Here’s the great news about being a young professional in Indianapolis: It is our city.
It’s a city that has been rebuilt in many ways, a city that continues to redefine what young professional engagement represents. It’s a community that at its very core, can be built into what we collectively want it to be for the greater good of the population.
Next time you’re on Monument Circle, take a moment and think about all the great assets we have within walking distance of the exact spot you are standing. From the gem that is Hilbert Theatre and their incredible happy hour performances, to Central Library where IndyHub hosts their annual IndyVolved, or the beauty that is White River State Park, Indianapolis has plenty to offer beyond sports for our young community.
This is a community that is modeled after the concept of “you get out of it what you put into it.” If you want to be engaged, there is ample opportunity. Furthermore, I guarantee you that one opportunity will lead to another, and so on and so forth. As the premier place for a young professional to live, work and play, I stress to you that you can’t be shy when it comes to practicing your passion and finding ways to connect and engage.
The accessibility to community leaders, including Mayor Hogsett, CEO’s, community and business leaders, and the many personalities that represent the media, is astounding. In fact, I argue, it’s one of the best traits about this city. The people who can make a difference want to hear what you believe is foremost in our city and are willing to take that into consideration as they make decisions about the future.
There is no reason to not feel like you can help create change and impact, be it in your neighborhood, your council district, or throughout the entire city. All you have to do is speak up, speak loudly, and have a vision for what positive change you want to make. This community is receptive, the people are respectful, and while our Midwest Hoosier humbleness can make people shy about voicing their ideas; it’s our collective duty as a community to be willing to listen, discuss, and refine concepts that will allow Indianapolis to continue to be a true gem of the Midwest.
Want to get involved and don’t know where to start? There are viable opportunities within Indianapolis to connect, engage, and make an impact.
IndyHub is a great example of a community resource that has never been shy about raising their hands and speaking loudly on behalf of the twenty and thirty something’s that are the fabric of Indianapolis. In 2016, they’ve created and championed The Dinner Series (next one is on August 10th), designed to connect people with the possibilities of mass transit and to connect us as we push forward to grow our transit system in Central Indiana.
The United Way of Central Indiana will host What It Takes to Serve on a Nonprofit Board (September 22nd), a lunch discussion that helps educate professionals on being an asset to nonprofits through strategic and focused board leadership.
Leadership Indianapolis, another great organization designed to connect and engage young professionals, hosts their annual Get on Board (September 26th) that is designed to connect those wanting to volunteer for board positions within the nonprofit community and makes it incredibly easy to find organizations that fit your passion.
Don’t say there is not an easy way to get connected, engaged, and make a difference in your community and in the city of Indianapolis. In fact, I believe it’s easier to do it here than any other city in this country. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves, get involved, and work together collectively as young professionals to create the change that will redefine our city for years to come.
