yep! @ You Lead

Since yep!'s inception, we have worked to become more active in the local and statewide communities by working to create a better environment for young professionals to thrive in Pennsylvania. In the past, our Civic Engagement Committee has worked on the local level to organize political debates and forums to educate our members - and the community at large - about issues that impact our age demographic.

yep! -like many young professionals organizations from across the Commonwealth - can help politicians connect to younger voters in many different ways. In addition, each organization can provide the perspective of their membership to help create better legislation and overall impact in Pennsylvania.

A few days ago I received a e-mail from Erin Molchany at PUMP - Pittsburgh Urban Magnate Project - about an initiative she is working on with Pennsylvania State Senator Rob Wonderling.

The initiative is called You Lead and to quote their press release is " a statewide effort to engage citizens age 21 – 34 in policy with the goal of the program to make Pennsylvania a premier state for young adults to live, work, and start a business. By providing a forum that welcomes discussion about issues and public policy throughout the state, and by working together with individuals from all regions, young people will be empowered to advance a legislative agenda that brings a fresh perspectives and creative solutions to Pennsylvania’s challenge of attracting and retaining new generations of residents and business owners.

On November 19, 2008, YouLead hosted a conference in Harrisburg with young people, entrepreneurs, educators, and legislators to discuss the issues important to Pennsylvania’s youth. The result was a number of proposals centered around three areas: Entrepreneurship; Education; and Empowerment. This winter, we have been working on legislation to address these issues, along with organizing a statewide young person’s network, and developing a platform for the younger adult population of the state to have their voice heard in Harrisburg."

I will be traveling to Harrisburg next for the kickoff of the YouLead initiative and look forward to working with the yep! leadership team to help us make a larger impact.