Young Involved Philadelphia (YIP) kicked off its third annual
State of Young Philly on Thursday with a standing-room only crowd at the Kimmel Center’s Innovation Studio and full-fledged ambition.
“State of Young Philly, for all intents and purposes, is totally redone from the previous two installments,” says Jason Wolfson, YIP's Programing Committee Chair. “The first two have been very positive in terms of getting people excited, getting people to want to do more, getting people more involved in their community. What we really want to do now is make that tangible.”
Drawing support from over 50 participating change-making organizations, this year’s catalogue offers 12 total events from “key issue” areas: Economy, Education and Sustainability.
Instead of simply listening and networking, participants are guided by action-oriented questions. Sophie Hwang, YIP's Outreach Coordinator, offers an example from the Education Track: “Not everyone has a computer but most everyone has a mobile device. So how can we use mobile technology to better inform parents?”
Last year’s State Of Young Philly gave birth to the educational nonprofit,
Philly Core Leaders. This year’s installment encourages similar results, offering $1,000 in seed money to winners of the
YIP Challenge.
“People can get inspired by attending the first couple of events, meet new people, build teams and submit a proposal,” Hwang explains.
It’s passion and drive balanced with fun. One night, City Councilman Bill Green’s office hosts a pitch competition for educational entrepreneurs. The next, DIY experts give how-tos on composting, making all natural cosmetics, and altering refrigerator coils to save energy.
“We’re going to have events for everybody, regardless of how knowledgeable you are in a particular field.” Wolfson maintains.
When else can you visit the home of an internationally-renound orchestra and leave with your very own homemade deodorant?
Source: Jason Wolfson, Sophie Hwang, Young Involved Philadelphia
Writer: Dana Henry