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UCP Young Professionals (UCP-YP)
This newly formed organization stems from the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cincinnati organization. Because this section of UCP just began, you can be an instrumental part of its future and its impact on the Cincinnati area. UCP-YP strives to connect local professionals "to advance the independence of individuals with disabilities and to enable their full inclusion in all aspects of life and society," according to the Web site.
United Way Emerging Leaders' Society (ELS)
As a United Way organization, the ELS has three priorities: better prepare children for kindergarten, ensure financial stability for Greater Cincinnati families, and ensure that youth succeed in school and life, says Katy Crossen, senior marketing associate at United Way of Greater Cincinnati. "We believe that education is going to create a stronger community as a whole," Crossen says. Members of ELS stay committed to these priorities with an annual donation of $1,000 or more and participation in various volunteer projects. With their level of support, members also enjoy United Way benefits geared toward YPs, such as professional workshops, career building activities and networking opportunities.
WINGs: Women Investing in the Next Generation
This United Way organization is an extension of the Greater Cincinnati Women Leadership Council (WLC), which was ranked as "one of the top four women's groups in the nation," according to the WINGs Web site. The women in this organization tend to be toward the older end of the YP spectrum, and they donate anywhere from $2,500 to $9,999 annually. Besides their annual donation, WINGs members volunteer on service projects, advocate laws focused on one of the three United Way priorities, and network with other leading Cincinnati women.
Young Professionals of the American Cancer Society (YPACS)
"YPACS is a community-based volunteer organization made up of young adults (ages 21 to 45) dedicated to assisting the American Cancer Society in its mission to eliminate cancer through research, education, advocacy and service," according to the group's Web site. The group also organizes fundraising events to benefit the Hope Lodge, which provides the families of cancer patients with a comfortable, affordable place to stay when their loved ones are in Cincinnati for cancer treatment.
As the name suggests, this volunteer organization serves the Greater Cincinnati community over wine. "I initially got involved with Bacchanalian Society after going to one of the quarterly wine tastings with friends and enjoying it immensely," volunteer Monika Roberts says. "It seemed like getting involved was a great way to meet new people while giving back to various worthy nonprofits." The Bacchanalian Society organizes four wine tastings a year to gather local professionals to network with a cause, as each wine tasting benefits a different charity.
Cincinnati Habitat Young Professionals (CHYP)
CHYP members build relationships as they build housing for under-privileged families to call home. This organization under Habitat for Humanity strives "to energize our neighborhoods toward progress and to lead our communities in positive change," according to the group's Web site.
This zero-paid-employee organization seeks to connect local leaders in the cause to give back to the Greater Cincinnati community while having fun and meeting new people. Give Back Cincinnati organizes seven to 10 major "volunteer and civic engagement" events and several more social events throughout the year, according to its Web site.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Cincinnati (IHN)
This organization connects YPs with one another and with volunteers from the religious community to fight against homelessness in the Queen City. Local churches and synagogues provide food and shelter for families in need, and volunteers help provide meals and mentoring, among other services. This organization provides the homeless with a home, as temporary as it may be, without sacrificing their dignity or self-esteem.
Club Red members are YPs who support the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Red Cross. Whether preventing emergencies or responding to disasters, Club Red members make a difference in the local community while expanding their social and professional networks.
A Personalized Volunteer Opportunity
When it comes to volunteering, it's always nice to work toward a cause you support and do it in a way that fits your personality. So one of the Cincy Chic top 10 ways to get involved in Greater Cincinnati is to find a volunteer organization that fulfills your passion. But we won't leave you in the dust to find that opportunity for yourself. Use one of three volunteer matching methods to ensure that you will find the service experience that is right for you.
VolunteerMatch.org allows you to search volunteer opportunities by ZIP code, city, state or key word. So whether you want to work with children or you'd rather work toward a healthy environment, you can search for events and opportunities that match your volunteering criteria. "You're able to peruse all the opportunities and get involved as an individual," Roberts says.
For a more local and personalized match, call 211 to get connected with United Way's Volunteer Connection at 211. "If you need help or can give help, call 211," Crossen says. By calling the volunteer connection, you can specify what type of volunteering commitment you would like based on specific times, locations or interests. United Way is affiliated with hundred of programs and agencies, so they have the resources to cater the volunteer experience to you.
To take an even more personalized approach, ask friends and family about getting involved. "I think that's more meaningful, as you're getting a one-on-one recommendation to help with an organization that means something to someone you know," Roberts says. Also, it's much easier to jump into a new experience when you know someone else who will be jumping with you.
But whether you spread the word about a particular disease or you pick up a hammer to build a home, you can stay chic and strong with any volunteer opportunity. So open up your imagination and open up your heart and get going to make the Queen City even better than it already is!
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View all articles by this author Last update: 17-02-2009 13:34
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