There are so many organizations that encourage involvement in the Dayton region – clubs and associations focused on topics from entertainment to networking to recreation to hobbies to philanthropy to professional development and more. But there’s a certain niche of organizations that are specifically directed toward “young professionals,” and that’s what I’ll be sharing with you through DaytonMostMetro.com.

First, let’s get the *full disclosure* out of the way. I’m on the team that put together the updayton “Young Creatives Summit,” so obviously this is something I feel passionately about. I also volunteer as the co-chair of the Culture Works Associate Board that puts together deals and events to better connect young professionals to the many arts opportunities in the region. I’ve been to events sponsored by DULYP, DCS, GenD, the Red Cross Associate Board, and more; I like what’s going on in the region for YPs and I’m looking forward to keeping you in the loop.

Now for this term “young professional.” Some people I’ve talked with have been turned-off by the stigma of the term “young professional” thinking that it still carries the negative Yuppie stereotype that it did in the 80s & 90s. Others fear the term neglects those who love their careers and callings, but are not considered 9-to-5 “professionals.” And people who are unemployed, in temporary positions as they search for their career, or doing amazing work as volunteers, may feel left out by not being “professional” at all. If you have better suggestions (remember, I’m part of the group who took a shot with “young creatives”) – leave them in the comments. The term young professional is what we have, so that’s what you’ll see throughout these articles. I’m talking to you if you’re in your 20s/30s – regardless of career choice or lifestyle. And if there are any stipulations about the type of young professional you have to be to participate, I’ll let you know.

There are a lot of ways that people in their 20s and 30s are getting connected, making a difference, and having fun in the region. And these organizations aren’t necessarily working against each other. I’ve seen some true partnerhsips developing; just over the past year, a quarterly lunch has been held so that representatives from some of the local YP organizations can gather to coordinate schedules, cross-promote events, and share ideas and resources. There is collaborration happening where groups are supporting one another and encouraging members to explore different events. Although our region may appear super-saturated by YP organizations, I think it speaks to the critical mass of YPs in the region that so many unique organizations can exist and remain sustainable.

So, moving forward, I’m going to try and keep you up-to-date on opportunities specifically for young professionals throughout the region. For those who claim, “there’s nothing to do,” it’s because they’re not looking hard enough. Lots of great YP organizations, events, and people making a difference will be highlighted in the future. If there’s anything specific you’d like to see on these pages or if you’re interested in a certain topic, leave it in the comments.

Just a few events coming up this week for YPs:

Generation Dayton: May 11 at 5:30 at the Ohio Coffee Co. – Downtown Dayton: Present and Future– A great opportunity to hear about the role of YPs in changes happening downtown, learn about great opportunities to get active this summer through Five Rivers MetroParks, and talk about how DaytonMostMetro.com is working to bring the region together online.

United Way Young Leaders Series: Connecting Career with Community – Marketing yourself in the Dayton region
May 12th from 8:00 – 9:30 am at the Sinclair Ponitz Center

GenD keeps the week moving along with their monthly Thirsty Thursday. On May 13 it’s at Brio at the Greene starting at 5:30 PM.

Dayton Urban League Young Professionals: check out the YP at Play night at Therapy Cafe on the second Friday of each month (May 14). They pull out the old school board games, get active with Twister and Musical Chairs, and have an all out great time.

JumpstART: JumpstART is the activity arm of the Culture Works Associate Board. You know you’ve wanted to check out Urban Nights (Friday, May 14), but if you don’t know what to expect or where to go – they’ll take the mystery out with a hybrid art hop/pub crawl around the city.