Mino Danmark gives youngsters of minorities the tools to care for the society they live in.
Despite the social prejudices they face, Mino empowers “second generation immigrants” to succeed in society. This month we had a chat with Niddal El-Jabri, 32-year-old founder of the ‘do-tank’ Mino Danmark, who dedicates his time and energy on the minority question within the Danish society.
Active in the Nordics, Niddal shares with us his vision for a youth initiative dedicated to young citizens who find themselves politically homeless but care for the direction of the society. Mino trains and motivates the young generation to develop insights and feel empowered to move the status quo: A forum for all minorities to discuss their experiences is key to Mino’s mission. It is the first professional representative organisation for minority groups in Denmark.
Founder of Mino Danmark Niddal El-Jabri
If I ever publish an autobiography, this would be its tagline:
Opportunity should never discriminate.
You are based in Denmark, what do you love about the social impact community there?
I love our society. That’s why I do, what I do. I think, that is what all Danish NGOs have in common: why do they do their work: Danish NGOs want to protect and develop their society.
Do you measure your impact?
Yes we do. Our prime target group is plural cultural minorities under the age 25. We know that we are on the right track when they interact with our organization by showing support and get involved in one way or another!
But I should add that even though we may look like a mature organisation, Mino Danmark is only 1.5 years old. We have just managed to create a strong identity from the start, while growing very rapidly.
So, we are still in our infancy, and our real impact should be measured over the next years: increasingly democratic participation, improving representation in all senses, while ensuring that our target group becomes more self-sufficient.
Tell us more about your vision for Mino Danmark for 2018 and the years to come!
We’ve set ambitious goals for each year throughout our five-year strategy. Our 2018 goal is to open the organization to volunteers and members, and engage them in our community and campaigns. Our goal is 1,000 members by the end of the year. Parallel to that we are developing our Facts and Knowledge Department, which will fight fake facts while pushing our own agenda from a factual standpoint.
On which accomplishment within the last year are you particularly proud of?
If you take in to consideration that Mino Danmark is only 18 months old, I’m proud to have established the foundation of a fully democratic organisation – meaning that the members are the owners – with high-profile board members and eight employees.
Mino Danmark’s initiative against elimination of racial discrimination
I’m particularly proud of one event we held in a debate series called Minority Talks, where we invited the mother of a homosexual son on stage to spread her message: “To always support your kids, and turn away from the gossip society”. A short video of her speech has reached 15 percent of the Danish society and has been streamed for more then 350.000 minutes in total.
Always support your kids, and turn away from the gossip society. Niddal El-Jabri, CEO Mino Danmark Click To Tweet
I believe the video will have a huge impact and encourage children and their parents to have a more honest open relationship with each other, meaning that fewer people will have hide who they are.
What is the craziest thing you have so far done to market Mino Danmark?
Our inaugural campaign, Danish Since 2016, was pretty crazy. We put huge billboards in bus stops across the country, which promoted many of the different minorities who live in Denmark today. It was a statement to the homogenous mainstream Denmark, that we are here to stay – and we are Danish too!
What gives you sleepless nights right now?
I always measure my mental health by my ability to fall sleep, and I sleep like a charm.
I have never been afraid of failing, and I know that I am putting in my absolute best effort.
But my biggest concern is rather how to balance being responsible for leading Mino Danmark as it rapidly grows, while also being a loving dad to my sons.
Who inspires you personally?
I have two great friends, Michael and George, who have spent every waking moment over the past five years building a brand new sports platform. When they launched it in 2014, it was called Swoop Challenge, which changed to Swoop Freestyle FAI World Championships in 2017. Having followed them every step of the way, and having them follow me in return, is such an inspiration and motivation.
In my life, having friends who really know what you’re going through, is such a blessing
How do you inspire others?
Mino Danmark is bigger than any one individual. I do my best to focus on running the NGO and avoid becoming the face of the organization. It’s why our biggest activity, Minority Talks, is about putting the spotlight on the people we are concerned with helping. We give the stage to them – we even bring in outside experts to moderate the debates.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring change-makers, what would that be?
If you’re passionate about your idea and truly believe that it can amount to something – then go all in – full time! Ask people who share that passion to join you. It really is a struggle. It really is a sacrifice. But ever since I started Mino Danmark, I have loved waking up in the morning and going to work – every single day.
“Ever since I started Mino Danmark – I have loved waking up in the morning and going to work – every single day” says Niddal El-Jabri.
What could everyone do RIGHT NOW to make the world a better place?
Support Mino Danmark? (smiles)
Pay attention to how the limits of political decency are being pushed every day. Human rights conventions are extremely vulnerable and are under attack by some of the World’s most powerful leaders. We think we’ve reached a limit, only for them to go even further. What’s at stake are basic ideas about the dignity of human beings – that we are born equal and deserving of equal rights.
So pay attention to when your own boundaries, and those of people around you, are being pushed by outside forces. And when you see injustice and unfairness manifest itself around you, stand up against it.
Where can we engage with Mino Danmark and follow you?
The first place to start would be our Facebook page and website. Otherwise, follow our Instagram feed especially for great media from our different projects!
Hooked? Follow Mino Danmark for updates on Facebook and Instagram. Read more on Mino Danmark’s interesting story to growth on The Murmur.
About the author: Susanne Fischer learned about Mino Danmark during her time at 180 Degrees Consulting, the world’s largest student-run social impact consultancy. She met Niddal in Copenhagen at the very nascent stage of Mino Danmark. Now, Mino has grown to a sizable organizaton and cross-border sharing is key for impact.
