Tiffany- Active Citizenship
Throughout my seven-week internship at ATD Ireland, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of the space we create, particularly for newcomers, whether they be volunteers, interns, or students. Something unique and vital is provided by the ATD community: a setting where individuals with and without lived experiences of poverty can interact as equals, exchange stories, work together, and gain knowledge from one another. It is a place where people belong, not just where they work or serve.
I could tell right away from my first open house day that this was not your average NGO or service-oriented environment. The weekly Tuesday cooking and sharing with those who are struggling financially was an act of solidarity rather than charity. Those moments taught me more about poverty, resilience, and community than any lecture or textbook ever could. Through casual discussions and cooperative assignments, I developed relationships as a participant in something genuine and reciprocal, rather than merely as a guest or student.
ATD’s efforts to actively combat stigma are among their greatest features. People who are frequently underappreciated for their skills in cooking, gardening, boxing, poetry, and other areas are honored through initiatives like skill-sharing interviews and collaborative exhibitions. This acknowledgement not only promotes individual dignity but also more significant social change by demonstrating to the general public that people living in poverty are not merely “recipients” of aid but rather engaged citizens with gifts, knowledge, and insights to share. I was invited into this dynamic space as an intern, not only to watch but also to participate. In addition to researching systemic inequality, I participated in interviews and transcribed testimonies.
Above all, though, I listened. And what I heard influenced how I truly define active citizenship. Voting and volunteering are not enough; we also need to create inclusive environments where everyone’s opinions are valued.
ATD is an amazing example of that. This space has different meanings for different people. A few leave with new skills. Others leave with a fresh sense of direction and purpose, just like me. My interest in political science led me to Ireland. My intellectual and emotional dedication to social justice grew as I left. My understanding of politics has expanded to include people’s lives as well as policies. As I proceed with my education and future profession, I will remember that realization.
