By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
The Atlantic Street Center, a local non-profit organization providing social services to families and communities in Seattle, South King County, and North Pierce County, has established a Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC).
YPAC consists of individuals aged 21 to 40 years old who are passionate about raising awareness and funds for the Atlantic Street Center through events, networking, and advocacy.
“We established [YPAC] in March of this year, and we’ve added a new member each month, and they are already talking about throwing their first event,” said Nora Weiss, the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Atlantic Street Center. “I see members really reaching different corners of Seattle, amplifying the Atlantic Street Center mission in the pockets of Seattle who are ready to hear it, and who better to advocate than a Young Professional Advisory Council member?”
According to Teresa Everett, Director of Public Relations and Resource Development for the Atlantic Street Center, YPAC has infused additional energy into the organization.
“The YPAC members hit the ground running and immediately began sharing their passion in support of our mission, program, and services,” said Everett. “The group has enthusiastically engaged our youth and answered panel questions, some expected and some not, with enthusiasm and a true desire to be supportive and inspirational.”
According to Weiss, council members plan and execute initiatives to help spread awareness, fundraise, and volunteer with the organization. They also have the opportunity to gain nonprofit board experience. To become a part of YPAC, individuals must live in King or North Pierce Counties, be comfortable promoting the Atlantic Street Center within their personal and professional networks, serve a single term of 12 months, complete the application and interview process, attend virtual meet-and-greets, and be in contact with the Administrative Chair and Atlantic Street Liaison if they are unable to attend a meeting or event.
The goals of the program include raising a minimum of $5,000 each year in unrestricted funds, attending a majority of the YPAC meetings, curating at least one event to help raise funding or awareness, participating in Atlantic Street marketing via social media, volunteering at a minimum of four agency-sponsored events throughout the year, and building awareness for the Atlantic Street Center in personal and professional networks.
“This is vital for young professionals in the community who want to get involved,” said Weiss. “We have young professionals aged 21-40 who help raise funds for Atlantic Street Center and connect with our upcoming youth. This is really a community-centric program, and we get to reach more people to help amplify the Atlantic Street Center mission,” said Weiss.
Despite being in place for just a few months, Weiss says that members of YPAC have already had a positive impact on the organization. “I see a lot of hands-on impact in a variety of ways, by members giving their lives to the youth and learning from other people’s journeys,” said Weiss. “Showing that level of involvement that when they come together in the same room, the youth can envision themselves beyond Atlantic Street Center and Seattle.”
For 113 years and counting, Atlantic Street Center has continued to display its dedication to helping communities in many ways, and with the Young Professionals Advisory Council becoming a new resource, the organization looks to further expand its footprint in the community.
“I would want people to know we are always here to be a connector of people and community,” said Weiss. “We’re always pivoting to better help the community and always looking to see if people have resources for us. I want people to know Young Professionals Advisory Council is an elevated way to get involved.”
As time goes on and the program continues to expand, Everett looks forward to YPAC members evolving.
‘The inaugural group of YPAC leaders so far indicate a desire to continue building healthy bonds with our participants, continuing to develop and model leadership skills and be an inspiration for our youth,” says Everett. “I look forward to supporting the YPAC members as they become strong advocates on behalf of our mission, programs, and services while they continue to develop their own leadership skills.”
“Atlantic Street Center is fortunate to have a group of young professionals willing to share their time, talents, and treasures with our participants and the community,” Everett continued. “We are grateful for their service and look forward to their continued success.”
