It's a Good Day to Change the World // Hadley Dynak + Lauren Schiller

Although Hadley Dynak’s time in Park City was relatively limited, having lived in town with her family from 2013 to 2018, her impact was strong. Serving as Executive Director for the Arts Council during that time, Dynak returned to California since but still feels connected and frequently returns to Park City — this time to promote her new book!

Dynak, alongside co-writer Lauren Schiller, are the authors of an inspirational book entitled, It’s a Good Day to Change the World. A long-time advocate for women’s rights and opportunities, Dynak blended several of her passions into the creation of this book; a deep interest in storytelling, commitment to social justice and belief in the arts as a powerful tool for change.

“This training taught me that the systems and structures that influence thinking and behavior are interconnected,” she explains. “Each of us is a product of our upbringing, family, culture, community, the environment we live in, and the environment we inherited. Yet we are all human beings with common basic needs and desires.” 

Dynak returns often to Park City. Her parents live in the area and she loves attending the Monster Drawing Rally and other art events the Arts Council produces. She’s also very excited to hear there is momentum to revisit the cultural planning project, Project ABC. Although, It’s a Good Day to Change the World was launched in the Bay Area, Park City was the second stop in a tour that went on for a month and included New York City.

“Both Lauren and I were grateful to have the support of the Park City Community Foundation Women’s Giving Fund in promoting the ShePlace event. I was an early member of the Fund, joining soon after we first moved, so it felt good to have them so enthusiastic. Jacki Zehner, Madison Limansky, and the whole ShePlace team were so gracious to host us and help us get our book into the world.”

The Utah Girls on the Run chapter purchased books for everyone at their annual gathering, and had the authors record a short video welcome which played at their event. “My daughter and husband participated in Girls on the Run when she was in elementary school at Jeremy Ranch so therewas a full circle back to our early days as new Park City “locals”. Lauren and I are hoping for more organizational partnerships to get the stories, tools, and advice of women leading change right now into the hands of those who can use it.”

There are many fabulous quotes within the collection of stories. “I love Betty Reid Soskin’s quote in the Share chapter about being on an upward spiral, especially when I’m feeling tired by the news and world events,” says Dynak. “She reminds us that we have come a long way, and it is the periods of chaos (like the one we are in now) that open up space to right past wrongs, re-imagine democracy, and set the stage for the next generation of changemakers. She gives me hope.”

The book was a labor of love on many levels for both authors and they are excited to see it on bookstore shelves. “It was designed as a practical, accessible, giftable guidebook for anyone who wants to make change in their lives or in the world.”

The book is available for purchase on Amazon and here.