How can young professionals get more civically engaged?

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Permalink Reply by Erik Deckers on August 22, 2008 at 3:06pm

Giving Sum is a civic organization that seeks to involve young professionals.

Getting them involved here is also a good way. That's one thing Smaller Indiana hopes to do.

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Cufaude on August 23, 2008 at 6:11am

Not completely sure what your desired end result is Erin. In terms of sharing ideas, they can blog, comment on blogs, write letters to the editor, communicate with their neighborhood leaders and elected officials, etc.

Getting ideas implemented? That takes time and an in-person commitment. Groups like Smaller Indiana, Giving Sum, Indy Hub, Ambassadors, etc. all provide easy entry points for people looking to get engaged civically without the more extensive time commitments required of board service, etc.

I think Indy already has opportunities and forums comparable with several of the cities you mention. Like any city, they just aren't always well-known nor taken advantage of.

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Permalink Reply by Theresa Browning on August 23, 2008 at 10:52am

I too am confused by the question. Nonprofits like mine are eager for active volunteers willing to commit to a project - short or long term. There are other smaller non-profit organizations with no paid staff where a young person can make a dramatic impact because "those who do the work make the decisions." In an election year, registering voters and helping at the polls is a tremendous need. Mainstream religious institutions are starved for young blood. The opportunities are out there to make a difference.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Dager on August 25, 2008 at 11:06am

I think you have contributed already, asking questions on Smaller Indiana.

I may be reading more into your question, but are you asking not on the how but more on the engagement? What I have misunderstood for years, it is not sometimes the sense of fulfillment in serving a cause but the sense that a volunteer/member made a "significant contribution." With significant being the key word.

An old adage is that: "It is not a matter of time, but a matter of priorities." If you are going to take away from your time, our most important commodity, you just don't want to help out. You want to make a difference. I think all cities and nonprofits are struggling with this. We always say to many chiefs and not enough Indians. But I do not believe that to be true. I think younger professionals can be engaged with smaller volunteer groups headed by volunteers vs. staff and better planning which will allow for goal setting, etc. I do think young people want to engage and will do what is necessary, if they can make a significant difference. It must be the goal of the organizations and cities asking for help to realize this and engage the young professional on their terms.

I also think the young professionals must create their own opportunities in existing forums. For example, I know of one young professional that joined the rotary in Chicago and after moving to Cleveland developed immediate relationships in a strange city. Looking at national forums such as this, I believe is great practice for a young professional. I have seen others do this in a political forum.

I would appreciate your comment to know if I am off base or not?

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Permalink Reply by Erin Albert on August 25, 2008 at 11:12am

Yes, thank you for your feedback.

The group I am thinking about is already well engaged with volunteerism/leadership/and other not for profit and leadership initiatives in town. What I'm asking about is leadership for YPs "2.0". Young professionals are busy (like everyone else) but they usually are OK giving up time provided that their voices are heard and they are making real, salient contributions that leaders above them are implementing. I have a group that is really top shelf, but I want to figure out how to get this brain trust solving real problems in our community and making a difference at a much broader level than just the acts of one. Very Jungian, very collective unconscious, but I do believe that a group of people with varied backgrounds can solve problems far better and broader than merely individually.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Dager on August 25, 2008 at 11:32am

My opinion: Form a group on Smaller Indiana and start discussing your ideas openly among your group. Content is king, other will listen and comment.

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Permalink Reply by Stephen James on August 25, 2008 at 2:12pm

Sounds like you want a forum, but also need the people that you want in the forum, too. The second is the hard part. I'm not sure how you would organize it. I would think that most would have a different purpose or area that they want to be a part of. Good luck with your umbrella forum.

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Permalink Reply by aaron story on September 1, 2008 at 1:39am

Interesting question- I'm a bit late to the party here but will take a brief stab after stumbling in late from Fringe.

MY OBSERVATION- Indy lacks a sufficient number of socialpreneurs for the type and large scale social issues we are facing. I would love to hear more about Indy's youngest and brightest being charged with addressing the real social issues through direct encounters. The laundry list is well covered of the types of challenges. Talking about social issues that impact the voiceless of our city.

Test out these "brain trusts" and drop em in a near eastside block- with little money and little support and see what gets generated. Especially since with most issues dumping money on the problem isn't the solution.

The fresh approach and source of new (or renewed) ideas regarding social service, social justice, and community impact could provide the fresh spark needed for solutions that truly meet the established objectives. And potentially bring the needed challenge to the status quo solutions and stereotypes in our neighborhoods with solutions stemming from emerging minds; immersed in fresh energy and creativity to birth the solutions that impact the people in our neighborhoods.

And a great way to observe who has the stick-to-itiveness and moxy for identifying solutions to problems which carry no promise of adding another zero to the paycheck. And that translates back into their "real worlds" too.

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Permalink Reply by Erin Albert on September 1, 2008 at 9:15am

THANKS for your honest feedback.

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Permalink Reply by Max Robinson on September 6, 2008 at 2:00pm

The government is not your friend. What you learned in government schools is only what they want you to know. Government lies and makes you believe they are your superiors when their genuine job title is "public servant." They're stealing your country. TAKE IT BACK! Organize, statagize and show them that you know the truth.

http://hoosiermaster.com
Click on "Discussion boards" in the left hand column and start helping make a difference here in your "nation state," the Republic of Indiana.

Madd Maxx-

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Permalink Reply by Andy Fraizer on October 3, 2008 at 10:43am

A great way for young professionals to become meaningfully engaged is to join the board of directors of a local non-profit organization. My organization represents a number of such organizations who are always looking for leadership potential. If you are located in Indianapolis, you can attend the Get on Board: Roadmap to Community Involvement event hosted by the Lacy Leadership Association, et. al. You will find details about the event online at http://www.sklla.org/programs/getonboard.html. The annual Get on Board event connects community leaders, business professionals, corporate executives and others interested in making a positive impact in our community with participating nonprofit organizations in need of qualified board members and volunteers.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Bowe on October 19, 2008 at 9:10pm

Find some of your peers who are in the media, and see if they are open to input from people who think for a living, and not just drive someplace and show up with a microphone. If you can get your peer group of "reporters" to return to investigative and research oriented reporting instead of sensationalized sound bites, you will be doing a service beyond any not for profit you might support.

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