Dates: June 19-June 22

Organization: Youth Work Ireland

Days until our PRIDE event: 2! (Saturday, June 24)

Please see my reflection below:

1) What went well? It is now t-minus two days until our PRIDE event on Saturday, June 24. Honestly, our checklist of tasks is almost crossed off to completion, and our team is really wrapping up the finishing touches. Our supervisor did a fantastic job at delegation and clear communication of our organization's needs, and we are now enjoying the benefits of this leadership. This week, I personally helped create our mural and finished organizing the decorations! I also communicated with PRIDE day volunteers, and I contributed to our group excitement.

2) What could have been done differently? Here is a small, yet important, lesson from this week: Always organize work emails into folders by sender/ organization/ project, etc... There were a few occasions this week wherein I needed to quickly reference a past work email, and I can confidently say that organized folders would have made this simple task even simpler. 

3) What did I learn about myself when working with others? As I have previously reflected, this week was a great opportunity to continue my practices of community care and self-check ins. I would note that self-care is an aspect of community care, and I have been really attentive to the needs of my group and myself this week. Whether that meant I would ask to take a quick ten minute walk to re-energize or ask a team member for help when needed, I found ways to engage and to rest. This process allowed me to be a more sustained and a more productive team member. 

4) What did I learn about leadership? Throughout this "finish line" week, our team experienced several different energy levels. Honestly, most of us were pretty physically and mentally tired! My boss, as a leader I sincerely respect, would react to these changing energy levels with compassion and understanding. When the group energy levels were low, she would institute time for rest into our day. When the energy levels were high, she would take advantage of the opportunity to rally the team for effective project work. Overall, I observed that an effective leader is attentive to and compassionately responds to their team's energy levels.

5) What do I want to develop or focus on next? In two days from now, we will be hosting 700 youth at our PRIDE event! This is both a big responsibility and a big honor. Prior to our celebration, I will take the time to rest, to re-energize, and to get excited in order to welcome our guests into the safe space that they deserve.