YNPNdc FAQ

What is YNPNdc?

YNPNdc is a community of nonprofit professionals working and living in the DC area. We connect through an online community and social, networking, and professional development events. As an affiliate of the national YNPN organization, YNPNdc is part of a nationwide network of groups in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Southern California, Chicago, and Denver. Emerging organizations are forming other major cities as well.

What does YNPNdc do?

We organize social, networking, and professional development events for DC-area nonprofit professionals to support professional and personal growth and strengthen the local nonprofit sector. We organize:

• Monthly happy hours
• "Meet ……" events to introduce YNPNdc members to local nonprofits that provide resources for education or professional development
• Professional development seminars on topics like resume-writing, fundraising, and marketing
• Discounts on classes and seminars through existing training programs, like the Social Action and Leadership School for Activists (S.A.L.S.A.), where members receive a 40% discount (www.hotsalsa.org)
• Networking events to trade information on jobs, organizations, and upcoming events
• Online resources and job postings
• E-mail listservs to keep YNPNdc members informed about jobs, events, and other news in the DC and larger nonprofit communities

How and why did YNPNdc form?

The volunteer YNPNdc Steering Committee began organizing YNPNdc in the Fall of 2003 to address the lack of support and resources for young nonprofit professionals. We hope that by providing opportunities for young nonprofit professionals in DC to interact, network, share best practices, and receive professional support and training, we can slow the departure of burnt-out young professionals from the sector and strengthen the overall nonprofit community by helping to retain talented future leaders.

How did YNPN National come about?

The first YNPN chapter was formed in 1997 as a project of the Support Center for Nonprofit Management (now CompassPoint Nonprofit Services) in San Francisco. With the Bay Area chapter providing leadership, YNPN recently received federal 501c3 as a national organization. The first national board was seated in January and is working hard to create an umbrella organization to help support the rapidly expanding network of local affiliates.

How do I become a YNPNdc member?

Membership is free and open to everyone. The best way to be connected to YNPNdc is to join our email listserv. If you would like to be added to listserv or have any ideas and suggestions for us, please email us at ynpndc@yahoo.com. Our website is www.ynpn.org/dc and you can visit www.ynpn.org to learn more about the national organization or the other local affiliates.

How often does YNPNdc meet?

At the beginning of each month, we hold informal happy hours at various metro-accessible locations for our members to meet and network. We also organize a variety of professional development, mentoring, networking and volunteer events throughout each month.

Are there age restrictions for being part of the “YOUNG” Nonprofit Professionals Network?

Age is only a number. Just be young at heart! To learn more about YNPNdc's membership, read our membership survey results.

What are the time requirements of members?

There is no time requirement for members. Everyone is encouraged to participate at whatever level he or she chooses.

Is there a membership fee?

It’s FREE!!! Donations are graciously accepted.

Can I still be a member if I don’t work for a nonprofit?

Anyone interested in strengthening the nonprofit sector is welcome.