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Young Professionals

Generation Dayton Holiday Mix & Mingle

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Ring in the holiday season with Generation Dayton at a festive evening filled with fun, networking, and celebration at the Dayton Beer Company! Join us as we toast to a successful 2024 and introduce the dynamic members of the 2025 Steering Committee. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow early-career professionals and build new relationships in the Dayton region.

Event Details: Your registration includes one drink ticket and light appetizers to enjoy throughout the evening. A cash bar will be available for additional drinks, and we encourage you to wear festive cocktail attire to get into the holiday spirit! Feel free to bring a guest—this is a great chance to introduce them to the vibrant Generation Dayton community and celebrate a fantastic year together.

Sock Donation Drive: This year, we’re supporting a great cause by collecting brand-new children’s socks in sizes small and medium (ages 5-10) for Shoes4Shoeless, a local organization dedicated to providing new shoes and socks to children in need across Southwest Ohio. Your sock donation will help bring warmth, hope, and comfort to children in our community!

Parking: A surface lot is available behind the Dayton Beer Company for your convenience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season, connect with local professionals, and give back to those in need. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Partnership of Arts, YPs and Rock and Roll

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What do you get when you pair a Pink Floyd rock tribute with the Philharmonic? Or a couple fun-lovin’ DPO Board members with two local YPs groups? Or great food and a backstage tour? Or prizes, a live radio broadcast and crazy discounted tickets?

Lest you think this is the beginning of a REALLY complicated joke, I’m here to tell you – it’s Encore Night at the Dayton Philharmonic!

On Thursday, February 9, make a night of it with fellow young professionals!

5:30PM – Start the night at Uno’s Downtown where there will be complimentary appetizers, cash bar, prizes, and on-air “audio tweets” during a live radio remote with WTUE’s Aaron Klauber. Last prize is raffled off at 6:45 PM (must be present to win) when we cash out and the group heads across the street because…

7:15PM – We’re heading BACKSTAGE at the Schuster Center for a special tour and briefing hosted by Brent Havens (Windborne Conductor).

8:00PM – Get to your awesome seats specially reserved in the loge to hear what happens when progressive rock meets classical orchestra. The program features the music of Pink Floyd performed by the amazing Windborne Music backed by the full DPO!

This is a special night (with a crazy great discounted price) specifically to introduce YPs to the great time that is the Dayton arts scene and the Dayton Philharmonic. Tickets are only $30  – that’s more than 1/2 off plus they are actually waiving the $4 processing fee. You MUST order your tickets through the special link below or call Madea Thompson at 937-228-7591 x3222. This deal is only good through February 4th – after that the seats will be released and sold for the face value of $66 (plus that service charge). Don’t miss out!

**This event is NOT limited to previous participants of Generation Dayton or JumpstART – all local YPs are encouraged to attend.**

PURCHASE SPECIAL OFFER ONLINE:
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Event hosted by jumpstART & DPO Trustees Lauren Hamer & Maha Kashani

Speak your mind…

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I’m only one person….

My vote doesn’t matter….

I don’t really know the issues that well….

I don’t live in the city limits….

NO MORE EXCUSES!

Everyone is fed up. Between ‘tea-partiers’ upset at government and ‘occupiers’ upset at corporations – everyone has an opinion. Now it’s time to hear how opinions manifest into action for the City of Dayton. What can the City of Dayton Commission do to make our region a place for young professionals to live, work and play? How will you vote on Issue Two: is it asking everyone to pay their fair share or is it a violation of rights? Learn more – be informed – come to the updayton election forum.

Regardless of where you live, what happens in the City of Dayton affects your neighborhood
and everyone in Ohio votes on State Issue 2!

You are one person and your vote does matter.

Participants at updayton election forum

On Wednesday, October 26 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, updayton will host their third annual Election Forum. The Election Forum provides young creative professionals the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to them about State Issue 2 and to question City Commission candidates on their plans for Dayton. The forum will take place at Harmon Business Center (530 N. Main Street). In partnership with updayton, the forum will be co-moderated by Monica Schultz and Gary Leppla of the League of Women Voters of the Greater Dayton Area.

As part of their mission of attracting and retaining young talent to spur economic growth, updayton advocates to local, state and national leaders. The Election Forum has become a mainstay of updayton programming. This yearly event provides this younger demographic a chance to ask tough questions to area candidates and learn about important issues.

Scott Murphy, updayton chair, welcomes young creatives to election forum

Updayton advocacy chair, Shanon Potts, stated, “Updayton is relentlessly devoted to collecting data on young talent attraction and retention, but we can’t stop there. We must use this data to advocate for our future in this community. Updayton’s Election Forum is the exclusive pre-election event dedicated to accepting questions on behalf of young, creative professionals and then connecting them with candidates and issues of importance to them.”

All are welcome to attend, whether you are a City of Dayton resident or “young” professional or not. Questions and important issues may be submitted in advance for consideration online at http://updayton.com.

Potts would like to see the forum encourage young people long after the final question is asked. She says, “We hope that our dynamic Election Forum may even serve to motivate and inspire more young leaders to run for office!”

Confirmed speakers include:

How to attend:

Where: Harmon Business Center, 530 N. Main Street, Dayton

When: Wednesday, October 26, 2011; 5:30 Registration/Networking,
6-8:00 PM Forum

How: Free to attend, but please RSVP to yvette.kelly-fields@updayton.com

Tweetin’ at the Opera

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Friday Nite Tweet Seats – Tweet from your Seat!

New this season, The Dayton Opera is excited to extend an invitation to local young professionals and their guests to experience an opera-tunity to network and socialize before and after Dayton Opera performances. Friday Nite Tweet Seats — sponsored by DP&L –will allow you to let your Twitter followers know what’s going on at the opera in a reserved seating section. As an exclusive offer only to young professionals, enjoy a pre-performance gathering prior to the show, reserved seating for the performances and an after-party at the Dayton Racquet Club with the cast and crew … all for only $15.

Join the party for the Friday October 21 performances of La Bohème, the Friday, February 24 performance of Romeo and Juliet, and the Thursday May 17 and Friday May 18 performances of The Tragedy of Carmen and tweet and text your thoughts about the opera! Tickets are available online at www.daytonopera.org and, when ordering, enter the code TWEET. You can visit or call Ticket Center Stage in the Schuster Center at 228-3630 and ask for a Friday Nite Tweet Seat.

Please remember…Texting and tweeting during performances is permitted only in designated Friday Nite Tweet Seat areas. Phones must be muted and phone conversations are not permitted.

Get Out & Give Back Dayton!

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Every year, Generation Dayton (the young professional arm of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce) celebrates their anniversary not by receiving gifts, but by giving the gifts of their time and talent to the community in the form of a major volunteer effort. This year, the effort is bigger than ever, and GenD is inviting ALL area young professionals to join them. You don’t have to be a Generation Dayton member to have a great time, enjoy lunch and spend a few hours making a difference in the community. It’s THIS Friday – RSVP now. More info on their Facebook event page.

So, that’s the “news,” here’s my opinion:

This is a fun way to meet some new people in an active setting where you’re making a tangible difference in the region. For anyone who feels out of place at “typical” networking events, this is a great opportunity to talk to some people, but busy yourself with the volunteering aspect when you run out of things to say.  There’s lots of positive downtown vibes on the rise: recent news stories, new businesses, cool entertainment options popping up, the Activated Spaces team, and Urban Nights next week mean that there’s lots of buzz. This is a cool way for YPs to see it first hand; whether you’re a downtown advocate or a skeptic, you can be part of the solution. The GenD focus on downtown is a cool reminder that regardless of where YPs want to live, the urban core is important to us all. The partnership with RTA is an extra cool aspect. C’mon – do you really think the bus is THAT scary? Wouldn’t it be cool to ride free for a week and decide yourself if it’s convenient or not?

I want to hear more opinions. Has anyone been to this before (previously called “Generation Dayton Day)? If so – leave comments about what you thought below.

RSVP is required! Send your RSVP to LaDonna Wulfeck at lwulfeck@dacc.org

Details from their Web site:

This Generation Dayton Day, in celebration of our organization’s 6th anniversary, we’re inviting our community to “Get Out, Give Back Dayton!” With additional support from our sponsor, Heidelberg Distributing Co., we’re putting a special focus on cleaning up and sprucing up our urban core! The new focus allows those with an interest in downtown development to roll up their sleeves and give back while aligning with a long-term group project known as Activated Spaces that seeks to bring vibrancy to now vacant storefronts.  We’ll still visit local non-profits, as usual, too. There will be a little bit of something for everyone!

A 2011 BONUS: all volunteers may sign up for a 7 day transit pass from RTA, as providing our valuable feedback is an additional volunteer component of the event, and teams leaving downtown can ride together. RTA will provide each team with a round trip travel schedule, but if you want to ride the bus from work or home, you can receive further travel planning assistance by calling the customer service line.

Schedule of Events:

12 p.m. Meet for complimentary lunch at The Excelsior Building (207 E. 6th Street)

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Give back to the community at assigned location

5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Celebrate shared experiences and accomplishments at location TBD

Available Project Sites: (Numbers in parenthesis = maximum volunteer spots available for each location)

Artemis Center (5), Cannery Art & Design Center (7), Catholic Social Services (10), Community Blood Center (8), Cooper Park (20), Crayons to Classrooms (6), Dayton Visual Arts Center (4), Downtown Dayton Curb Appeal (Various Projects), Downtown Dayton Partnership (6), Garden Station (8), Grace/YMCA childcare (6), House of Bread (10), Ronald McDonald House (10), United Rehabilitation Services (10), We Care Arts (4), Wesley Community Center (6), The Victory Project (6), YWCA (10)

To sign up to “Get Out, Give Back Dayton!” on Generation Dayton Day or for more information contact LaDonna Wulfeck, Generation Dayton’s program manager, by email to lwulfeck@dacc.org or call (937) 226-8264.

Summit Follow-Up: Were you there?

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Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

Don’t miss the Action Plan Launch on May 3 at 6 PM at the Biltmore Towers (210 N. Main Street). There, we take these ideas to the next level!

The 2011 Young Creatives Summit hosted by updayton has come and gone with three packed hours of networking, professional development and (most importantly) providing young creatives the opportunity to shape the future of the region. Participants had their say in important topics including nightlife, jobs, neighborhoods and diversity and determined the direction that would make the region more exciting for them.

The Summit kicked-off with a Dayton Creative Syndicate sponsored photo booth that challenged participants to consider what would make them stay in the region by making the statement, “I Will Stay If…” Executive Director Yvette Kelly-Fields thanked our sponsors; Sean Creighton from the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education reflected on the kernel of an idea that grew into a region-shaping Summit; and Chair Scott Murphy challenged us to make a difference with the time we had there.

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

New for 2011, updayton partnered with established organizations in the region for project plans. Through this partnership, participants learned more about how the issue affects the region and were empowered to put their ideas to use to address a topic other organizations are already working on. Ideas were generated in breakout sessions; at the town hall, participants got to “invest” in the ideas that they wanted to support by offering “updayton dollars.”

NIGHTLIFE: The Downtown Dayton Partnership had the goal to create a new element for First Friday that entices new audiences and encourages visitors to travel among numerous establishments. Updayton participants are launching a project where performers drive the visitors on rickshaws to the various establishments while offering them a song, sonnet or story.

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

DIVERSITY: The Immigrant Friendly Task Force of the City of Dayton Human Relations Council had the goal of better connecting local residents to Dayton’s immigrant community for a sharing of culture. Summit attendees will launch a project where local families (both native and immigrant) are paired with one another. Native families will act as a tour guide for their immigrant friends – introducing them both to the region and our culture. In return, immigrant families will share stories, food and traditions that define their culture. It’s a “big brother” type program for culture-sharing. This group hopes to partner with Dayton Metro Library which already has an extensive collection of foreign language music, movies, books, and other resources.

JOBS: The Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) challenged attendees to determine what can be done to identify, engage and motivate local employers to offer/create internships for local college students. Summit participants proposed “Linked Internships” – a LinkedIn page to provide an open forum for students to post their interests, experience and references. Local businesses will be able to quickly sift through the page to find the right candidate, review the resume and check references.  It will be local to the Dayton region and act as an open forum that provides a “one-stop shop” for businesses to find interns.

NEIGHBORHOODS: CityWide Development participated in the Summit to solicit information on what would make neighborhoods

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

more attractive to young professionals. In addition to a lot of great conversation and input, the updayton attendees will launch a project to beautify local neighborhoods. They intend to host various community clean-up days to include the physical work of cleaning, gardening, and maintaining green space as well as incorporating a community aspect. They hope to solicit volunteers from the neighborhoods to get people plugged into the project and vested in the upkeep of their neighborhood.

PLUS: In addition to the breakout sessions for project development, the Summit offered professional development workshops led by experts on topics from the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan to project management to social media. The Summit ended with a town hall for local leaders to hear the outcome and see the energy of these young creatives. Then we all headed to an afterparty at the Excelsior Lofts.

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

NEXT STEPS: These four topics were selected due to research by updayton as top topics of importance for young professionals as they determine where they want to live. These ideas are just the foundation of the projects. Volunteers will re-convene on May 3 to determine potential partners, discuss details, and determine next steps.

Some of what we’ve heard:

“The Summit was one of the best events I’ve been to in the last year, without question. Even more than being a great learning tool and networking opportunity, it was awesome to see so many young people excited about improving downtown, and even better to see them signing up to actually follow through with getting hands-on and making it happen from the ground up. I’m someone who’s always been passionate about downtown, and it re-ignited my own enthusiasm. And I have a lot of respect for updayton (and their partners) for doing what the driving forces in so many cities don’t–going directly to the people, asking what they need and want, and challenging them to be that change.”

Amanda Barbosa-Photographer

-Duante Beddingfield

“The updatyon Summit was a great way to network with other young professionals living in the area who are passionate about improving the city. It was interesting to listen to everyone’s ideas and know that despite any perceived negativity—whether real or imagined—is overshadowed by people willing to make a difference. When you’ve got just one person with an idea, it might just remain at one idea, but when you add a collaborative community of open-minded, progressive individuals, that idea turns into action, hope becomes creation, and that vision of a better Dayton is realized. I can’t wait to dig into these projects.”
– Valerie Beerbower

“It’s easy to forget that there are people in Dayton that want to improve their community. The Summit was not only a reminder that these people exist, but that there are many of us.”
-Nick Hrkman

“I found the Summit to be energizing. It brought people together from different backgrounds and ideologies. It gave me the opportunity to interact with colleagues, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones – all under the organized goal of making the Dayton region a great place to live and work. The Summit is forward thinking, it does not focus energies around what is, but what could be if we all pitch in. My favorite part about the Summit is that anyone can attend, be heard, and walk away charged with tasks to make a difference.”
-Sherri Wierzba

Were you there? What did you think of the streamlined Summit? Anything surprise or excite you about the potential of the Dayton region?

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Change in Dayton is happening!

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Downtown Dayton

Things in Dayton are looking up. Hiring, although slowly, is on the rise (New jobs, tax revenues show region stabilizing, Dayton Daily News, March 25, 2011). Home ownership is up. Nightlife downtown, particularly in areas like the Oregon District, is lively and vibrant. These small yet noticeable changes are the direct result of the individual and collective efforts of many people who, despite the sluggish economy, believe in the potential of Dayton; those people are working to launch business and social initiatives that revitalize neighborhoods, spur economic growth and keep people in Dayton.  Updayton is one of those groups.

On Friday, April 15th at the Dayton Convention Center, updayton will host its 2011 Young Creative’s Summit sponsored by SOCHE.  From 3 pm to 6 pm, hundreds of young professionals will convene to discuss and problem-solve critical issues like diversity and employment. Immediately following is an attendees-only after party and networking event at the nearby Excelsior Lofts with food and beverage provided Brixx and Bonbright Distributors.

One of the of largest civic engagement events in the area, updayton began hosting this event in 2009, to engage young professionals in generating ideas and implementing solutions for Dayton. In the last two years, these Summits have produced a number of projects led by young professionals that have attributed to some of the changes happening in Dayton.

If you have never been, you still have time to be a part of this year’s summit. Registration is $15 ($5 for students). More details and registration can be found at www.updayton.com. Change happens here!

Additional sponsors of the Summit include: CareSource, Channel 945 FM, City of Dayton, CreativeFuse, Dayton City Paper, Dayton CW, Dayton Business Journal, Dayton Development Coalition, The Dayton Foundation, DaytonMostMetro.com, Dayton Weekly News, KeyBank, Standard Register, Teradata, University of Dayton’s Fitz Center for Leadership and Community and Vectren.

No Foolin’ – Great YP Events in April

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[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKagVWOt6kg&feature=player_profilepage’]

FEATURED EVENT

Friday, April 15th:
updayton’s Young Creatives Summit

Dayton Convention Center
Friday, April 15; 3-6 PM
$15 ($5 for Students)
Info Packet (agenda, breakout descriptions, etc) HERE

The Summit has been slightly revamped to meet the needs of the busy young creative while maintaining the mission of giving YOU a say in the direction of the Dayton region.  This year’s features include: a shortened Summit (3-6 PM), a great “speed networking” professional development opportunity, and established regional organizations such as the Downtown Dayton Partnership, CityWide Development, the Human Relations Council, and the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) adding their strength to make YOUR projects even more impactful and sustainable.

Don’t miss the 2011 Young Creatives Summit. REGISTER NOW!

A few April YP Highlights:

April 1, 5-10 PM – Sure, it’s the day for practical jokes, but no kidding – don’t miss First Friday! This month, enjoy roving musicians, jugglers and breakdancers, new art installations at the Southern Belle and two locations off Courthouse Square, a preview of the DVAC Art Auction, the monthly Courteous Mass bike ride and more. First Friday is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership. For more information, including specific event details, visit the First Friday Web page or Facebook page.

April 7, 5:30-7:30 PM – Come join the Young AFCEAns at the Fox and Hound near the Fairfield Commons Mall for a Networking / Social Event. Bring a friend that may be interested in learning more about AFCEA.  Appetizers, beer and soda will be provided by Young AFCEAns.  Please contact Casey Weinstein at cweinstein@microstrategy.com if you have questions.

April 8, 6PM – The Great Escape is back! The Red Cross Associate Board hosts this fantastic party in the Schuster Center Wintergarden featuring live music, dancing, an exciting silent auction, and great food resulting in a memorable and fun-filled evening. Everyone who attends will have a chance to win a fabulous door prize of a weekend trip for two valued at $1,000 to anywhere in the US -generously donated by AAA Miami Valley. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door.

April 13, 7-9 PM – Kick off the soccer season by joining the Dayton Dutch Lions FC at the PreSeason VIP Party! $11 gets you a Dayton Dutch Lions FC calendar, finger foods, and a cash bar in the Patterson Room of the Dayton Racquet Club. Come enjoy a great networking opportunity AND your chance to bid to win a day with the DDL players and owners (dates include a massage & pedi from Square One and dinner at McCormick and Schmicks!)

April 13, 5:30-9 PM – Get ready for a happy hour extravaganza! It’s all sorts of creative when Dayton Creative Syndicate (DCS)  welcomes AAF-Dayton and AIGA Cincinnati colleagues  to the Gem City for a networking and socializing super event at Harrigan’s South. Come out and rub elbows with some of the most creative folks in southwest Ohio! (Or at least stop by for the $2 special on domestics and well drinks.) They’ll be at Harrigan’s South location, 671 Lyons Road, Centerville.

April 15, 6:30 PM – Post-Summit, Pre-Party with JumpstART as they check out the Stivers Photography Auction. Free to attend, cheap to bid, pay what you want. Professional photographers from across the nation donate works to be auctioned off to benefit the arts program at Stivers. Hang out with other arts-minded YPs, support a great cause and get some art on your walls.

April 20, 5:30 – 8 PM – Back by popular demand is Generation Dayton’s Speed Networking. It’s your chance to effectively network one-on-one with other young professionals. There will be a cash bar and complimentary appetizers. Free for members, $15 for nonmembers.  Bring plenty of business cards and be ready to connect!  Registration required; contact lwulfeck@dacc.org to reserve your spot, seating is limited!

April 23, 8AM – Noon – HYPE (Northern Miami Valley) is getting it’s volunteerism on as they donate a Saturday morning to a Habitat for Humanity Service Project.  Don’t miss this opportunity to make a major difference in the community while meeting some great local YPs. More info on the Web page.

That’s just a small selection of the great events available in April – check out the Web pages of each group to see all they have to offer – including socials, networking, professional development and more!

YP Roundup – Here Comes the Spring

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Wow – a few days into March and I’m just publishing this now.  I guess that’s what happens when February is the shortest month and the sun starts luring people (me) outside and away from computers.  Anyway – just in time for First Friday (btw: check out the fab listing of galleries, bands, outdoor rec events and more on the event calendar) – here is a shortened edition the YP Roundup.  Since you’ve got the handy-dandy DMM calendar, this Roundup will start to feature just one or two events each week from our great local YP organizations.  Check out organizational Web pages or the DMM calendar for a more comprehensive list.

March is the month that launched the Young Guns vs. Old Pistols for the Wright-Patt Junior Force Council.  Not on Base?  Keep up with their events on their new Facebook page.  Want more info on YP events behind the gates?  Check out the story on DMM.

Week One:

Check out First Friday.  Some really cool opportunities there include a story telling session, live music in a music store, a new art exhibit (or two), zumba, an 80’s skate party, a bike ride, and general frivolity and fun.

Join the Dayton Ballet Barre at Norton’s on Sunday, March 6 for… ballet? NO!  It’s to get in the mood for March Madness.  They’ll be watching OSU take on Wisconsin.  They don’t call it the “big dance” for nothing – of course the Ballet Barre is getting into that action.

Week Two:

Wednesday, March 9 gives you a chance to join the members of HYPE for lunch at Kanoe Cafe.  It’s an informal lunch to meet a few new friends and learn about upcoming HYPE events.  RSVP by March 8 to guarantee your spot.

Wednesday night brings you the chance to check out Lucky’s Taproom, the Oregon District’s newest tavern, with the Dayton Creative Syndicate.  This Happy Hour brings together professionals from design, copy writing, and other creative fields for a good time.

Week Three:

Get the Montgomery County Economic Update when Generation Dayton hosts Commissioner Debbie Lieberman on Tuesday, March 15 for the Business and Breakfast Speaker Series.  A free event to attend (breakfast at your cost) with good friends and great information.

Week Four:

On Thursday, March 24 JumpstART is going to campus for a great deal on String Theory featuring the Richter Uzur Duo at UD.  Of course, it’s not a full Flyer experience without first checking out Milano’s for some great food and drink specials as well as some great door prizes.

On Saturday, March 26 the American Heart Associate answers the call for YPs who wanted to be included in the Dayton Heart Ball (without the Heart Ball price).  Join them at the Red Heart Lounge After-party!  Geared toward YPs, it’s a chic event that offers a discounted rate, food, dancing, wine/beer, red carpet photos and a chance to mix and mingle with other YPs making a difference in the lives of others.  Contact sybil.martin@heart.org for details.

AND:

Other great events tagged for YPs in the region include the Dayton AMA presentation on how to turnaround a downtown, a healthy and tasty wine/yoga combo, and the chance to bring your friends together to Bowl for Kids’ Sake.

“Like” some YP pages online, keep an eye on the DMM calendar and let us know here if you’ve got other great YP events coming up!

Generation Dayton’s Featured YP

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Shawn C Neff

Every month, Generation Dayton, the YP organization affiliated with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, features a YP of the Month.  This month – meet Shawn Neff.

Name:  Shawn C Neff

Title: Collections Analyst

Organization: Security National Bank

Community Involvement : Generation Dayton, JumpstART, Habitat for Humanity, Wayne Ave Corridor Committee, Downtown Street Buzz. I’ve volunteered with several businesses to re-build playgrounds in under privileged areas.
Hobbies and Interests:  I love giving back to community, especially when children are involved. To see the excitement on a kid’s face when you’re helping to re-build an old playground is well worth the hours of work that goes into it. I also enjoy a good beer, fine wine and great conversation.(That sounds like a cheesy pick-up line, but it’s the truth)
What do you love about Dayton?  I really enjoy living downtown. Within a 10 minute walk I can be at either Riverscape, Schuster Center, Oregon District, or catch a Dragon’s game. There is always something going on.

Visit the GenD page for more info on Shawn and all he’s doing for the Dayton region (seriously, this dude is IN-Volved).  http://generationdayton.org/featured.php

Kudos to GenD for sending props out to their great volunteers and active members!

YPs at the Base – Serving those who serve

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Serving the YPs who Serve

It’s the largest single site employer in the whole state.  Its history has been witness to early Wright Brothers test flights and a military installation that dates to World War I.  It’s an obvious asset to the region for the Air Force Museum (fingers crossed for the shuttle) as well as cutting-edge technical, aerospace, and research advances.

I have sung the praises of the Base and understood its major importance in both the economic viability of our region and for aerospace technology worldwide (you can thank my engineering husband who just broke a world record for his work on a scram jet engine for that one), but I never really got the differences of the alphabet soup that is WPAFB (be it AFIT, AFRL, NASIC, WISK or LMNOP).

Here I am – trying to be an info liaison for YP groups in the region.  Hopefully this blog is a resource for people who want to get involved, YP orgs who are looking for potential collaborations, or anyone who’s just curious.  And I’ve advertised Base events like monthly socials for the Young AFCEAns, volunteer opportunities through the Junior Force Council and discussions by the WP Networking Association.  But you know what – I still didn’t really get it.  Oh – you mysterious base with your numerous gates, haunted hotels, and alien ships in hiding – I am here to learn about the resources for the YPs behind the gates.  So – this is for anyone who has asked a new friend, “So – where do you work?” and your eyes glaze over a little bit when they answer “the Base.”

The Young AFCEAns

Why am I talking to them first?  Well – I thought they might be a pretty good “gateway” to the Base since members of the Young AFCEAns can work on or off Base in any contracting organization that has a relationship with the Base.  Also –  they are the YP arm of AFCEA (The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) – so you can guess that they have a pretty informative Web page.  I was able to gather information on the people served and the benefits for the Young AFCEAns.  At least I thought I had them figured out, until I talked to Casey Weinstein, the local chapter president and figured out that they are so much more.

YACs get together for social opportunities

The Young AFCEAns (also known as YACs) are AFCEA members under the age of 40.  But they are also a distinct unit within AFCEA.  Sure, they network with fellow professionals and are active in the chapter, but they also work together as YACs to mentor at schools, host tech events and judge local science fairs.  They take advantage of specific mentoring activities available only to YACs – career development, leadership development, and access to senior leaders in the field (the kind of access that otherwise wouldn’t be available).

Anyone CAN be a YAC, and Weinstein encourages all YPs to check them out.  So many businesses in the region, even if they don’t deal directly with the government, partner with other organizations that do contract with the government.  And maybe you’re not in IT, but Weinstein tells the story of a marketing associate who started coming to YAC events because her company was considering expanding into the IT market.  The networking and social opportunities through YAC proved helpful, informative, and even fun.

YACs at a Dragons game

When I asked what exactly they do and who they serve, Weinstein explained that they’re an advocacy and networking association focused on information technology and the government – most members are government employees, contractors, or people who want to break into the industry.  And for anyone who thinks “IT” is a little broad, I asked Weinstein for some specifics:  they have members who produce modeling and simulation software, build web applications, create hardware and software sharepoints, and they feature many service providers (like database administrators).

The most popular events for local YACs are the monthly networking events.  They feature free food and drinks (always a plus), and they provide a great atmosphere for YPs in the industry to network with one another, local businesses, and senior leadership in the industry.  Weinstein also highlights their outreach work with local universities.  With the support of Senator Brown’s offices, the YACs have been featured (along with other YP groups) on campus panel discussions.  Many college kids may not know about the numerous opportunities in the region for IT and aerospace contracting work, so YAC makes a major effort to get the word out.

Weinstein is especially proud of the relationship YAC has with the AFCEA chapter.  Although YAC exists as its own unit to attract new members and offer professional development opportunities, their members are fully integrated into the local chapter.  The past YAC chair is now the membership chair for AFCEA and Weinstein chaired the AFCEA Valentine’s Ball  – the major fundraiser for AFCEA that provides scholarships for local high school and college students.  The chapter taps the YACs to be involved on a larger level, and they show respect for a job well done.  They just sent Weinstein to San Diego to accept the Distinguished Young AFCEAns Award (one of only 15 globally!); the chapter flew him out, picked up the tab, and provided him with a great opportunity to meet a lot of new people.

The YACs are there to hook young professionals into the thriving aerospace industry in our region, and Weinstein has a very strong perspective of life in Dayton.  He explains, “More money comes through WPAFB than any other military installation in the world (other then the Pentagon).  There is a lot of growth and opportunity in the region because of the growth of the industry. Dayton is the place to be for someone in this profession.”

While the Young AFCEAns are reaching out to everyone to highlight the opportunities of the aerospace industry.  There’s another group on Base that’s reaching out to serve a pretty specific need.

Wright-Patterson AFB Junior Force Council

The Wright-Patt JFC works to offer programming relevant to all YPs on Base, but it’s only part of a larger YP involvement structure in place.  Individual Junior Force Councils exist for many programs or directorates, and those smaller JFCs often host their own events.  For example, the Air Force Research Lab’s (AFRL) Propulsion Directorate launched an outreach program to address the lack of new engineers through volunteers who visit local schools to increase student interest in STEM careers.  Or there is the Air Force Material Command (AFMC) Junior Force Council that hosted a tour for its members.  Many of the directorates across Base offer professional development and networking opportunities through individual Junior Force Councils (JFCs), and each JFC sends a member to sit on the collective Wright-Patt JFC.  It’s a nice structure – people at the local level determine what meets the needs of their members, but their voice rises up to the overall JFC to make sure there’s open communication and the WPJFC can meet larger needs.

The Young Guns / Old Pistols Cycling Race

I spoke to Kristy Roberts – president of the WFJFC.  Locally born and raised, Roberts completed her undergrad and MBA at Wright State before joining the Base in a contracting career.  In leading the WPJFC, she works to provide networking experiences for civilian and military (enlisted and officer) YPs across the Base who have 10 years of service or less.  These events provide participants the opportunity to interact with one another and senior leaders whom they may otherwise not meet.

Since the smaller JFCs focus on the happy hours, industry-specific events, and directorate-specific programming, the WPJFC only hosts approximately two or three large, Base-wide events per year.  Launching soon is the popular “Young Guns vs. Old Pistols.”  This is a wellness/sporting competition between the JFC members and senior leaders on Base.  Over the course of three months, they compete in 6 events.  Other major events include a golf tournament fundraiser and open tour of the Base for regional YPs.

Also in the works is a potential speaker series.  Although most WPJFC events are limited to Base personnel (mostly due to the fact that the rest of us can’t get through the gates – except a great story I’ll tell you sometime when I accidentally just zoomed right by the guards, but I digress…  ), Roberts is hoping to open some of these speaker events to the wider YP community.  Roberts also shows her “Dayton Girl” colors as she advocates on Base for YP events regionally.  She has started a regular communication with JFC members to inform them of opportunities in Dayton for both social and professional networking.

At a very basic level, the WPJFC provides an opportunity for YPs to figure out how the base works.  Roberts tells the story of when she sent an email out to a large group of people.  First on the list is the person that the email was most relevant to.  Sounds logical, right?  Not with Base logic – the strict chain of command is so important to military protocol that it must be followed even in sending an email – you address it to the highest officer first and then go down the list in level of seniority.  Things like that aren’t obvious to employees (especially civilian) new to the Base, so the JFC provides a friendly atmosphere to learn the ropes.  And it’s not just about the “rules.”  The AF culture is a different beast – if civilians better understand it, they can better communicate within it and learn how to succeed.

The Base respects the work of the WPJFC and their goal of “preparing the leaders of tomorrow.”  Participants in the JFCs are able to claim “alternate duty location” while at JFC events (meaning they don’t have to take leave or time off from work).  Senior leadership at the Base appreciates the work of the WPJFC as they bridge the gap between new recruits and more seasoned AF employees.

The Bowling Award Ceremony for the YG/OP

Roberts shares what she believes is the most important aspect that the WPJFC offers its members – opportunities to develop their own relationships with senior leaders.  Mentoring is such an asset, and Roberts praises the mentor she has met through JFC events.  Mentors provide insight into other areas on Base and can even help put the daily battles into perspective as YPs are advancing in their careers.

I asked Roberts what she hopes for as she plans the next year of WPJFC programming.  Her goal is to involve more enlisted and military YPs.  She explains that the career paths of civilians are defined differently than the career paths of their military colleagues, so the military YPs haven’t always seen the need to take advantage of the professional development and mentoring opportunities that are offered.  Roberts hopes to change that and create a WPJFC where everyone is represented and active.

Thanks!

It was a great opportunity to learn a little more about who’s who and the different organizations that serve the many YPs on Base.  I was unable to speak to anyone from the WP Networking Association or the Company Grade Officer Program – two groups that serve a fairly specific constituency on Base.  Still, I’m appreciative of the time and information Weinstein and Roberts shared with me.  The Base may be a different world, but we all have the same needs, and it’s great to hear that these leaders are making it happen for YPs on Base.

Kelly-Fields is New Updayton Executive Director

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Kelly-Fields Joins Updayton Team

Last week, the advocacy organization dedicated to the attraction and retention of young talent, Updayton, announced the hiring Yvette Kelly-Fields as Executive Director.  This is a big step for the (previously) all-volunteer initiative that grew out of DaytonCREATE and hosts the annual Young Creatives Summit.  (Yvette is also a contributing writer here on DaytonMostMetro.com)

Updayton is grateful for support from numerous businesses and organizations that place high value on young talent retention.  This new position of an Executive Director was made possible by the Southwest Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE).

I used this opportunity to speak to Scott Murphy (one of the original DaytonCREATE catalysts who formed Updayton) and Kelly-Fields.  These Q&As give us a little insight to the group as well as some fun facts from the woman who will be stepping in to help lead the charge.

First – a little background from Scott Murphy:

Murphy Works as Steering Committee Chair

What inspired the creation of Updayton?

There was a model that was presented to us during the DaytonCREATE launch that highlighted a group in Syracuse that had worked to get young people engaged in their city and give them a greater voice in things that were happening in the Syracuse area.  Over the past several years they’ve hosted an annual Summit to do that.  We liked their model, but we really liked the attitude they took with the community: “young people are important, we care about our community too, so you better listen to us.”  But more so, we saw the talent potential here, the economic opportunity that local universities offer, and we saw that too many folks were leaving the region coming out of college.  We were missing an opportunity to grow economically.  That more than anything spurred the development of updayton.

Are the needs of these young creatives really different than the needs of anyone else?

First of all, we focus on a younger demographic because looking at census data from communities across the country, it’s young people that are making the decisions about moving.  In their 20s people are more likely to make a major move than any other time in their life – they don’t have roots yet; so we have to be working harder to keep them here.  However, to answer your question, to a certain extent, of course needs change with age.  Someone who already has a graduate degree isn’t as likely to be looking for opportunities to continue their education.  Similarly, a good school system is probably going to be much more important to someone who has a child.  That said, certain things are going to be important to everyone regardless of age: a vibrant city, strong communities, good job opportunities and a city that is welcoming of diversity.

How are you different from the other young professional organizations in the region?

Well, we’re not a young professional organization.  We don’t have membership.  Additionally, what we do is very project based.  We look for ways to get young people engaged in the region through implementing initiatives that will help address their needs.  We also continuously solicit feedback – through surveys, through focus groups, through the annual Summit – to make sure that we understand what things are really important to this young, talented demographic and then advocate for those things to local leadership.

What activities have you done to foster that connection between young people and the region?

A few different ways.  Through our periodic email blasts, through our various social media outlets, we try to make our demographic aware of the many things that are going on in the region.  It can be a little difficult to find stuff at times, even for folks who know a lot about the region… but it’s there and you just have to look a little harder – so we try to make it easier.  Second, just through the action plan process – through implementing initiatives based around topics that young people care about, you’re going to learn more about assets and amenities in the region.  Personally, I know that’s been the case with me – getting involved with updayton, I’m much more aware of things that are here than I was when I started a few years ago.  Finally, if young, creative people see their input is being heard and valued by local leaders, then young people are going to appreciate the Dayton region that much more.

What do you hope to achieve by hiring an Executive Director?

We want to grow the organization – that’s why we hired an Executive Director, and we think Yvette is going to do a great job.  We want to get involved in more things and have an impact in more areas of the region.  There are decisions that are being made every day here in the community that impact issues that young people care about, and we want to play a greater role in influencing those decisions.  We want to do more in implementing the recommendations we’ve made for the community over the past couple years – specifically, promoting acceptance of diversity, connecting job seekers to employers, growing urban vibrancy, and strengthening our neighborhoods.  We think having an Executive Director is going to enable us to do that.

Kelly-Fields to Work with Steering Committee in 2011 Summit Planning

And now to learn a little more about the vision of Kelly-Fields as the new Executive Director:

Why did you want to a part of Updayton?

For the last few years, I have had serious concerns about where the next generation of leaders was going to come from for the Dayton area. …  (Updayton) already provides the platform and opportunity for young professionals to become meaningfully involved in solving problems in the community. (Young people) are learning how take an idea from concept to realization. They are gaining invaluable skills that they can build upon to tackle many of the problems facing this city. I believe those are the individuals who will be running this region in the near future and I wanted to be a part of that dynamic.

What do you think you can offer as an Executive Director?

Over the last twelve years, I have had the good fortune of working for a number of stellar nonprofits and with some great nonprofit leaders. As a result, I have a gained a great deal of experience in fund raising, project and volunteer management, community and public relations and relationship building.

My goal is to bring all of those skill sets to the table to move Updayton towards the vision the steering committee has established. This includes increasing community partnerships, raising the visibility of the organization in the community and securing cash and noncash resources to support Updayton projects.

What do you see as the biggest obstacle for the region in attracting and retaining young talent?

The biggest obstacle is being able to show and demonstrate to young talent that they can build a full and satisfying life for themselves and their future families in Dayton. When they look at Dayton, do they see access to employment with upward mobility or the viable option of entrepreneurism? Do they see sufficient, affordable choices to live? What about opportunities to socialize in diverse settings in varied parts of the community? Is there ample opportunity for civic and community engagement?

I have found that in this community, and I believe that the key for young talent finding it is through exposure to what Dayton has to offer through work by initiatives and organizations like Updayton.

What do you look forward to most as you start this new position?

The thing that immediately impressed me about Updayton is the tremendous community support it has. Everyone I talk to thinks is a great organization. I look forward to expanding its visibility and reach into the community.

And now for a little insight on Kelly-Fields as a Daytonian.

What’s your favorite place to go or thing to do in Dayton?

My family and I love going to the festivals. Last year we went to the Greek Festival, the City Folk Festival, the Black Cultural Festival, Oktoberfest and to the Chocolate Festival. We also enjoy Urban Nights. We always go to Wright Dunbar for ribs by Smokin Joe.  These events are always so much fun for my family.

What’s the best advice your parents gave you?

The best advice I got was to treat everybody right. You never know who you are going to need for help. It is important to maintain good relations with as many people as possible so when I need assistance with something I do not have to pause when I pick up the phone to call them or stop short of saying hello when out in public.  Conversely, if someone who has not treated me so well, I still maintain friendly relations.  I have found this advice has served me well.

Favorite restaurant or hidden gem?

I have several but my true favorite is Evan’s Café on North Main Street. I am addicted to the Baked Potato Soup, the Mandarin Orange Salad and the Jamaican Chicken Salad. When I cannot go there, I make a beeline to Coco’s. I love the grilled cheese sandwich with Tomato Bisque topped off with the Crème Brule.

Who inspires you?

It may sound corny, but my mom and dad inspire me. They told me that whatever I set my mind to I could achieve it. So far, it has worked.

What phrase do you hear coming out of your mouth too often?

I once went to an event, where after a very unusual performance, the emcee said, “That’s something different.”  Whenever I come across a person or a situation that I cannot describe, I say, “Well, that was something different.”

Learn more and get involved with UpDayton:
Web site: http://updayton.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/updayton?ref=ts
Take the Updayton Survey: http://updayton.com/survey/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/updayton
Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/updayton/

Disclaimer: I am involved on the updayton steering committee as the communication chair.  Also, the current version of DaytonMostMetro.com was created in part by a volunteer group formed from the first Updayton Young Creatives Summit in April 2009.

YP Roundup – February

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We’ve made it through the longest day of the year and now we’re into the shortest month; fingers crossed that the pesky groundhog misses its shadow and spring is just around the corner.  Groundhog or not, time seems to be flying by, but before it gets too far away from us – we can enjoy a lot of great YP events coming up this month.

Wednesday, February 2: Start off February by making a commitment to better your city!  A way for YPs to get involved is the “Street Level” committee for the Vacant Storefronts Project.  The Downtown Dayton Partnerhsip (in collaboration with many community leaders, businesses, volunteers, and organizations) has been crafting the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan.  They handed over control of this important project to any and all young people in the region who want to make a significant visual impact on the vibrancy of the region.  There are three committees working hard to fill the empty storefronts in different ways.  Contact Sherri to learn how to get involved.

UPDATE:  CANCELLED!  Also, the first Wednesday of the month brings the Ballet Barre/Associate Board meeting at the Dayton Racquet Club.  As always, they start with a social and an opportunity to check out the view from the top of the DRC, then they get into the business of the meeting.

Have you checked out Meetup yet?  If you’re a 30-something in the region and interested in meeting some new people while checking out some fun venues, maybe this is for you.  Their schedule changes often as new events are added as people decide to host a party or schedule a dinner out.  They’re planning a couple fun ones on Friday, February 4 (downtown with First Friday as the setting) and Saturday, February 5 to watch the UFC fight at Champps down south.

To keep with the Meetup spirit, the Dayton Young Professionals are hitting Meadowlark for a fun, social, and casual brunch on Sunday, February 6.

Are you a reader?  Or do you love the social aspect of a book club?  Either way, join Generation Dayton on Monday, February 7 at Books & Co. at the Greene for their monthly book club meeting.  They are discussing The Little Black Book of Leadership written by Dr. Todd Dewett.  Who’s going to be there?  Oh yeah, Dr. Dewett himself!  Don’t miss this chance to get great insights on an inspiring book from the author himself.

Head up north on Wednesday, February 9 from 12-1 PM to have lunch with HYPE.  They’ll be at The Backyard Bistro in Piqua where you can meet some new friends, keep up with some upcoming events, and check out a great location in the northern Miami Valley.  New members welcome!

Thursday, February 10 brings a collaboration for all networking, social, and arts minded YPs.  JumpstART hooks up with Generation Dayton during their monthly “Thirsty Thursday” to make it bigger and better than ever.  Get some free appetizers, happy hour drink prices, and 1/2 off small plates at downtown’s newest hot spot, De’Lish.  THEN head across the street to the Human Race Theatre for half price tickets to Twelfth Night.  Stick around after the show to meet the cast and get a special YP backstage tour.  It’s a big night open to ALL young people in the region.  Details on the whole night here.

Did you know that one of the local YP groups – Generation Dayton – is actually a program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce?  It just demonstrates how much local businesses value the role of young professionals in the region.  Learn more about it from Phil Parker, the President and CEO of the Dayton Chamber, at the Business and Breakfast Speaker Series on Tuesday, February 15 at the Dayton Racquet Club.  Free to attend, breakfast at your expense.

So, you got your breakfast YP fix – now get those creative juices flowing on the evening of February 15 as the Dayton Creative Syndicate presents speaker Brian Hoff from The Design Cubicle. Time: 6-7 PM – Only $10 for DCS members, $20 for nonmembers, $5 for students.  Learn more about Brian and the DCS here.

Are you a 20-something in the region looking for some new people to hang out with?  There is no shortage of great events with the 20-somethings of Dayton Meetup.  On Wednesday, February 16 they are partying it up at the Soft Rock Cafe for Karaoke and drink specials.  No worries if you’re a non-singer, you can shoot pool, throw darts, or make fun of cheer on the signers.

The 20-somethings love their mid-week get togethers.  Wednesday, February 23 they test how many brain cells they’ve kept since college with trivia at Harrigan’s South.  These and lots more meetups for the 20-somethings at: http://www.meetup.com/20somethings-of-Dayton-Ohio/#upcoming

Generation Dayton often opens its events to all YPs in the region.  But this month’s Lunch Speaker Series on Friday February 25 is for dues-paying Member’s Only.  If you’re a member of GenD or want to consider joining, check out the Web page for details on this lunch topic.

Et. al: Not specifically YP events (oh, no – I’m breaking the rules!) but some great options for YPs include:
Pecha Kucha night on Thursday, February 3 at the Neon, a graffiti party at upcoming downtown restaurant Olive during First Friday, Dayton Diode (self-described as a YMCA for nerds) open house on Saturday, February 5, the YMCA Valentine’s Ball on February 11, WYSO’s silent auction on February 12, and EVERY Sunday in February you can enjoy brunch to benefit Stivers School for the Arts at Coco’s.  For these (and so many more) great Dayton events, keep an eye on the weekly Jane’s Best Bets.

So – those are a handful of events keeping you busy in February and introducing you to lots and Lots and LOTS of new YPs who are active and involved in having a great time in Dayton.  Go to everything and you’ll average an event every other day.  Check out something new and let me know how it goes.

YP Roundup – January 2011

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Happy New Year!

December went out with a bang with special discounts for big YP New Year’s Eve parties and a lot happening.  Not to be outdone, there are some great events coming up in January.  Also – make sure you look into the meetups that are popping up.  In additional to the Twenty-Somethings group and the Young Professionals I’ve told you about – a new group has emerged just last month, the Thirty-Somethings.  So – there are professional groups, social groups, networking groups, arts groups, recreation groups, and lots of overlap among them all.  Check out something new this month!

First up: HYPE – the YP group nestled in the Northern Miami Valley invites you to join them for an informal lunch on Wednesday, January 12 at the Tin Roof in Troy.  It’s a great chance to meet new friends, keep up with their events, and enjoy lunch together.  New members always welcome, but RSVPs are required by Noon on January 11.

Thirsty Thursday on January 13 gives you a way to wet your whistle with other YPs and meet new people without any membership requirements.  Join Generation Dayton at The Wine Loft at the Greene from 5:30 – 7:30 PM for a cash bar with special happy hour prices.

Have you been Ice Skating on RiverScape yet this season?  Now’s your chance – Saturday, January 15 from 3-5 PM.  With a tiny cost of $5 for admission and skate rental, you get plenty of fun.  Skate, enjoy some hot chocolate, and sit around the fire pits with friends from Generation Dayton.

You can count on Generation Dayton to bring you great conversation over good food with the Business and Breakfast Speaker Series. In January, hear from Andy Snow – a top regional photographer sharing his experience catching the action for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.  Tuesday, January 18 at the Panera on Main Street in Centerville from 7-8AM.  No cost to attend (food at your own expense), but you need to RSVP.

Third Thursday of the month brings you the Dayton Ballet Barre’s monthly Wine and Ballet at the Wine Gallery on Monument and Main in Dayton.  Get together with other arts-minded YPs for conversation, drinks, and fun.

Dayton has a major history and future of invention.  Former Governor Bob Taft has been leading discussions and actions regarding the partnership between education and innovation.  He’ll share his insights at a Generation Dayton Fourth Friday Lunch at the Stars Restaurant on top of the Crowne Plaza in downtown Dayton on January 28 at Noon.  RSVPs required.

The final Gen D event of January gets everyone together for bowling at Woodman Lanes in Kettering on Saturday, January 29 from 6-8 PM.  Only $12 includes 2 hours of bowling, shoes, and pizza.  Pay at the door and everyone will be assigned to lanes as you arrive.  Remember to RSVP!

January 29 is also your chance to “Jump into Bluegrass” with JumpstART.  It’s a great deal on a arts opportunity that may be new to you, so check it out with other YPs.  Grammy-winning bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs and his fire-breathing band Kentucky Thunder return to the Dayton Masonic Center stage to headline an outstanding traditional bluegrass double-header.

***New on the radar!  Did you graduation from the University of Dayton in the last 10 years (or you’re under 35)?  UD now has a special YP alumni group – Day10.  There’s a whole list of events they have coming up, so if you’re a flyer grad – check them out.

Between professional and social networking, volunteer opportunities, food, education, and arts – there’s something for everyone.  What kinds of events get you excited to try something new and meet some new people?

YP Roundup – October Events

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As the weather turns cooler, events keep heating up..  Check out one (or many) of the great options for YPs in the month of October.  And be sure to check the DMM event calendar for more details.

Okay – to start out the month, I’m plugging a few events that aren’t specifically YP, but c’mon – these hit pretty close to the home of awesomeness…
Friday, October 1: FIRST FRIDAY – General fun and festivity – you know how that goes.
Saturday, October 2: Dayton Music Fest – $10 to see 20 bands all across Dayton.

Wednesday, October 6: Ballet Barre welcomes new associate board members at their meeting at the Dayton Racquet Club at 5:00 PM
Thursday, October 7: The Generation Dayton Golf outing from this summer was rescheduled for a great crisp, fall day.  Members $60 and nonmembers $65.  RSVPs required.
Thursday, October 7: The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals host a Professional Development Leadership Lunch featuring WSU President Dr. David Hopkins at the Dayton Racquet Club at 11 AM.  $20  RSVP by October 1!
Thursday, October 7: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati presents Theology on Tap at the Oregon Express in the Oregon District.  Join with other singles and couples in their 20s and 30s to discuss topics.  7:30-9PM
Friday, October 8: The Dayton Urban League Young Professionals present YP at Play at Therapy Cafe.  This monthly event is gaining in popularity as grown-ups get together to play kids’ games.
Friday, October 8: The Young Republicans of Montgomery County enjoy a social night out at the Melting Pot.  More information here.

Monday, October 11: The Young Republicans host their regular monthly meeting at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Town and Country.
Wednesday, October 13: JumpstART (aka the Culture Works Associate Board) is hosting an open meeting to welcome new associate board members and answer questions for anyone interested.  At the Culture Works offices at 5:30 PM
Wednesday, October 13: HYPE hosts an informal lunch to welcome new members, highlight upcoming events, and have a good time.  Join them at Night Sky in Troy at Noon.
Wednesday, October 13: updayton hosts their second annual Candidates Night at the Cannery Art and Design Center.  Last year, this was one of the most popular candidates forums hosted by the League of Women Voters.  Again they’ll challenge candidates with questions about revitalization, jobs, and budget issues as they relate to young people.  6 PM.
Thursday, October 14: Generation Dayton hosts Thirsty Thursday at Sidebar at 5:30 PM – free to attend, cash bar.
Thursday, October 14: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati presents Theology on Tap at the Oregon Express in the Oregon District.  Join with other singles and couples in their 20s and 30s to discuss topics.  7:30-9PM
Saturday, October 16: JumpstART invites you to Jump into Dance with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.  Discounted tickets for the show and a fantastic afterparty at Sidebar.

Tuesday, October 19: Generation Dayton continues their monthly Business and Breakfast series with grub at First Watch in Town and Country at 7 AM.
Tuesday, October 19: The Dayton Creative Syndicate, the YP arm of the GDAA,  is focused on all things creative.  Now they present SummitUP – This is your chance to get the inside scoop on all things social media.
Wednesday, October 20: The Dayton Urban League YPs host their monthly meeting at 7 PM at the Urban League offices downtown.
Thursday, October 21: HYPE- the YP organization for the Northern Miami Valley invites all YPs from the region to their Third Thursday social at The Caroline in Troy.
Thursday, October 21: The Ballet Barre hosts a Happy Hour at the Wine Gallery in downtown Dayton – just a great time to get together with other arts minded YPs.
Friday, October 22: On the fourth Friday of every month, you can count on Gen D to introduce you to a great new lunch spot and throw in some networking and friends.  This month – check out Amber Rose at Noon.
Saturday, October 23: A major initiative of HYPE is service and they show it at HYPE Make a Difference Day.  Volunteer and see the major impact that people can have when they work together.

Monday, October 25: Generation Dayton has a book club!  Get your literary groove on with them at 7 PM at the Cannery – no number 2 pencils required as there are no pop quizzes.
Tuesday, October 26: Dayton Creative Syndicate invites you to get creative with pumpkin carving and join them at Harrigan’s Tavern South at 6 PM for some drinks, socializing, and pumpkin fun. 
Thursday, October 28: Every Fourth Thursday, the Young AFCEAns host a social  – join them and chat them up to get the dish on communication, technology, and contractor stuff around the mysterious WPAFB.
Thursday, October 28: Generation Dayton has a hard-knocks workshop for anyone interested in entrepreneurship – “When Reality Bites” presented at The Entrepreneurs Center.  Get the inside scoop on launching your business.

So – that’s what I was able to dig up from the approximately 20 YP groups that are floating around Dayton.  If you’re already an active member in an organization specifically for people in their 20s and/or 30s, I encourage you to use the DaytonMostMetro.com online event calendar to promote your events – it makes it a whole lot easier for people to know what’s going on in the community and maybe, just maybe someone who didn’t know about a cool recreation group, 20-something group, or professional group may find that it’s a good fit.

And if you haven’t checked out one of these organizations yet – what are you waiting for?  Most have pretty small membership requirements (if “official” membership is even required) and hook you up with a lot of great people to build your social and professional contacts.  Whatever you’re looking for – there’s a YP group out there for you.