In the summer of 2024, I completed an internship at Rotary International’s District 4391, which encompasses the Brazilian states of Alagoas, Bahia, and Sergipe. Operating in several countries, Rotary is a large non-profit organisation targeting nine pressing causes: (1) Ending polio, (2) Promoting peace, (3) Fighting disease, (4) Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, (5) Saving mothers and children, (6) Supporting education, (7) Growing local economies, (8) Protecting the environment, and (9) Disaster response.
As a Political Science and International Development student, and an individual with passion and curiosity for civil society, I was keen on learning how such a global and complex organisation structured itself and managed to fight for such diverse issues in a cohesive manner. Building on my 2023 internship at a grassroots non-profit, I wanted to see how the “other side” of civil society functioned.
Within Rotary, districts are the middle level of governance. At the highest level is Rotary International, coordinating global programs and initiatives. Districts oversee regions that may be large or small, all depending on the demand and quantity of Clubs. At the local level are Clubs, formed by individuals who live within the same area, thus tackling issues in their context.
In my experience, being at the district level was quite strategic: I had access to different Clubs, being able to observe their unique initiatives, but was able to see the greater vision of Rotary applied to a region of my interest, the Brazilian Northeast. Coming from the state of Bahia myself, I was able to re-learn about well-known challenges from a new perspective, being a member of a larger organisation rather than only an individual citizen. Now that I study in the Global North, it was grounding to go back to my origins and see how things operate locally, expanding and even challenging what I learn at 91ÉçÇř.
By editing videos for the Fifth Conference of District 4391 and having individual conversations with people across Clubs and special Committees, I learned about various ongoing projects that speak to Rotary’s causes; from funding high-tech medical equipment for non-profit health centres to investing in self-sustaining agroforestry in rural areas. It became clear to me that Rotary Districts function as administrative and supportive bodies for the Clubs, ensuring cohesion and compliance with the missions of Rotary International, but allowing that individual projects are based on local knowledge and demands, as well as the skills and experience of Club members.
Particularly in International Development classes, emphasis is placed on the risks of dismissing local knowledge and expertise -- despite being an international organisation, Rotary is structured in a way that mitigates this issue while still maintaining its globalised form. By speaking with individual members of Clubs, District governance and Commissions, I learned about the multiple mechanisms that are in place to ensure international solidarity and connections. By immersing myself in Rotary’s structure, I now have a greater understanding of how to manage the local and global, better preparing me for future positions that operate on multiple levels.
As the District’s first ever intern, this was a learning experience for all involved; because Rotary Districts are administrative bodies, it was sometimes challenging for my supervisors and I to identify hands-on tasks for me, as those are often part of the Clubs’ work. Nonetheless, this was a valuable experience, as I got to learn about Rotary’s structure and make meaningful suggestions that spoke to members’ concerns. By attending and actively participating in large conferences, such as the Learning Seminar for Presidents-elect and Club Officers and Launch of CAMPÓLIO - Polio Eradication Vaccination Campaign, I became aware of ongoing issues in the District. Then, I took the initiative to write a list of strategies for improving inter-Club communication and cooperation, increasing the number of associates, and promoting the engagement of current ones. My supervisors’ receptivity made it clear that Rotary is enthusiastic about incorporating youth perspectives into their organisation.
Although I did not receive academic credit for completing this internship, the experience will significantly benefit me as a student. Having finished half of my bachelor's and two internships in different sides of civil society, I have a stronger understanding of the sector and how I can contribute to it as a professional. For this experience, I have to thank Ms. Martine Vanasse and Mr. Randall Wilbert, for the most generous donation that allowed me to explore my passion for non-profits, and the AIO, for guiding me once again through the internship process, ensuring that I make the most of it.
