The very first Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) chapter for South Carolina will be hosting a new member meet-and-greet to launch its official start on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Bay Street Biergarten.

YNPN Lowcountry is a grassroots chapter that connects young nonprofit professionals in the Charleston Tri-County area through valuable experiences in professional development, networking events, and social opportunities. YNPN National began in San Francisco in 1997. Currently, there are more than 30 YNPN chapters representing nearly 30,000 young nonprofit professionals working in a variety of capacities. 

"We already have close to 60 interested members committed to laying the foundation for YNPN Lowcountry," co-chair Jenna Johnson - Marketing & Development Director at Family Services, Inc. - said. "These members represent Blackbaud, MUSC, Trident United Way, One80 Place, Palmetto Goodwill, and so much more."

Johnson and fellow founding co-chair, Adam White - Executive Director at Chase After A Cure, envisioned the chapter after meeting each other at GoogleFest in 2012. Both were there to learn how to help their organizations, and both talked about the need for a nonprofit-specific venue for other young nonprofit professionals. After much research and surveying, they began structuring YNPN Lowcountry.

"We are excited to establish a new and unique forum for young nonprofit professionals in the greater Charleston area," White said. "This chapter will be the first of its kind in the state. By establishing YNPN Lowcountry, we hope to provide many young nonprofit professionals the opportunity to grow not only their nonprofit organizations but to improve their capacity as leaders in our community."

This new member meet and greet event is open to any interested nonprofit professionals. Though established for individuals between 22 and 35, the chapter is an inclusive group for all ages with a focus in the nonprofit industry. It is open for those who are young in age, but also those who are relatively new to the nonprofit world.

Interested applicants should contact Jenna Johnson and Adam White at ynpnlowcountry@gmail.com or call 843.735.7854. To learn more, check out YNPN Lowcountry's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ynpnlowcountry.