people who read this newsletter won’t have links to the North East.Many couldn’t find us on a map (that’s part of the problem). This is just meletting you know what I’m committing to and by announcing it to 15,000 peoplemaking sure I do it!
If you are on social media and you’d be willing to like or comment on myannouncement on there, that would genuinely help extend the reach.
Here are the links. LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. A like is good, acomment is fantastic and a share is BRILLIANT!
Rootsbring life. Bridges connect. Stories inspire.
Be Brilliant!
Michael
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