Meet a volunteer: Mallory Daily

Mallory Daily graduated from Marquette University with a degree in English and Philosophy. In college, she spent time working on projects through the Marquette Center for Peacemaking and the Women’s and Gender Studies Department. She is originally from Iowa City, Iowa where her parents and black lab, hank, still reside. Mallory will work at Interfaith Voices radio show.

What have you been doing at your placement?

At Interfaith Voices, I've been able to dip my toes into a variety of different things--audio editing, booking guests, writing introductions and interview questions, and getting to know the daily operations of a weekly public radio show. I hosted my first interview a few weeks ago, with a Tibetan Buddhist Monk, and have another one coming up next week.

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What is one thing you love about community living?

I love gradually discovering the amalgam of interests, beliefs, experiences and ideas that are situated at the core of our developing community. We're all different and we're all learning from each other, but we come together in quite a beautiful way.

What has been one surprise, challenge or learning this year?

Before the program began in DC, I didn't really even think about how I would get around in the city once things started rolling, but it's something that I have to be really intentional about now. It's time-consuming and expensive -- but it's a burden that most people living in the city (and really anyone without a car) must address every day. 

What do you value about your relationship with the Loretto Community?

The Loretto volunteers have traveled to New York City for the People's Climate March in September and also down to Georgia to attend the School of the Americas Watch & Vigil in November. I'm grateful to be connected to a group of women so dedicated to showing up for social justice and to helping younger generations understand what's at stake when we're silent. 

What advice do you have for someone considering doing a year of service?

Do your research! Talk to previous volunteers, ask questions to your prospective boss, explore the city you'll live in before you actually move, and once you've found the right program for you, commit to your year of service with enthusiasm and a full heart.