I frequently get asked HOW TO do this. Following is a short list of Do's and Don’ts, followed by a list of YP networks from across the country. These folks are tremendous at sharing what they know...so go visit, invite their leaders to your community, or drop them a line.
DO
- Dedicate staff to manage the membership database and coordinate events
- Have events at “cool” locations (ie new bars or nightclubs, legendary or historic places, or cutting edge companies)
- Have a reason for each meeting beyond just “social/networking.” (In Milwaukee, we’ve had diversity cafés, introductions to the performing arts, mayoral debates, etc.)
- Have appetizers/food and beverages
- Allow the YPs to tell you what they want to work on, and then facilitate making it happen
- Study and reach out to other successful Young Professionals groups
DON’T
- Put a hard age range on the group. In Milwaukee we say it’s for folks under 35 and the young at heart
- Allow the leadership of the group to be all white or all older. Make it a mix of singles, new transplants to the area, local cheerleaders, etc.
- Allow the pale, male, and stale to drive the group’s agenda
- Underestimate the power of this group
- Believe you have all the answers; ask them for the answers
- Assume they’ll know how to run the organization; they may need your help