2017 was a big year for me. My blog grew, I started a podcast, had a career change, joined HAAB and even started covering events as media. All of that was great, but I think one of the best decisions I made was to join HAULYP last fall.
My friend Megan had been telling me about the organization for a while, about all of the great things that they were doing for the community and just about how great it is period. I made a mental note to drop in on a general body meeting, but it wasn’t until October that I was actually able to and I joined that night. I’d truly found my tribe and didn’t want to wait any longer to be a part of an amazing organization.
For those of you who don’t know, the National Urban League is an organization whose movement is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. Founded in 1910, it is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African-Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. The National Urban League doesn’t just talk the talk either, they walk the walk. There are 95 affiliates serving 300 communities, and 35 states and the District of Columbia, and I’m a member of the Houston Area Urban League’s Young Professional axillary.
In addition to giving back to the community with numerous food and clothing drives, neighborhood givebacks and even voter registration assistance, HAULYP builds a positive synergy that will advance activism in the community. It also engages young men and women in the movement towards the achievement of professional development and social and economic equality. There are public forums, presentations from prominent guest speakers, developmental seminars that encourage growth not only professionally but civically as well!
Now I’m the type of person who likes to dive in head first so I joined 4 committees within my first month because I wanted to give back not only to my community, but to the organization and it’s members. I was able to tap into my skills and passions and help out with membership, fund development, professional development and PR & marketing. I get to see a bit behind the curtains and be part of what a lot of the events that we put on for HAULYP members as well as our community give-backs. It’s truly the best of both worlds! Giving back and helping raise others up is what drove me to HAULYP, the networking and fellowship are just great perks!
I said all of that to say this, this week is Join Week for not only HAULYP but for the National Urban League Young Professionals as a whole. If you’re interested in learning more about this whole Urban League thing, come out to one of the programs that we’re having. I’m going to list this week’s schedule below and I look forward to seeing y’all this week!
Monday, January 22nd – Empowered to Change the System (HAUL Building, 1301 Texas St., 77002) – Learn how to lead in advocacy such as helping community members become issue- based voters and developing tools to be an advocate for your community!
Tuesday, January 23rd – New Member Orientation (HAUL Building, 1301 Texas St., 77002) – Learn about the history, impact and services provided by both our affiliate and award-winning YP chapter!
Wednesday, January 24th – Lounging with the League (Sterling House, 3015 Bagby, St., 77006) – Lounge with The League over sweet libations, cool conversations and musical vibrations. Don’t miss the 2nd round of our notorious signature happy hour!
Thursday, January 25th – Storytellers (Ogun Art + Wine, 920 Studemont St. #150, 77007) – Meet and greet a notable figure within our community who has a long history of leading in business and/or philanthropy and service!
Saturday, January 27th – Voter Canvassing (Westbury Senior High School, 11911 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77035) – Join us as we get people registered to vote, inform people about the upcoming primaries and open seats in the house, senate and state government!
Sunday, January 28th – Empowered to Worship (Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave, 77004) – Join us on Sunday to worship and fellowship with other HAULYP members at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church!