Ploymint

Have you heard of Young Professional Committees? Don’t worry if you haven’t; I didn’t until I started working at my company and started managing ours. Young Professional Committees (YPCs) contribute to the mission of an organization through philanthropic endeavors, fundraising events, and more. These are committees specifically meant for millennials to join, and are beneficial to both millennials and organizations. Millennials are given an opportunity to give back to their communities, enhance their resumes, and portray their companies within the community. Organizations additionally benefit because they receive more help in reaching their mission, as well as receiving the perspectives of millennials.

Why are Young Professional Committees becoming more popular?

Volunteering
Millennials are already volunteering more than past generations have according to Huffington Post.  Why’s that? Millennials are said to view volunteering as an “important obligation” rather than something that is optional. This generation wants to give back, and wants to help people.

Expectation
YPCs are becoming an expectation of larger organizations. Managing Directors ask the millennials of their organizations what they do outside of work. They’re not looking to hear that we spend Sundays on the couch watching football or at bottomless brunch; they want to hear that we’re giving back to our communities. By being part of a YPC you’re showing your superiors that your work ethic doesn’t simply just end when you step out of the office at 5 PM. Instead, you’re utilizing your talents into helping out in the community.

Representation
By being on a YPC you’re showing the world how dedicated the corporation you work for is to giving back. You’re giving your company good publicity by proving that its employees care.

What are some perks to Young Professional Committees?

Networking
Not only will you get the chance to network with fellow millennials who share the same interests and passions as you do, but you’ll also get a chance to network with board members.

Giving Back
You’ll be able to make a direct impact in the lives of people right in your community. Remember, volunteering is a great way to ensure happiness.

Experience
If you ever plan on sitting on a Board of Directors later in life, being on a YPC will provide you with great experience as to what it may be like.

How do I become involved?
Most nonprofit organizations have a YPC. Of course if you simply Google search Young Professional Committee you’re bound to find some, but here are some examples to point you in the right direction:

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (Search for your location on their site)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

The Parent-Child Home Program (Come work with me if you’re in NYC!)
The Parent-Child Home Program envisions a world where every child enters school ready to succeed because every parent has the knowledge, skills, and resources to build school readiness where it starts: the home.

United Way
United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.

Young Professional Committees are becoming more popular for a reason; millennials want to be involved, and companies want their employees to be involved. I strongly encourage you to join one if you are able too. The above four organizations are great places to start, however be on the lookout for other opportunities in your community. Additionally, ask your supervisors if they sit on the board of any organizations. If they say yes, inquire whether the organization has a Young Professional Committee. I guarantee you’ll not only impress your boss, but also enjoy the work you’ll be getting to do.