Maisie Wilson shares stories and insights from their time as an Intern at the ISJ 2023-2024. From creating the first student-led podcasts and behind-the-scenes editing work from across the social justice student community,  the ISJ team is grateful to Maisie for their passionate contribution!

Over to Maisie…

Reflections on My Year at the Institute for Social Justice

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of interning at the Institute for Social Justice (ISJ) while pursuing my MA in Environment and Social Justice. This dual role has given me invaluable insights into the world of social change. In this post, I’ll reflect on the transformative projects I’ve been a part of, including the Living Lab January Potluck and Doing Change events, and participating in the Community Research Grant session.

The Living Lab Potluck Event

The January Potluck event, organised by the Living Lab, was a midwinter gathering focused on sharing food and ideas. Staff and students from across York St John University came together to celebrate positive change, with special guest Ryan Sandford-Blackburn, founder of the cooperative Earthed Up!, sharing his insights. Highlights included a free shared meal, indoor gardening activities, and research stalls exploring the intersection of food and social justice.

As part of the organising team, I helped coordinate the event and had the opportunity to speak, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in fostering change. Connecting with diverse voices and exploring creative ways to nurture people and the planet reinforced the significance of community-led action and the inspiring work happening within the university.

I also had the opportunity to speak at the event, giving a brief talk on my own work in social justice. This allowed me to face some of my own fears around public speaking, and was a really lovely, enriching experience.

Community Research Grants

The Community Research Grant session brought together VCSE organisations like Menfulness, Give a Gift, and Door 84 with York St John University researchers. It was a powerful example of how academia and grassroots organisations can collaborate effectively.

I had the opportunity to observe and engage in discussions that highlighted the importance of co-participatory research, which actively involves the subjects of study rather than keeping them at arm’s length. This session underscored the critical role of research in supporting VCSE initiatives, helping bridge the gap between academic research and community action. I learned that building meaningful partnerships, where researchers and practitioners work hand-in-hand, is key to translating research into practice and driving real social impact. This collaborative approach ensures that research truly supports the needs and goals of the communities it aims to serve.

Doing Change 2024

The Doing Change event in March was a vibrant showcase of student engagement in social justice across arts, humanities, and sciences. With exhibitions, screenings, and poster presentations, the energy was buzzing. I had the privilege of presenting on the importance of social justice in university education. Shortly after, the Archbishop of York introduced our keynote speaker, Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, who delivered an inspiring address about refugees and asylum seekers.

The event was a testament to the power of students in driving social justice conversations, with their creativity and passion on full display. Organising and speaking at this event reinforced for me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in social justice work. It’s clear that when students from different fields unite their efforts, they can create innovative solutions that address complex societal challenges and drive meaningful change.

Podcasting

In addition to our individual projects, some of us at the Institute for Social Justice have embarked on creating podcast episodes together, providing a platform for deeper engagement. I had the fantastic opportunity to interview Hayden Costello about her innovative Student Cafe Project, Amy Hodgson about the thriving community gardening initiatives on the YSJ campus and Pax Butchart about the Climate Action Society.

This student-led podcast project not only allowed us to choose our own formats and design elements like logos and jingles, but it also gave us invaluable hands-on experience in podcast production, enhancing our storytelling skills and our ability to share our passions with a wider audience.

Listen to the student podcasts on Spotify!

Final Thoughts

 

My internship at the Institute for Social Justice has been a journey of immense personal growth. I’ve refined my communication and organisational skills while gaining a deeper understanding of social justice issues and initiatives. Seeing the transformative power of collaboration in driving social change has been incredibly inspiring.

I’m grateful to the ISJ team, and especially Vicki Pugh, for providing me with this opportunity and supporting my development throughout the year. The projects I’ve worked on have not only expanded my knowledge but also reinforced my passion for social justice.

To future interns, embrace the learning journey at ISJ. Dive into projects with enthusiasm, connect with the incredible people around you, and never underestimate the impact of your contributions in creating a more just and equitable world.