This article has been making its way around email this monring. A group in Greensboro has created a simple way to engage young adults in the giving process to community organizations. There is an attempt being made in Roanoke by the United Way to do something similar. Perhaps seeing the vision in Greensboro will inspire Roanokers to do something similar. Groups like Valley Forward, NewVa Connects, Square Society and other YP groups have given many dollars through their fundraising efforts. This would be an attempt to create a more general fund. Thoughts?

The progress of the YP movement is Roanoke is credited to the emergence of the pleathora of YP organizations -each offering something different and unique. If you are new to the area, looking for a way to get involved or to meet new people, then visit one of these organizations.

• Ad2Roanoke - http://www.ad2roanoke.org
• Contemporaries - http://www.contemporariesroanoke.org
• First Fridays - http://www.firstfridaysroanoke.com
• NewVa Connects - http://www.newvaconnects.org
• Roanoke Jaycees - http://www.roanokejaycees.com
• Square Society - http://www.squaresociety.org
• Valley Forward - http://www.valleyforward.net
• Young@Art - http://www.youngatartinroanoke.com

Okay, the first five parts to this series looked at he examples at how progress is being made in Roanoke and RNR to attract and retain young professionals.

1. The movement is bigger than Roanoke
2. Qualitative stories of people returning
3. Media influence
4. Champions have been established
5. It’s now a political issue

Employers are now beginning to take notice of the real threat of not attracting and retaining young professionals as it relates to maintaining and growing local companies. More and more are asking for strategy assistance. They are asking to come in and talk to their young professionals to get them connected, so they do not loose them to other areas. In fact, NewVa Connects, a YPO, is planning to establish a greeter’s program for local companies for their new young adult hires.

At a recent Roanoke Valley Society of Human Resource Managersmeeting, I spoke to them about some of the facts, communication challenges, and programs that we are offering to address the issues. Over 80 employers attended and I received about 10 follow up emails from the event. Further, the NewVa Corridor Technology Council executive director shared the common issue facing its technology-company membership was attracting candidates with the relevant skill sets with 5-15 years of experience (i.e. 26-40 years of age).

Succession planning is also getting more attention. I have sat in on meetings with very large institutions who employ thousands of workers and they are growing more and more concerned with the mass exodus of Boomers from their organization and a very thin set of middle managers to keep the ships moving.

All of these examples illustrate that employers have finally taken notice of the importance of the issue. Our final installment tomorrow will look at how local college students are embracing Roanoke and the RNR after graduation.   

Last time, we talked about how the media has helped influence community awareness and urgency of the YP movement. In parts 1 and 2 of the series, we stated that the YP movement is bigger than Roanoke, and as a result, a plethora of qualitative stories of people staying and returning to the region have emerged.

These first 3 components created a positive momentum, which leads to our 4th piece -  champions have been established  for the YP movement.  Front and center are the YPOs (Young Professional Organizations).  At least eight have emerged or resurrected offering a unique opportunity based on one’s interest in arts, entertainment, business, service, political advocacy, etc.  Ad2Roanoke, Contemporaries, First Fridays, NewVa Connects, Roanoke Jaycees, Square Society, Valley Forward, Young at Art are just a few of the  groups who have made an impact, and countless other informal groups found on MeetUp.com, and other online communities who are bringing people together. 

The YPOs also stressed throughout the last two years the need for a “things to do” comprehensive site. Two sets of friends both stepped up to offer a solution to a common communication struggle. MyScoper.com offers fancy technology in a fun interactive way to learn more about the comprehensive events in the region. RoanokeNights.com provides a look at Roanoke’s vibrant nightlife.

Finally, we are beginning to see more government, non-profit and charitable organizations asking for YPs to serve on their boards. These groups are beginning to ask how they can tap into this creative energy and fresh ideas.  As a result from building a decentralized group of champions, the YP movement is pulling more weight in the political environment. The next blog post will examine this tomorrow.