Network
As young professionals we know that networking is important, not just to make new business contacts but also to make new social connections. While many believe that one of the best attributes of the Upper Valley is its rural nature, this can also make it difficult for young people to connect. Unlike living near a big city center, many young professionals work and live in physically distant locations, altogether unique to other residents. That’s why Upper Valley Young Professionals feels it is important to centralize the Upper Valley community by regularly hosting social events.
For each of these gatherings, we partner with a different local business that will foster social interaction between members. We enjoy supporting local businesses, in both New Hampshire and Vermont, while providing a forum for young professionals to connect with those that they normally wouldn’t cross paths with where they live or work. In this way, our community fabric is strengthened beyond what normally would exist during the course of daily interactions. Whether you are a newcomer to the area, or a lifelong resident this can be an invaluable opportunity to make new connections with your fellow community members.
Whether you are interested in expanding your business or social network, or just want an excuse to go out after work, please visit us at our next event!
Develop
With the continual need to adapt in a fast paced world, there will always be a need for young professionals to improve their professional capacity. The Upper Valley Young Professionals strive to make learning the skills needed in today’s world easily accessible to our members. UVYP has partnered with non-profit and business organizations across New Hampshire and Vermont to provide resources on topics like starting a new business, financial planning, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance. For example, we have partnered with Upper Valley Business Alliance and Stay Work Play New Hampshire to make development opportunities available to our members. We also host events based on feedback from what our members are most interested in learning.
Being a member of UVYP also helps to develop one’s own career. Being a relatively young group, there are various leadership opportunities for members both on the UVYP Steering Committee, and by chairing events that a member is passionate about. When a member comes to the Steering Committee with an idea in one of our three areas of focus that the group decides to pursue, that member has the opportunity to take the lead on that project while the Steering Committee gives them support along the way. Employers love to see examples of leadership and civic involvement, and UVYP can help young professionals to add these strengths to their skill set just by being a member.
Impact
There is no better way to get to know your community around you than to give back to it. The opportunity to give back not only improves the quality of life in the Upper Valley, but also helps us as individuals to feel connected to our community as a whole. As young professionals we believe that we have a unique opportunity to do our own part in helping to shape our community into the place that we want to continue to live and work in for our own generation and for those to come. The Upper Valley Young Professionals gives back to the local community by supporting local groups, causes and businesses in the Upper Valley, in both New Hampshire and Vermont. For example, our members staffed a water stop at the CHaD (Children Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock) HERO, and have since made this an annual tradition.
There are numerous things we can do to give back both big and small and we are always welcome to members’ ideas on their favorite ways to do so.
Code of Conduct
All Upper Valley Young Professionals (UVYP) Steering Committee Members will be forthcoming about who they are and what their intentions are for their involvement with the organization. Prior to their elections, they will furnish accurate and updated resumes. They will represent the organization in a professional manner at all times. They will be honest and transparent about the amount of funds that are procured for UVYP as well as how they will be used. They will make an effort to be socially accessible and inclusive to everyone present at the group-sanctioned events. They will respond to contact (via email, text message, phone call, etc.) in a timely manner. They will contribute to group projects in a consistent manner. They will use their personal business connections to advance the success of the entire organization, but not to merely support their own individual interests.
UVYP harbors an environment in which its members are comfortable and respected. Each Steering Committee member of UVYP should be considerate of their actions and consider how their decisions will affect others during meetings and events. Harassment of any kind is not tolerated and can lead to termination of one’s role.
UVYP is inclusive and supportive of individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social and economic class, educational level, color, immigration status, sex, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
You can see upcoming social and networking events on our Events page and see all events, future and past, on our Eventbrite Page.
If you have a development topic you are interested in learning more about, please let us know in person at one of our events or by email at uppervalleyyoungprofessionals@gmail.com.