Jenny Hunken

Jenny Hunken—2015 Fellow

Year: Class of 2016
Major: Political Science, American Studies (minor)
15 Now Minnesota

I wanted to utilize the unique opportunity of Chuck Green to connect my passion for local politics, economic justice, and directly engaging with the Twin Cities community. 15 Now Minnesota allowed me to perfectly mesh these interests together. 15 Now Minnesota is an organization that is working to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour with campaigns in the city of Minneapolis and at MSP airport.

My project included volunteer and data management and planning a student organizing component of the campaign. My project brought me to various community events throughout the Cities to build our base of supporters and recruit new volunteers. I also created volunteer trainings and spearheaded recruitment through phonebanks. I formed relationships with organizations that work on college campuses across the Cities to further involve students in this campaign.

It was an amazing opportunity to commit myself to work full time on an issue that I’m passionate about. I was fully integrated into the organization by getting to play roles in the Workers’ Rights Rally in Minneapolis, talk to workers at the airport about their campaign, sit in on all staff meetings, facilitate a volunteer meeting, and so much more. Day to day operations were exciting and always worked towards my ideals, which made each day meaningful. 15 Now Minnesota and the Chuck Green community supported me throughout the fellowship so I felt empowered to take on more as the summer progressed and grow my skills as a community organizer.