Our team members are passionate, dedicated, and committed to raising awareness about global poverty and advocating on behalf of the world’s poor. Read about some of our past interns and the amazing work they did.

 

Jamie

Jamie Garwood, Writer/Journalist, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Jamie’s Achievements:

  • Raised £529,
  • Successfully completed all articles for the programme.
  • Reached out to local Member of Parliament in support of the ODA.
  • Mobilised constituency effectively.

 

Question #1:  Since you have been with The Borgen Project, what is one thing that has surprised you so far about global poverty issues or advocacy?

I think the main thing that I have to come to realise when researching and writing about these incredibly important global issues is that of representation. I do believe that people do care for people, from all backgrounds and varying levels of quality of life and income. Even if they are likely to never have an interaction with people that require help, people do care, but will not necessarily show it by conventional means and action. I’ve therefore realised that people often need reassurance and the information needed to make a positive change in addressing poverty. 

Question #2:  What motivated you to go the extra mile in your work?

Going the extra mile in lending a hand and advocating for global poverty initiatives/support, in a way didn’t really feel like going the extra mile in a sense. I believe wholeheartedly in the goal for positive change around the world, so the motivation to go the extra mile whether it be in mobilising, campaigning and representing The Borgen Project just felt natural to me.

Question #3:  Any tips or words of advice for other team members to help them along a similar path to success?

I would recommend staying busy, staying vigilant but also open to being fearful. When it comes to addressing monumental issues like global poverty that we as humans face, it can become overwhelming and daunting – but representing these issues is a more than valuable step toward a greater end goal. 

Question #4: What have you been up to after completing your internship role with The Borgen Project?

At this current stage I am seeking employment in writing about global humanist issues, with the hope to represent the voices that are so often not represented.

 

 

Carolyn

Carolyn Burke, Nonprofit Leadership Team Member, Derby, England

Carolyn’s Achievements:

  • Raised £1,263
  • Reached out to local Member of Parliament and the FCDO in support of ODA.
  • Mobilised constituency effectively. 
  • Started the hashtag trend: #wealldobetterwhenwealldobetter (let’s keep it going)

 

Question #1:  Since you have been with The Borgen Project, what is one thing that has surprised you so far about global poverty issues or advocacy?

Can I pick two?! I was surprised, and pleased, to learn that working to eradicate global poverty is not just morally the right thing to do, but economically as well. And, that The Borgen Project has some great case studies to back this up. This, I thought, would help convince not only Government, but also the public, that if doing the right thing wasn’t motive enough, surely the economic argument would back up positive foreign policy. I remain disappointed, then, that the UK Government continues to look so short term. My belief that we need UK case studies in the UK from companies like Rolls Royce (local to me) may be optimistic, but I believe it would help get the conversation going and to strengthen the argument here in the UK.

Let’s get #wealldobetterwhenwealldobetter trending!

Secondly, I was surprised that there are so many innovative devices that can really help. For example, the LifeStraw. It made me wonder whether a campaign to raise money for this specifically would work, like the success with mosquito nets, I realise that this is perhaps beyond the scope of The Borgen Project.

Question #2:  What motivated you to go the extra mile in your work?

It’s to do with values. I believe if you can, you should. What I mean by that is, although I may have found the internship as a way to boost my CV and wanted to make a difference to others. When I started, I remembered that, through my various experiences, I have gained a good skill set and am now in a position, for example at school, to influence others. I am also in the very fortunate position not to be affected too much by the cost of living crisis – ie I can comfortably afford to feed, heat, clothe and take care of my family. This inspires me to seek out others who are also in my position and encourage them to help. We can and we should. Some of my heroes of all time are strong women who lead by this example, for example Maya Angelou once said ‘Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better’. I believe this is a good maxim to live by. No guilt, just positive action. If you can, you should.

I am the kind of person who doesn’t like to do things by half, so naturally I started off by throwing myself into the task at hand and trying to think of all the things I could try and achieve. I have had to refine that to do list and pick one or two of the ideas that I could do well within the three months, and so I tried to play to my strengths and work in areas I believed I could get things done. For example, speaking with the school council where I am chair of governors and inviting supportive foody friends to my fundraiser.

Question #3:  Any tips or words of advice for other team members to help them along a similar path to success?

I have heard others say it, but start early and choose ideas that you think you’ll enjoy. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone, but my favourite, and I believe most successful, projects have been those that have felt right for me and fitted my personality and the people I know. Really doing the work early on to learn the charity and its work, as well as the UK context, has also been massively important.

Question #4: What have you been up to after completing your role with The Borgen Project?

One month into my internship, I was offered a job at Cancer Research UK as the product manager for their online fundraising pages. I will now focus on this and look forward to developing my career there. I will still continue to support The Borgen Project as the work has strengthened my resolve to do more to help in the spaces where I can.

I have to say, I am a mum of two and returned to paid employment. This internship has helped me immensely with reasserting confidence in myself and my abilities.