As a small yet mighty social enterprise, RISE has a bit of a challenge we are trying to solve for: the needs of our clients far exceed our capacity and available resources. Sound familiar?

Well, RISE hasn't met an obstacle yet we haven't tried to overcome, and we're not gonna stop now! Enter: interns, except different.

Partnering with interns to support their learning all while supporting the mission-driven work of the placement agency is not a new thing. That's why we all love our interns. They are idealistic and enthusiastic and want to explore the world of work. We want to support their growth and we value their contribution enormously.

RISE's first interns, who we renamed Global Innovation Fellows (GIFs), have taught us a thing or two about our assumptions about the upper limits of what interns can do.

Interns are great fundraisers. Interns can spark global movements. And interns, fellows, and students alike are our future.

Brittany, Lili, and Maen have tapped into something special with their Berlin project. They are doing so well on their fundraising targets. They are activating networks in the U.S., Germany, and around the world in support of refugees. And they have signed-on to help address one of the largest global challenges of our time. That right there my friends, is something I can get behind in these times of uncertainty.

Our GIFs are part of the inspiration behind two exciting initiatives that RISE is brewing-up to tap into community readiness to take local action for global impact.

The first initiative is an expansion of our Fellowship program supported by an interactive e-platform where students, universities, and placement agencies can develop and foster learning, and all be on the same page/screens during their placement with RISE. Current GIFs will then help guide next year's incoming class of GIFs, paying it forward.

The second initiative is the launch of the REFUGEES WELCOME campaign, which kicks off with the a reveal of our platform where we'll share info about social movements and provide communities with an organizing structure.

The first product of the campaign will be posters, with shout-outs to communities across the world, available for purchase online with 100% of proceeds going to support RISE's mission.

If we can generate revenue to support our mission, crowdsource a viral poster, and support communities to act locally for global impact, all while building a network of support for refugees worldwide, that's a win-win that resonates profoundly.

And so it begins; another chapter in RISE's journey to protect refugees, build welcome, and of course, keep bringing on interns!

Click the green button below to support and follow the GIF's journey into the great possible.