Who We Are:

Pennsylvania Young Professionals is an umbrella organization of regional young professionals groups across the Commonwealth, which will unify the effort to tackle critical issues concerning its demographic, including brain drain, economic development and urban decay.

Young professionals are dedicated, civic-minded people who have a clear vision for making their communities great places to live, work and play. Participating in young professionals groups strengthens the bonds that members have to their cities and towns and increases the chances that they will stay and contribute to future growth and success.

Our Origins:

PaYP was born out of the success of ImPAct, an annual young professionals statewide conference. For four years, the conference has attracted several hundred members of young professionals groups from across the Commonwealth with seminars and discussion groups on subjects ranging from the out-migration of talented young people to economic development. At the wrap-up discussion on the final day of ImPAct 2003 in Philadelphia, the seeds were sown for the development of a statewide young professionals group.

Our Mission:

The mission of the Pennsylvania Young Professional group is to empower talented young-thinking people in Pennsylvania by bringing together dynamic young professional groups across the state over issues concerning their demographic.

Our Goals:

• Communicate issues to legislators and business leaders, resulting in a climate suited to the attraction and retention of talented young people
• Share "best practices" among regional groups
• Assist new young professionals organizations in getting started and help established ones increase membership
• Serve as a powerful marketing tool for Pennsylvania
• Battle "brain drain" from a peer-perspective
• Address economic development issues
• Offer professional development resources

Our Structure:

Pennsylvania Young Professionals currently operates in a committee structure under the direction of a leadership committee. This leadership committee will determine the board makeup of the organization, its bylaws and its operational agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you define "Young Professional"?
Young-minded individuals who want to improve themselves and the community they live in.

How do I join the Pennsylvania Young Professionals?
The only way to join the statewide organization is by joining your young professionals organization. As an umbrella group, one of the goals of the Pennsylvania Young Professionals is to build regional participation so that young professionals groups across the Commonwealth each have a strong network of members. Your local group will have all the information you need about tapping into the statewide network.

How can the statewide organization help local organizations?

• Provide communications tools, such as a Web site, where local groups can learn about each others' most interesting and influential programs and use that information to become more effective organizations. Sharing "best practices" will enhance each group's performance and impact on its community
• Provide technical assistance to local YP organizations regarding 501(C)(3) status requirements and related lobbying prohibitions, and to assist new YP organizations get started
• Assist local organizations to secure government funding by serving as an information resource regarding potential funding sources

Who is funding Pennsylvania Young Professionals?
Team Pennsylvania Foundation has provided seed money to help the organization get started. Potential funding sources being considered for the future are foundations, state sources, large corporations, in-kind service donations, and fundraising.

What is Team Pennsylvania Foundation?
Team Pennsylvania Foundation is a dynamic public/private, economic development partnership that initiates and supports innovative programs to improve Pennsylvania's competitiveness and quality of life.

Team Pennsylvania Foundation is working to make the Commonwealth the national leader in economic growth. We accomplish this goal by supporting important economic development, expansion and retention opportunities; working to keep talent in Pennsylvania; providing comprehensive access to state and regional information about site location, expansion and workforce development; and networking with state and local leaders.

Is this a political organization?
No. PaYP is non-partisan in nature and is not affiliated with any political group or party. Organized under the auspices of Team Pennsylvania Foundation, the PaYP operates within the guidelines laid out for non-profit organizations. These regulations prohibit active lobbying.