ROCKINGHAM – Christmas has come and gone, the crystal ball has dropped, and a new year has officially commenced. And while the first week of a new year gets underway, millions of people are setting out, determined to make their resolutions stick, and striving to turn their ideas into an improved reality.
For some people, this means to eat healthier and workout more. For others, this may mean to grow stronger in their faith. Then for others still, such resolutions may include vows to seek more adventure, try new things, or become more independent.
And for local hardworking professionals, a possible resolution to get more involved in growing the community may be becoming a member of Richmond Young Professionals.
For the Richmond Young Professionals, the start of a new year is an exciting opportunity to grow as an organization and host a fresh series of networking, recreational and philanthropic events throughout the county.
The organization will jump start its 2018 line up of events with a kick off meeting Thursday, January 4, with an open event at Hudson Brothers. Lasting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., this kick off celebration will entail time to mingle with attendees, presentations from the organization’s co-presidents, the unveiling of this year’s “work,” “play,” and “give” events and details on the organization’s free membership program.
All of which are ideas and concepts that members of the organization have been working on for quite some time.
Coming into existence in 2015, the RYP organization was started to provide local 20 to 40-year-old professionals with opportunities to become active members of Richmond County’s community. Since that time, its hosted several networking events, public forums, community service opportunities, and memorable social outings.
But as explained by RYP co-president David Stogner, the group’s successes are larger than that. As he states, “we have established ourselves as a voice for millennials and young professionals in the community.”
“Advocacy,” Stogner continued, “has become a new priority for the group, and we look forward to continue playing a larger role in the development and implementation of ideas, events, and policies within the county.”
With an established reputation of community involvement to uphold, and a list of lessons learned, the organization is determined to make the upcoming year its strongest yet.
Convening at the beginning of December, a select group of RYP’s most dedicated members assembled to formulate a plan to make the 2018 season a year to remember.
After much discussion, and a careful evaluation of past experiences, the group was able to develop a strong lineup of events for this year, that are sure to bring their three-part motto, “work, play, give” to life.
Although the specifics of these events won’t be publicly revealed until their kick-off meeting Thursday evening, interested individuals can expect to learn about the organization’s updated free membership program, and new events such as casual monthly meet ups, field day, and community service projects. Also, details regarding the return of previously enjoyed events such as Habitat for Humanity build days, trivia nights, and a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball will also be shared.
“This group has much to offer,” stated active member Adam Smith. “From volunteer opportunities throughout the year, trivia nights, group sports, and meet ups with some really great people. RYP strives to offer a little something for everybody.
“I had no idea what to expect before I joined RYP, but I am glad I did,” Smith continued. “This is a great group of people who do what they can to help better Richmond County.”
For those questioning if this organization is a right fit for them, organization co-president Seth Allen urges them to, “come join us Thursday night. It’s a great way to destress from the week a little, mingle with other local young professionals, and become an active part of Richmond County.”
Anyone interested in joining the Richmond Young Professionals, but is unable to make the 2018 Kick-off event, is encouraged to head over to the official RYP Facebook page to learn more and stay up to date on all of the organization’s latest gatherings.
