Billy has been an intern at ONE in London for the past four months. We’re not sure how we’re going to carry on without him. Here’s his blog about the experience.
If I had worked a normal Monday to Friday, 9-5, for the past four months, then a blog about what I had been involved in would be no problem. However, ONE isn’t that kind of place.
With offices across the world and a team overflowing with creativity, overwhelming passion, and knowledge, it becomes nearly impossible to condense the list of incredible things that happen inside, and outside, these four walls.
Nonetheless, one thing has been pretty consistent: going out and meeting the British public dressed as a 7ft orange-fleshed sweet potato for our successful nutrition campaigns. Whether I met with government ministers, like Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development at DFID, or even just unsuspecting members of the public, the reaction has normally been the same. Firstly, what are you? And secondly, please can I have my picture taken with you for my Facebook profile picture?
Aside from sweet potato antics, I’ve loved meeting ONE members. Whether they were volunteering at the Big IF event in Hyde Park or the agit8 pop-up concerts, or asking their friends and families to sign our petitions, their ability to turn even the most sceptical and unforgiving punter into a development enthusiast is incredible.
Across the country, from Leeds to Hertfordshire, I’ve met members who put aside busy schedules to demand an end to the preventable injustice which is extreme poverty, and it keeps me going.
I will miss working at ONE, but the lessons I’ve learnt from staff and members will make sure that I’m an activist for the rest of my life.
Billy started out as an active ONE member and student group leader. If you want to get more involved in volunteering, campaigning and find out about internship opportunities, contact your local ONE office and we’ll tell you more.
