How would you introduce yourself?
I’m Emily McChrystal, pronouns She/They and I’m the Youth Power Coordinator in the UK for the Walking the Talk programme. I’ve worked in the charity sector for 9 years and all my experiences always come back to one thing, Youth Power! I’m passionate about advocating for mental health, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights and leading with joy as we make change.
Looking back, what’s something special about your team that made your experience unforgettable?
My team is always eager to support me and offer their help if they can see I am juggling lots of plates. We are also very encouraging of each other; always celebrating the smallest wins and successes which helps keep everybody motivated.
Can you recall a moment during your time at Restless Development when your actions or decisions made a meaningful impact?
I am lucky enough to work with the most amazing, creative, hard working and passionate young leaders from the steering group of the Walking the Talk programme. They are incredibly kind and always give me feedback on ways I have supported their growth, development or helped them on a day when they were not feeling their best. I find that my most meaningful impacts are often in the small moments of support or guidance I offer the group when they need it most amidst their busy and complex lives.
Which of the Restless values has stayed with you the most, and how do you find yourself living it even now?
‘Hands’ is a Restless Development value that I bring into my daily work and life a lot. As I lead the support of our amazing steering group of young leaders from across the UK shaping our advocacy strategy on the Walking the Talk programme, I have the honour of working with them to be truly co-created, peer-led, and community focused. I make sure that each process we take is as inclusive as possible and brings in our amazing young leaders wherever we can. They are brilliant at what they do and I strive to ensure that they are connected, included and leading us to the greatest we can be.
What’s one challenge you’ve taken on to grow personally or professionally?
For my role as Youth Power Coordinator for the Walking the Talk programme, I had to learn a LOT about foreign policy, global financing models, multilateral spaces, UN proceedings and a whole host of technical things to ensure our advocacy remains targeted, successful and measured- in the right spaces and times. It has been a real joy to realise as time passes that I no longer have to double-check things, and everything now feels like second nature; even in complex, technical spaces. This has been a great challenge and a worthwhile investment in my growth that my team has, and continues to, invest in alongside me. It’s always a team effort and it’s nice to know I hold my end of the deal up too!
You played a big role in fostering collaboration. What’s a moment where you saw teamwork truly make a difference?
Last year, the UK faced a really dark time politically with violent riots happening across the country. We had a 100+ person conference organised under the Walking the Talk programme, and had to make the decision to cancel the conference for everybody’s safety a few days before it was due to go ahead. During a very stressful and upsetting time, especially since the riots sprung from instances in my home town, my team came together to support me. They jumped on video calls to offer words of advice and support, some attended the online version of the event in solidarity of my last minute changes and management ensured I took the time off to rest and recharge once it was all complete. Without the support of my team I would have felt alone on top of everything else going on personally and professionally, so it was really great to feel a part of a wider community when I needed it most.
What’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?
I love journaling! I have had the same journal since 2020 and I use it to make collages in, paint, write, set goals, reflect on things. It is the best thing I’ve found that makes me feel accomplished, safe and it’s a joyful thing to look back on to see all of my different stages of life/emotions/reflections in a creative way.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a hectic day?
I enjoy reading as a way to relax. Although sometimes I do read books that are a bit too academic… I am trying to focus more of my reading time on fun, escapism themes now though.
Can you share a memorable interaction or activity at Restless Development that brightened your mood during a tough week?
We have recently started doing ‘coffee chat ups’ digitally between the programme team in the UK which I have loved. It is a space for us to connect as people and discuss how we are feeling or things we may need from each other. It really grounds me and reminds me that I am not alone in the busy, but needed, work we do.
Who or what inspires you the most when it comes to building positive relationships, both at work and in your personal life?
I feel the most inspired to build positive relationships when I remember how I felt as a young person. I felt alone, isolated and disconnected from any form of community. I had faced a lot of complicated and difficult things in my young life, which left me feeling loneliness and anger a lot of the time. I try to build the relationships younger me needed, and continue to build communities that other young people need now too. It’s a collective effort to protect our young people and give them spaces they can call their own and I think all of that starts with one kind, understanding conversation.
Looking back, what was a quirky habit you had at the office that your coworkers found funny or unforgettable?
I work from home so we do not really see people’s habits too much, but as the only scouser on the team, I’d say my turns of phrase tend to make people laugh and people will often try to copy them which I find very funny.
If you were on an Island, what are 3 items you would take?
A book about how to survive on an island, suncream and a speed boat to get off that island as soon as possible please!!!!!
What’s a surprising skill or talent you have that most people wouldn’t know about?
I am a poet and have a published poetry book which not many people know about. It always surprises people as I do not get the chance to do much creative writing in my role.
Can you share your Favourite Quote?
‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’ From Disney’s Winnie the Pooh.
