Every week is different working for Disability Wales, but they all have the same barebones structure. I’m going to take you all through my most recent week, in the hopes that it contextualizes what I’ve been doing in Cardiff.
My first effort of the week is at 10 am, when we have the all staff meeting. I speak in a section entitled to interns, and contribute to section in which one of my supervisors— Kat, who works on the UNCRDP project— speaks. We are making progress on the project, and I’m learning the ropes of the funding, materials and procedures, and our contractor coworkers’ styles.
Then, I have a one-on-one check in with my main supervisor, Leandra. A major element of disability-focused non-profit organizations is checking in on how everyone is feeling. Since we’re an organization whose work force is primarily composed of folks with disabilities, this is very important because it keeps us feeling connected in our mission to help disabled folks feel heard. If we can’t even do it between ourselves, what business do we have advocating for others? In any case, Leandra and I check in with each other, and then we talk about work for the week.
This week, in addition to the UNCRDP project, I’m helping Leandra retain the Green Dragon accreditation of the organization. GD is an environmental organization which validates the environmental footprint and efficacy of organizations.
At Disability Wales, we believe that environmental justice and disability justice are inextricably linked. Folks who are differently abled often have added expenses and mobility requirements that mean they must live in areas which are not terribly green; close to the coast, close to factories or mines, or with difficult sanitation situations. This is not exclusive to disabled folks— it can also apply to communities of color, economically disadvantaged communities, etc— but it is certainly relevant. As such, my summary of retaining Green Dragon accreditation will contain information on what needs to be done for the company to not lose accreditation, AND what needs to be done to become more environmentally friendly. We must be able to lead by example. At the end of the week, I email my work to whichever supervisor needs it, and cc Leandra on it. I have a few more projects to go before I’m done. I’ll be back with another update at the end of my internship!
Olivia