Meta House has taken the first steps of organizing a young professionals’ volunteer group to help the nonprofit organization make greater strides in supporting women overcoming substance abuse.
The new movement, known as the YP Collaborative, launched on Saturday, May 31, with a service day held on the grounds of Meta House in Milwaukee.
Through the collaborative, Meta House aims to connect young professionals with meaningful opportunities to donate their time and talent. While professionals just starting their careers may not have the funds to make significant financial contributions, they have the energy and enthusiasm to impact their communities in a more hands-on capacity, said Amy Lindner, president and CEO of Meta House.
During the nonprofit’s service day on May 31, about 25 young professionals from the Milwaukee area rolled up their sleeves to complete renovation projects including interior painting, redecorating, landscaping and organizing.
A second service day will follow on Saturday, June 7, with similar projects planned for a new wave of young professional volunteers. Meta House expects at least 35 participants and currently has about 10 spots open for interested volunteers.
While Meta House is not yet certain how it will roll out additional programming within the collaborative, it plans to consult its individual volunteers about ways they’d like to invest their time into its mission.
“I think it’s just a chance to meet each individual person where they’re at, and if they’re moved by our mission as I am, maybe they’ll want to get involved in a way that makes the most sense for them,” Lindner said.
The organization is open to the possibility of other group volunteer projects, board and committee service from young professionals, advocacy work with young professionals, and partnerships with participants’ workplace charity efforts.
Figuring out how to give back to the community is a “really important part” of professional development, Lindner said.
“If we can be part of that journey for some people, that feels really good,” she said.
To bring all YP Collaborative volunteers together, along with any other community members interested in joining the initiative, Meta House will host a networking event on Thursday, June 12, at Discovery World, 500 N. Harbor Dr. in Milwaukee. The event is free to service day volunteers and costs $35 for other attendees. For more information, click here.
Sponsors of the new YP Collaborative include the Bartolotta Restaurant Group, Johnson Controls, First Business Bank, MillerCoors, Indulge Studios, and 88.9 Radio Milwaukee.
