YNPN Detroit is a local chapter of YNPN National, a 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit organization that engages and supports future nonprofit leaders through professional development, networking, and social opportunities. YNPN began in 1997 as a small gathering of peers in San Francisco. Today, YNPN consists of 30 different local chapters throughout the United States and over 20,000 individual members.
YNPN Detroit aims to promote next generation leadership among the young emerging public sector professionals by creating an avenue for professional development, networking, social activities and community involvement.
The Leadership Gap
A 2004 study conducted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation revealed that 72.5% of all nonprofit leaders were in their 40s and 50s, with 55% over the age of 50. 65% of the organizations surveyed said they are likely to go through a leadership transition by 2009 and 57% of organizations have experienced a transition within the last 10 years. These findings confirm similar studies conducted over the last few years illustrating the looming leadership deficit the nonprofit sector will face as soon as 2007. It is reported that by 2007 between 61% and 78% of executive directors will retire or leave their organizations. This impending leadership deficit could be the greatest challenge nonprofits face over the next ten years.
In almost every profession, there are associations dedicated to nurturing future leaders. Early on, many professions recognized the need to nurture emerging leaders and have formed organizations such as the ABA Young Lawyers Division, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP), Young MBA, AICPA Young CPA Network as well as a host of other young professional associations and networks. In each case, the respective associations not only provide access to professional development and networking opportunities, they also build a pipeline of leaders. Similarly, YNPN serves as the place for networking, professional development and support for young professionals to emerge as leaders within the nonprofit sector.
YNPN – The National Movement
YNPN Chapters quickly surfaced across the country since the national movemeent began in 2004. Currently, there are 30 YNPN chapters representing nearly 20,000 young nonprofit professionals working in a variety of capacities. This rapid growth and mobilization of next generation leaders sends a clear message that the need for installing a pipeline for early career nonprofit professionals is significant.
Building the National YNPN Movement
To better serve this growing national network and provide infrastructure for local chapters across the country, YNPN National incorporated as an independent, national 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2004. YNPN National provides support and resources for local YNPN networks through leadership development, networking, and advocacy activities.
YNPN National seeks to build and expand the YNPN movement throughout the United States. The focus is on building local chapter leadership and capacity, along with developing a unified, national voice for early career professionals. The national body is governed by a board of directors, comprised of representatives from YNPN chapters and other leaders committed to making the nonprofit sector a sustainable, vibrant and viable place to work.
To learn more about other YNPN Chapters, you can visit the Local Chapter Information Page on the YNPN National Website.
