Alliance of Emerging Professionals (AEP)

[Patrick]

Any idea when the next meeting will be?

[fiberhaus]

I first want to start by thanking Steven for his kind words for the group. It truly takes everyone to make this organization work.

Membership for Class I, 2005 is still open. I would recommend downloading an application from our website if you are interested in joining. Visitors are able to attend meetings at any time and I would encourage you to check out our next formal Monday meeting. Our meetings consist of one formal meeting a month on the first Monday and an informal meeting on the third Thursday of the month. Part of our membership requirements state that you must attend 1 meeting per month with the option to attend both. The details of our next Monday meeting are as follows:


Who: Twentysomethings with a passion for life and Oklahoma City
What: Monthly meeting
When: Monday, February 7th, 6:45-8pm
Where: New Downtown Library, 2nd Floor Friends Room
Cost: Free

I look forward to seeing you there!


Regards,


Trevor G. Francis
Principal / CEO
Fiberhaus Consulting LLC

[metro]

Welcome and thanks Trevor for joining the site. Your insight will be beneficial.

[Luke]

Great, look forward to the next meeting. I should be able to make that one.

[okcpulse]

I, unfortunately, will not be able to attend, even though I'd love to. I work Friday through Tuesday, 2:30PM to 11PM. Please let us know what was discussed at the meeting.

[Patrick]

Well....nice to have you aboard fiberhaus (Trevor).

Thanks for taking the time to register. We'd love for you to join us in discussing downtown and the "creative class," or whatever interests you here. Feel free to keep us up to date on AEP.

We're privileged to have Mayor Mick Cornett, and several other city leaders reading our site on a regular basis, so feel free to use this as a method to communicate with your city leaders!

If I can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me, either via PM or email at Patrick@okctalk.net

[metro]

AEP SOCIAL RECEPTION, Thursday, February 17, 7:00-8:00pm

The Alliance of Emerging Professionals (AEP) invites you to meet OKC's best and brightest twenty-somethings at LiT - Oklahoma City's ultimate "Chill Out" lounge - for our monthly social reception. Bring your colleagues and friends, relax with a martini or one of many fine libations and let the atmosphere show you the way to a whole new "LiTstyle".

Find out how to begin impacting the future of Oklahoma City by joining AEP...Learn about the initiatives and projects we are undertaking to shape a better tomorrow...Network with other young professionals...All while having a great time at one of OKC's sophisticated venues.

That's tomorrow Thursday, February 17, 7:00-8:00pm, LiT, 208 East Sheridan, Bricktown, http://www.lit-okc.com

[Luke]

Shoot, won't be able to make this one either...

[metro]

For those of you who missed out on this Mondays meeting downtown with Roy Williams, Greater OKC's Chamber of Commerce President , really missed out on whats happening with OKC. He reimphasized the fact we are America's 7th and 8th hottest cities according to several magazines recently discussed on OKCTalk also. I wont go into detail as it is a benefit of being an AEP member, however $1.2 billion in private business was a result of the MAPS projects and another 1.35 billion is on the drawing boards and will be unveiled very soon. Stay tuned!

[Luke]

Thanks for the update!

[metro]

You're Invited to the Alliance of Emerging Professionals monthly social. AEP
wants you to meet OKC's best and brightest twenty-something's at the JRB Art
Gallery.
The event is free and it's open to all professional twenty-something's - be
sure to invite colleagues and friends!

Date: March 17, 2005
Time: 7-8:30p
Dress: Coat & Tie
Location: JRB Art Gallery, 2810 N Walker

On another note, what ever happened to the sticky this thread had?????

[Patrick]

Somehow it got unstuck! I'm not sure what happened. I'll restick it to the top!

[metro]

AEP is hosting a networking social tonight, 7pm, at the JRB Art Gallery in
Paseo. This coat and tie event features free valet parking, champagne and
cheese catered by Tom and Jerry's, and the best and brightest twenty
somethings in Oklahoma City - all in the ambiance of one of Paseo's finest
art galleries.

I look forward to seeing you there!

[soonerguru]

Hey Metro,

I have a beef.

I'm a 30 something who pleaded and talked until I was blue in the face to any city leader of import while I was a 20 something to address the issues of young, not-as-well-connected members of our community.

Judging by the thoughtful posts on this board alone, I'm sure I wasn't the only one frustrated at the lack of organizations such as yours to belong to to make an impact in the community.

I am pleading with you to reconsider your organization to allow 30 somethings to join. We are by definition "emerging" professionals in this community.

I'm not sure what your organization's perception of the 30-plus set is, but many of us are just as much outsiders to the process as your group. Many of us have a lot of experience and connectivity that would be of value to your group. Similarly, we are YOUNG and full of energy and enthusiasm.

Please reconsider your restrictive membership policy. Changing it would be good for your organization and good for this city.

[floater]

I agree. There are too few organizations like AEP for membership to be too narrow. I don't think you have to worry about a diluted message, and the "senior" members may be able to offer some great contacts and ideas.

[metro]

Firstoff, I understand your concerns. Secondly, do not hold me accountable to any of my following opinions regarding this matter as they definetely are not the boards or organizations official stance on this issue.

Let me clarify. Firstly, in my opinion, I believe the organization was started mainly for our age group ( the recent college graduate) to have a transition organization after college and your early professional years to establish your networking because there was a lack of organizations a 20 year old could join and be a part of. We also are very concerned with civic issues and making the community a better place. Because of our success, the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations can tap our expertise and opinions of the (recent college graduate) on how to keep us here. As you know, probably more so when you were this age and still is, easy for a graduate or professional with just a few years of experience to leave this state for somewhere already established but yet get lost in the masses.

Our organization provides skills such as training, networking and other tools a young professional needs to learn and improve.

Again, I believe and this is not official, that the stance as far as the age group is several-fold. One reason being, there are several organizations an already established or upcoming 30 year old can join and be more on their level to make more of an impact, Leadership OKC, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce meetings, and other various organizations, many downtown. I realize your age group may even have more to offer than ours and could greatly benefit us, however I dont think that is our main focus. I think we are catering to a specific niche this community doesnt have. We are leaders and leaders in training. I know there are numerous city leaders in the more established 30something group.

I encourage several things to you at this point. One is you can contact Trevor (fiberhaus), who is a member of this site for a more official response. Two I encourage you to be more active in the city with Leadership OKC, the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown OKC Inc. Contact Roy Williams or Dave Lopez, I know that both of them will be happy to speak with you. Thirdly, I also encourage you once you have exhausted these resources further to possibly start another organization such as an AEP type organization for thirtysomethings that the other organizations are not providing. I think this would help further the greater cause of making OKC a better place!

[floater]

Thanks for the reasoned response. The problem with those organizations is that they have some barriers to get in, or are not suited to individuals. I believe (someone please correct if I'm wrong) you have to be nominated to get into the Rotary Club, you have to have completed a training course to become a member of Leadership OKC, and high membership dues (the chamber). The chamber and Downtown OKC are not meant for individuals (unless you own a business). It might be possible to join as volunteers, but what if we want more than project-specific get-togethers? To be able to get in and out and vary your level of involvement is also important.

While I believe in nonprofit organizations, I do think you can have too many. I know there are other similar organizations around the country that also include 30 somethings because we still face the same issues. People are waiting longer to get married, graduating from college later, getting advanced degrees (after which you still face the same issues after graduating), some are still living with their parents, etc.

And I started saying years ago, age is just a number...but that was for a different reason..

Please look at this as a statement of AEP's worth.

[metro]

Again, I understand your concerns. I again advise you to contact Trevor (fiberhaus) for a more official stance on this issue as he is the founder, I'm confident he can better advise.

[downtownguy]

Floater, I suggest you contact Proactive Volunteer, who I think has a great deal of experience and wisdom she can share on how to get hooked into local civic organizations. One way you can accomplish this, from my knowledge, is to volunteer with OKC Beautiful and the Arts Festival. That does not require any of the invites you mention. From there, it shouldn't be too difficult for you to get that invite into Leadership OKC or Rotary (assuming you prove to be a valuable contributor to the other groups)

[soonerguru]

Metro,

Thanks for your response. I have some issues with your responses, however.

1. You assume I would want to join those organizations. No thanks. They are all led by the same people who run everything else: the Fred Halls, Bennetts, etc. Not interested.

2. You make 30-somethings out to be these married aliens who don't share your values and interests. Nothing could be further from the truth. Do you know how many bands I go see on a regular basis? Do you know how often I go out?

3. You are missing the boat on us, unless the purpose of your organization is just to pick up chicks and pat yourselves on the back about how important you are because Roy Williams meets with you. What are you going to do when your current members turn 30. Kick them out?

4. We are by definition YOUNG, EMERGING, PROFESSIONALS. Perhaps you think we have it made and have all of these connections but this town isn't that easy to break into.

5. The biggest thing you're missing is we are just as likely to leave OKC as your age group, maybe even more likely. We are also the ones the Chamber would like to see stick around and make this a happening place to live.

It doesn't make sense to balkanize and divide what little power we may have to affect positive change in the city. We are stronger with greater numbers. We cannot afford to let the status quo people divide us and dilute our efforts.

If you allow 30 somethings in your organization will grow and become more powerful without diluting its original intentions whatsoever.

[floater]

Thanks, metro and downtownguy.

[sweetdaisy]

Soonerguru, thank you so much for your input! As a YOUNG 30-something, I completely agree with what you said. When I first started reviewing this thread, I got really excited about AEP, until I saw it is restricted to 20's. How sad!

When I was in Ann Arbor, MI, I was involved with the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce). Some of you may have heard of it, some may not. Regardless, our chapter was large and very active in our community, effecting positive change throughout. Our membership base was 21 - 39 years of age. The great thing about this was the potential for mentoring, networking, and leadership development for everyone. There was opportunity for more mature members to assist younger members further their careers, and vice versa. I loved it. Unfortunately, the Jaycee chapter here in OKC is somewhat lethargic, and struggles to gain a foothold.

Anyway, my point is that learning and development can be a 2 way street. Sometimes allowing more "seasoned" individuals to enter your organization will create more color and opportunity for up-and-coming leaders. Like this website, the variety of thoughts and opinions are what makes it so great. Too narrow a viewpoint can be hazardous to forward progress.

Regardless, thanks to Metro for getting the word out. I would've loved to have had an organization like that to join when I first emerged from college.

[metro]

Two things. First again, I STRONGLY advise that you contact Trevor who is still a member of this site. He is the founder and can give you an exact answer. Two I strongly disagree with your interpretation of my remarks. I clearly did not mention marriage and also said that your age group could provide possibly more than our generation. Thirdly, I did not assume you want to join those organizations, merely offering examples of organizations you can join, and too my knowledge, they do not have any prerequisites we do not have both AEP and Leadership OKC also have membership fees as well. I am glad you are wanting to be active in shaping our future and again encourage you to contact Trevor, Roy Williams, and Dave Lopez. My mentioning of them was merely to get you a start on how this city is run and how it can be changed. RW and DL are passionate about your and my generations and would definetely help you get plugged in on what could best benefit your generation without being good ole boy's like Fred Hall and Bennett's, Gaylord's , Everest's etc.

Metro,

Thanks for your response. I have some issues with your responses, however.

1. You assume I would want to join those organizations. No thanks. They are all led by the same people who run everything else: the Fred Halls, Bennetts, etc. Not interested.

2. You make 30-somethings out to be these married aliens who don't share your values and interests.

[metro]

From: Alliance of Emerging Professionals
Location: OKC Downtown Library
300 Park Ave,Oklahoma City,OK View Map
When: Monday, April 4, 7:00pm

AEP announces Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett as special guest speaker on Monday, April 4th, at the Downtown Library. Mayor Cornett will give a first hand report of important issues facing our city, and share ways we can influence the future our community.

Attendees will also learn about the initiatives each of the AEP committees are working on - including the April 21st social event and the April 24th community service project.

Invite your friends and come be a part of the best young professional organization in Oklahoma City.

Please contact me at svermillion@sonicdrivein.com, (405) 225-5706 with any questions or for more information.

"Lead by example. Champion a cause. Cultivate a passion"

Susan Vermillion
AEP Membership Chair


*************************************************

Buy the AEP tshirt!

Customized t-shirts for our April community service project need to be ordered on or before April 4th. Cost is $7-$9, depending on what size you want. If you would like to purchase a shirt but will be unable to attend the meeting on April 4, please contact Amanda Davis, amanda.davis@okstate.edu, (405)762-9237.

We will be volunteering with the OKC Memorial Kids' Marathon on Sunday morning, April 24th. Details will be available at the April 4th meeting, or at www.aepoklahoma.com.

[okiemom]

While I'm all for networking and volunteerism, I do question the need for AEP with the existence of the Jaycees. On the other hand, people involved in AEP maybe individuals who tried the Jaycees and found it disapointing.


From the national Jaycee website

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) gives young people between the ages of 21 and 39 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections. The U.S. Junior Chamber is a non-profit corporation/organization as described under IRS code 501 (c)(4).

Established in 1920 to provide opportunities for young men to develop personal and leadership skills through service to others, the Jaycees later expanded to include women, reflecting the growing influence and leadership of women in America.

For the past 83 years, Jaycees have been a force for good in America and around the world. Jaycees helped establish AirMail services in America with Jaycee Charles Lindbergh, and have raised millions of dollars for causes such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the March of Dimes. They have built parks, playgrounds, hospitals, ball fields, and housing for the elderly while conducting service and support programs in thousands of communities nationwide.

Jaycees can be found in all walks of life: governmental leaders such as past Presidents Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford, business tycoons such as Domino’s Pizza mogul Tom Monaghan, registered nurse and former Miss America Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson, sports heroes like basketball great Larry Bird – name the field and Jaycees can be found at the forefront.

With the focus of the nation on volunteerism, from the smallest towns to the largest cities, the Jaycees are enlarging areas of opportunity for young people.

Membership in the organization is on a local basis. Membership in a local chapter also entitles you to state membership, membership in The U.S. Junior Chamber and Junior Chamber International.Dues for membership into the organization are also on a local basis and vary from chapter to chapter.

Members are encouraged to get involved with local projects. Members are also encouraged to develop their leadership skills by taking on a position in the managment of the chapter. That leadership development can even be taken further to managing the state, national, and international organization.