Guest Post: Engage NWA Internship

Engage NWA Internship

This summer, I was determined to make the most of my time by contributing to something meaningful. I was drawn to EngageNWA because I had heard about their incredible work in the Northwest Arkansas community from someone very close to me. Fortunately, I was able to get put in contact with Margot, and inquire about any opportunities for me to work with EngageNWA. Thankfully, soon after I was welcomed aboard the team.

My official role at Engage NWA was an intern. My responsibility was to aid in the organization’s goal of bringing together various groups of individuals, organizations, and communities. The creation of an online PDF version of the Belonging Barometer and the design of advertising flyers to be distributed online and in the neighborhood was by far the most significant task I undertook. My most recent initiative entailed assisting in the submission of an application to Welcoming America in an effort to obtain a Book Wagon for the Springdale Library. I improved my creative and organizing skills during this internship, as well as my ability to handle several projects at once. I also developed an understanding of the level of cooperation and work necessary to plan community events in NWA.

One of the highlights of my internship was attending Committee for Bridging and Belonging meeting, where leaders from across the region gather once a month to work collaborate on different projects with the goal being the overall development of the region. These meetings offered me an incredibly unique experience to observe how local leaders collaborate to drive progress in NWA. In was extremely interesting to witness firsthand how these leaders worked together to tackle the challenges and complexities of projects in a non-profit setting. It is obvious that Margot and Monica have a really exceptional capacity to facilitate these discussions and create an environment where these leaders in the non-profit sector in NWA can work together. At Engage NWA, I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. Everyone was very helpful and always eager to lend a hand. My experience was enhanced by the organization’s welcoming and upbeat culture. It’s evident that everyone is extremely passionate about making a real difference in the community and as a novice in the non-profit space it was very special to be a part of that. Seeing my creations come to life was incredibly satisfying. In addition to being published on the website, the Belonging Barometer designs I made were also shared on a number of social media channels. I was incredibly proud to know that my contributions helped to promote such a significant tool for gauging a sense of community belonging.

This internship gave me a deeper understanding of the non-profit sector in NWA and the significant role organizations like Engage NWA play in fostering community cohesion. It also influenced my future interests, as I now have a greater appreciation for the power of collaboration and the importance of inclusivity in community development. One key takeaway from this experience is the importance of flexibility and adaptability in a non-profit setting. Things don’t always go as planned, and with limited time and resources, being open to changing ideas and ready to pivot is very important. My advice to future interns or anyone interested in non-profit work in NWA is simple: don’t be afraid to dive in. The sector might not always be in the spotlight, but the lessons you learn and the people you’ll meet are truly one of a kind and something that everyone should experience.

Reflecting on my time at Engage NWA, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a positive and impactful organization. The experience not only allowed me to grow professionally but also personally, as I developed a deeper understanding and respect for the non-profit sector and especially for organizations that work to create community engagement and inclusivity. I encourage everyone to support Engage NWA and similar organizations that work tirelessly to bring people together and create more inclusive communities. And if you haven’t already, take a moment to complete the Belonging Barometer – your input can help shape a more connected and welcoming Northwest Arkansas.

By Diego Carillo Garcia