Want to make Grinnell a better place?

Grinnell Young Professionals has learned of three opportunities for you to contribute to making Grinnell a better place to live, work, and play.

Grinnell Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is embarking on a new adventure. Many of you have been to festivals such as Clive After 5, Friday after 5 in Pella, and Osky after Hours in Oskaloosa. The chamber will begin a series of such events on Friday June 5th. The events are targeted at “Young” Professionals (20’s -40’s) and Angela, the new exec at the Chamber would like to get the GYPs involved right away for input, naming the event, outlining details and volunteer opportunities. Please come to our planning meeting, Thursday, May 22, 7:30 a.m. at Saints Rest (917 Broad Street, Grinnell), so that we can make sure we tailor the event to what the GYP’s would like to see!

Email grinnellyp@gmail.com if you can participate.

Grinnell United Way

United Way seeks board members to help raise funds for and awareness about the organizations serving at-risk and disadvantaged populations in Grinnell and Poweshiek County. Board members also help in making funding decisions, and 99 percent of that support stays in Grinnell and Poweshiek County. Agencies focusing on youth receive 30 percent of the local support, low-income populations receive another 30 percent, and women receive 16 percent. Agencies focusing on mental health, emergency services, and seniors also receive support from United Way.

Serving on the United Way is an opportunity to connect with local businesses while making a lasting impact on our community. Email board member Dan McCue (mccuedan@grinnell.edu) if you are interested.

American Red Cross, Iowa Rivers Chapter

The Iowa Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross serves Marshall, Hardin, Tama, Jasper and Poweshiek counties. They are seeking young professionals who might be interested in joining the board to represent Poweshiek county. The board is made up of representatives from four of the five counties that the chapter serves (all but Hardin County) and was recently recognized as one of only a handful of “highly performing chapters” from the American Red Cross.

If you are interested in this great regional opportunity, please contact Lynn Olberding at lolberding@marshalltown.org. This is a great opportunity to expand personal and professional networks!