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Unleashing the power of youth on Janesville

The first week of the month always gives me a sense of anticipation. Why, yes, it's the time I give the poodle his heartworm medication and also pay my rent. And, more importantly, it's the Young Professionals' monthly networking event.

Wait a second while I don my Miss YP tiara and sash. Ah, there we go. I'm even prettier when my head is sparkly.

Like many other communities, Rock County is providing an outlet for people under the age of 40 to gather and network. For me, with my crazy work schedule, it helps to take some time off work and meet new people. I work a second shift-sort of schedule, which means I can't normally participate in "after work" activities. The first Thursday of the month is usually flexible for me, so I can arrange my work schedule to accommodate my, um, social networking schedule.

Anyway, I've met a lot of marvelous people who aren't affiliated with work (reporters don't usually socialize with people they interview). In addition, the YP group is very involved with community service projects. We've donated to Janesville's Bike Rodeo so needy kids can have helmets and bikes to ride. We've also volunteered in the Homeless Count, Large Item Pickup, ECHO Toy Drive, a food drive for Caritas and other community events. I've found that volunteering is also a good way to get to know people.

Young Professionals are also involved in business events, and promoting local businesses. At the recent Rock Regional Business Expo, the group awarded gift packages from 20 local businesses.

There's something very reassuring about meeting other people my age in Janesville. Maybe it's just good to know that the hooligans in the bars aren't the only ones in my demographic. (No need to point out that my demographic is "Radio reporters age 25-30 who hang out in downtown Janesville taverns"...)

Click here for more information about the group, including upcoming events.