The Silicon Valley Urban Debate League is excited to announce the launch of its Young Professionals Network (YPN). Comprised of former Speech and Debate competitors in their early to mid careers, the YPN will come together in support of SVUDL’s organizational mission and vision as role models for younger generations. The YPN will provide its members an opportunity to stay connected with others who share the passion for, and understand the life-defining impact of, Speech and Debate.
The YPN will have regular opportunities to:
● Support SVUDL students and alumni in meaningful and authentic ways.
● Network and share professional resources with each other.
● Engage with a social network where the participants all have a common experience of participating in Speech in Debate in high school and/or college.
● Support SVUDL philanthropically.
SVUDL Young Professionals Network - Member Benefits
In addition to social and professional networking within the Young Professionals Network, members also gain access to SVUDL’s Board of Directors and Legal Advisory Committee, composed of executive level professionals at top tech firms, companies, nonprofits, and law firms through periodic professional development opportunities at members-only events.
The SVUDL Young Professionals Network will have at least two signature events per calendar year. One event is programmatic and focused on SVUDL students and supporting their life outcomes, aligned with SVUDL’s existing Professional Access and Mentoring program. A second event is an annual YPN fundraiser.
YPN members also gain exclusive access to our private SVUDL YPN LinkedIn group, network, share resources and opportunities, etc. with other members.
And in recognition of their service, volunteerism, and philanthropy, members will be featured in various SVUDL media channels, including its web site, social media, annual Impact Report, e-newsletter, and other organizational materials.
SVUDL Young Professional Network – Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a young professional who participated in Speech and Debate. Why should I join?
Members will be able to give back to their community, supporting a local 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing educational equity to underserved communities who deserve the same opportunities as other more privileged groups. They will be able to share their personal and professional experiences with current high school students, as well as each other through professional and social networking aspects.
What is the criteria to join the YPN?
Members of this community will meet these basic criteria, and will have these shared expectations as a community member:
Consider themselves new to mid-career professionals.
Are former Speech and Debate participants at the high school or college level - encouraged but not required.
Are committed to SVUDL’s mission and work.
What are my expectations if I decide to become an active member of the YPN?
Active members will be expected to:
Commit to supporting annual programming and fundraising events (ex. attending the events, supporting planning and delivery, securing sponsors, etc.).
Volunteer at least once per year.
Invite your network to participate in the community, provided they meet the above criteria.
Commit to reading communications sent out by the Young Professionals Executive Committee at least once per month (no more than 10 minutes).
Make a minimum of one donation per year, at a personally defined giving level (recommended donation of $500/year). Recurring or monthly giving is also encouraged.
Any member that has direct contact with SVUDL students, will need to commit to an annual criminal background check (facilitated and paid for by SVUDL) and sign any pertinent confidentiality agreements.
Is the $500 donation required?
Your giving level is determined by you alone, and $500 is only the suggested annual amount. Some will give more and some less, but all are welcome to be part of YPN. There are other ways you can give as well:
See if your company/organization will match your gift. This can sometimes double your donation – or more!
Be a recurring monthly giver.
Donate tech hardware (in good shape!) for use by our students during practice and tournaments.
Designate SVUDL as your charity choice on Amazon Smile.
Okay – I’m ready to join! What do I do next?
Fill out our application here, and then we’ll be in touch by within 2 weeks.
What events can we look forward to attending this year?
YPN members can volunteer at our upcoming national tournament, the John Lewis SVUDL Invitational, taking place from November 19-21, 2021. We expect more than 2,000 students in attendance at this virtual tournament, and will need all the help we can get!
We anticipate sharing a full calendar of events in early 2022 - please stay tuned!
Who can I contact if I have any questions or ideas?
Please send us an email at info@svudl.org