Your investments in United Way’s work are inspiring a whole new wave of supporters. And those supporters are eager to take on our community’s tough challenges.

Emerging Leaders is our young professionals group getting involved with United Way’s work. We’ve been focused on this group of 20- and 30-year-olds for the last three years.

Right now we engage more than 4,000 Emerging Leaders, bringing them together in three ways:

1. Volunteering on the second Saturday of every month at partner nonprofits (we now fill 2-3 projects per month!).
2. Networking at fun quarterly events, like the April happy hour at Nordstrom.
3. Meeting and learning from community leaders, like Ben Danielson, at our Speaker Series that Fred Devereux kicked off for us at the end of last year.

We’re looking at substantial growth for Emerging Leaders over the next five years. The end of June marks the end of United Way’s fiscal year, at which point we plan to exceed 4,400 Emerging Leaders. Our overall goal: 10,000 Emerging Leaders by 2020—we know we’ll get there with your help.

You’ve probably heard a few mumblings about Millennials. Most likely, some that aren’t so positive. But these Emerging Leaders turn all that upside-down.

They’re the first to sign up, not just for the Emerging Leaders events above but also for MLK Day of Service, Day of Caring, Free Tax Prep Campaign and other United Way volunteer opportunities. They’re passionate about homelessness, the education gap and other hot topics in our community. They give to United Way!

But probably best of all, they’re not afraid to speak up for change.

What’s next? Join Emerging Leaders or tell someone you know about this great way to connect with where they live, work and play.