Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Minks.
Hannah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been informally observing for a while now that young professionals care deeply about a variety of social causes and political issues — but they don’t always take the next step to proactive service in their communities. Millennials, for example, are simultaneously branded “generation nice” and “slacktivists,” reflecting a type of activism that exists strictly online (e.g. #MeToo). So, what do we do with that? Here, we have oodles of people known to be uniquely kind whose concern for others lives primarily on the Internet. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but I think we could be doing better.
Enter 10 Dorothy Days, parties for a good cause. I’m a theology teacher by day who happens to moonlight as a DJ from time to time. Because of the former, I’ve been involved in a great deal of service work. Because of the latter, I know how to create an atmosphere designed for people to have a good time. This presents a unique opportunity: what if I host events that are fun, celebratory and have a service component? There are many cultural indications that people are yearning for community and a shared sense of identity (more on that another time), so I’m not sure why we wouldn’t feed that need very intentionally around both the human desires for fun and helping our neighbors.
As for Dorothy Day and where she fits in, I chose her as the face for the project not only because it allows for a punny name, but she was an absolute force to be reckoned with when it came to serving her community. More importantly, she’s completely relatable. She had a smoking habit that took her years to kick, she had an abortion that she later came to regret, she advocated for free love — and she also opened her own personal home to the poor and vulnerable during the Great Depression, elbowed her way into spaces dominated by men, was arrested on multiple occasions for her peace and justice advocacy, and prayed diligently to her Maker all the while.
Bottom line: she was a human being who struggled to be her best self just like the rest of us, and she put forth her best effort to actively build community through service in a time marked by despair, and now the Catholic Church recognizes her as on the road to sainthood. What better model for us? Catholic or not, religious or not—there’s something to be said for a badass woman who is unapologetically herself living out the balance between demanding social rights while living out personal responsibilities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m happy to report that the journey, though in its nascent stage, has been quite smooth! I applied for a grant through an organization called Interfaith Youth Core back in January, I was fortunate enough to receive it, and then I hit the ground running. It’s been a moving experience because anytime I tell people about the idea, the response has been, “That sounds great, let me know how I can help.” My deep hope is that this is because I’m addressing a need that actually exists and that I’m not simply cooking up something I want to do because it seems cool. That’s the worst thing I could do.
On that note, there is a great deal of personal struggle in constantly thinking about what will be the most meaningful experience for everyone involved. How do I make sure people actually have fun and get inspired by the events? How do I ensure that the work we do feels impactful for the organizations with whom each event partners? And how do I make sure that people are actually being served in a sustainable way from all angles? It’s tough because the project is quite vulnerable to loads of criticism if I make a misstep when it comes to designing an event that thoughtfully engages people with effectively serving their community in a proactive way— all in the context of a party-like atmosphere.
These events don’t actually kick off, though, until June 15 — so who knows? Maybe it will be a bust, and I’ll answer this question differently come July! I’m open to any and all possibilities and I’m prepared to make the necessary adjustments if need be.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about 10 Dorothy Days – what should we know?
10 Dorothy Days is a project that I’m hoping to grow into a proper nonprofit organization, and this is the gist: we should be getting to know our neighbors, this should be done in the context of serving our communities together, and we should have fun while doing so. In practice, this looks like 10 different events that begin on June 15th and run through November 1st, each hosted by a local business and in partnership with a Chicago-based nonprofit already doing good work in the community. The events will feel much like a house party, a TED talk, and community service combined.
What makes me most proud of the project is that it’s taking ideas that have already been gobbled up by folks in my target audience and I’m synthesizing them in a way that will feel seamless while adding my own unique twist. For instance, people have been flocking to events like The Moth or The Big Quiet where they can connect with their neighbors on a more meaningful level. I think people are thirsty for positive connections, particularly against the backdrop of a troublesome political climate that many find dismal. In addition, I think the reality of a lot of folks not necessarily beating feet to dedicating their time to volunteerism is because the work week is rough. It’s nothing new that the daily grind of being a cog in a machine can take its toll, so all we want to do at the end of the week is blow off steam or totally relax. Keeping that in mind, I love the idea of bringing people into space where they will do some work, but it certainly won’t feel like a drag. It should feel like a breath of fresh air that feeds and resounds with the depths of what I think we all need — a shared sense of purpose in improving the world in which we live, each of us living out our distinct role.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There is no way that any of this would be coming to fruition if it weren’t for tremendous people along the way. Anne Germanacos is a philanthropist who made the grant possible through her generosity, and I am eternally grateful for that. I have had this idea for a while, and the only thing that held me back was not having the money to make the rubber meet the road. Similarly, the grant was made available through Interfaith Youth Core, an organization based here in Chicago that seeks to build bridges of cooperation across lines of religious difference. The whole team there has been so incredibly helpful in providing me with resources and skills that will help advance the project. Usra Ghazi, another member of the IFYC family, deserves credit for being a wonderful thought partner and in giving the project its snappy name! Mat Schramm is a phenomenal photographer and graphic designer who everyone should see for their needs in that regard, as he’s the most wonderful person to work with. I also owe deep gratitude to Pilsen Community Books for so graciously offering their space for many of the events, as well as all the partnering organizations for offering their time to the events and giving people memorable and impactful opportunities to improve the community.
Lastly, I have been blessed with many loved ones in my life who constantly offer great support. Sometimes it’s in the shape of my wonderful friends giving me invaluable constructive feedback, and sometimes it’s in the shape of my grandmother always telling me how much she believes in me. Without these extra boosts of encouragement along the way, I would have never even thought to pursue the opportunity at all.
Contact Info:
- Website: 10dorothydays.com
- Email: hannah@10dorothydays.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendorothydays/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/10dorothydays/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Image Credit:
Mat Schramm
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
