For June 12-16.

What went well?

• This week we really started getting involved in the work of the organization, including preparing for an interview with Ailbhe Smyth, a leading figure in some social movements in the Republic of Ireland. This week also afforded the opportunity to start to see how NGOs need to operate – both within their mission and maintaining some distance from politics (at least, in the case of our organization) to maintain long-term credibility. After participating in more team meetings with the five other staff members of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, I could see how they worked dynamically and creatively and anticipated certain concerns. This was all to best support their community-level work, which often can only be carried out very differently than how top-down level policy is designed. 

What could have been done differently? 

• Exploring outside of Belfast, I believe, would be a worthwhile perspective to gain. We’ve only talked to people thus far from Belfast or from our organization, so we have a limited perspective on cross-border relations and reconciliation after the Troubles. Next time we head into the office Armagh, I believe it would be helpful to explore and talk to people.

What did I learn about myself when working with others? 

• Even when I’m slightly hesitant, I tend to keep quiet and let others’ ideas float around me, instead of voicing any questions I have.

What did I learn about leadership? 

• It’s okay to change and keep trying, even when I receive pushback or a defeat. I first heard this message from Ailbhe Smyth, and I believe it’s worthwhile to remember.

What do I want to develop / focus on next? 

• Next, I would like to sit in on more meetings to see how the organization functions, even if I’m not involved with the project. I think this will help expand how I conceptualize each component of cross-border communication and connection.