Reflection On An Internship In The Office Of Arie

During the summer of 2016 I completed a STPEC requirement doing an internship in the office of Arise for social Justice. My time period was during the middle of May, through the end of June, and then completed during the month of August. Looking at my time working with Arise, I aim to discuss the following issues of observation through the perspective of a trans person, an environmental activist, and a person with physical and mental disabilities. In addition to describing what Arise does, what it believes, and how it goes about conducting its business in order to achieve those goals they set out for themselves I’ll consider whether or not they are following up with those practices. Finally, considering what role, if any Arise falls into Paul …show more content…
What I encountered lead to an intense emotional break down caused by members of the community hanging out in the office. I was hoping it was just a miscommunication, but as I later found out what I was picking up on was energy that has been seen and heard in the office by this person. I began questioning if Arise meant what they said and addressed issues of discrimination before in a manner that tackled the grievance appropriately with recourse if such occurrences happened again. I was asked to speak about my experiences and the impact it had on me while in the office; later to work with Michaechanne about what could be done related to behavior and professionalism in the office. As the weeks went by I continued my observations and quietly listened to small talk around the office and found that for the most part there was no protocol in the manner that addressed language, volume, and content of office edict. In true fashion I began speaking up about and questioning how Arise was following its inclusiveness to accommodate all people around health needs and basic office roles. Observation and conversations about space and consideration for people with breathing issues, asthma, COPD, and other triggers came into light during my time there. Had I not raised the issue would it still have continued to occur with others not raising their voice and speaking up about the health issues relating to some health choices some partook in. Due to my own health needs concerning cigarette smoke I targeted policy and questioned Arises practices and wondered what changes they were willing to make to hold up their own values. I was struck however by the lack of transparency between what Arise said it stands for and what it actually does in order to accommodate everyone