Young Professional Networks: A National Movement

Welcome and Intro Anthony Iracki Recreation Supervisor Volunteer: SEPRC Chair YPN Chair/Founder NRPA YPN Board Member WPRA Board FSU Bulldog Lions fan trapped in behind the cheddar curtain Anthony Iracki Rec Supervisor MKE Metro Area Basketball/softball score keeper Pool attendant/LG/ Assistant Manager Y-AQU Director-BR/MKE

“WHY”PN Why College students not engaging distinguished professionals Students- intimidated DP- They don’t talk to us! Student Section Defunct Challenges getting into universities Change in professors and tenure UW-LAX New focus on resort/tourism Less on Park and Rec Mad Tech Associates only UW-WW Trying to grow program Visited NRPA in Vegas Came back with idea to start YPN in WI Slow Beginnings Social group? Networking? Inspired by other YP networking groups around MKE NEWaukee, Fuel, Etc. Pitched vague idea to foundation They loved it Director was on the conference committee and got YPN a booth right next to theirs. Tom Flick- series of professionals retiring in the coming years- wanted to make sure YP’s were equipped to take on the challenge of leadership.

Started From the Bottom (conference 2016) 1 conference session What we wanted to do Impact students, mentoring, YP’s, networking, build bridges, change the world Expo table Clip board inflatable beach balls Join us because we are cool-50 signatures!

Year 1 Co-chair, Region 1-4 rep, social media/sec, student rep Golf Outing-Toss ball-nearest to hole wins. Fundraiser for Foundation. Facebook Live Monthly facebook live Q&A Monthly conference Calls Joint call MN Golf Outing Fundraiser Game

Conference 2017 Conference 2017 Conference Session $750 from Foundation for conference. Take a student/YP to lunch Internship opportunity resource center Resume Review/Mock Interviews

Year 2 Golf outing Same as year 1 Conference calls FB Live Non voting seat on WPRA Board Non voting advisory position on Foundation/FAC Year 2

Expanding the conference calls Other States MN Similar time/tract to WI Sought official status early on Focus has been heavy on jobs, internships. MO Integrated use of technology Google Maps for call ins Recorded sessions Facebook live AMA Strong student program initially Helped with numbers right away NC Struggled to with state association Didn’t want logo use Didn’t want facebook Assigned someone from association agency to manage and they were not passionate about it. Eventually came around and are moving slowly but surely. *Kansas is doing some good stuff as is Colorado.

Conference 2018 Conference 2018 Conference Tract $5,000 spend on speakers Still $750 from foundation Overwhelming show of candidates for open positions 4 open spots 8 candidates

Year 3 TBD! 2 new YPN Board Members Mentorship Program Second year with a conference tract Official WPRA/Foundation/FAC Board Positions Awards Development Student/YP/Mentor Leader Conference Committee- 2 YPN members.

Monthly Conference Calls Meet ups at NRPA Travel between state associations

NRPA Network and Beyond NRPA YPN NRPA Aquatics Network Mentoring Professional Recreato Michael, Chris, Jay, Kara Mapping your career path

Michigan What current opportunities exist for Students and YP’s to be involved What Challenges exist for Student/YP’s in state How can the shared experiences of the YPN Networks assist with facing these challenges Are you meeting your level of engagement goals for students and YP’s? If yes, what's working well? Is no, what can be improved on? Open discussion/ Q&A

If not you then who?

Contact Info Anthony Iracki irackiat@gmail.com 414-429-7194 Linkedin.com/anthonyiracki https://www.facebook.com/Airacki