Young Leaders circle
Serve our community. Inspire change. Be a young leader.
The Young Leaders Circle brings the passion and philanthropic power of young professionals together to transform Rhode Island.
Young Leaders Circle provides robust opportunities to connect community-driven millennials who are eager to lead their peers, fundraise, and advocate to improve lives in our community.
A message from the Young Leaders Circle chair
The Young Leaders Circle is the largest networking group in the state for young professionals. However, what sets it apart from other professional organizations is the focus on philanthropy and community engagement.
Through our Learn with Leaders program, we have the chance to engage in small groups with these leaders at such major Rhode Island companies as FM Global, CVS, and Citizens Bank. Additionally, we have worked side-by-side with local leaders to give back to our community through volunteer work, advocacy projects, and fundraising events. Our volunteer work and philanthropy seeks to address some of the most challenging issues facing Rhode Islanders, including education and housing and food security.
The United Way, and the Young Leaders Circle specifically, have afforded me so many opportunities both personally and professionally, all within the context of giving back to the community. My favorite event is the annual Night is Young gala, where hundreds of young professionals join together each year to send students to the Summer Learning Program.
It is together that we will make Rhode Island a great place to live and work for everyone. I welcome you to join us.
Jacqueleen Mazick
Chair of the Young Leaders Circle
Benefits of Young Leaders Circle membership
Connecting with leaders
Grow personally and professionally by meeting a wide range of civic and business leaders through our events and Learn with Leaders series
Advocating for change
Learn about issues facing our community and join us in advocating for change
Engaging with others in a meaningful context
Connect with your community through year-round volunteer activities
Having fun while making a difference
Help host the Night Is Young, one of United Way’s largest fundraisers, to support summer learning
Which Young Leaders Circle level is right for you?
Young Leaders Circle Levels and Benefits
| Monthly Contribution to United Way of Rhode Island |
General Free |
Community Supporter $25 |
Community Investor $50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional development with community leaders | |||
| Networking with community peers | |||
| Social events | |||
| Hands-on volunteer opportunities | |||
| Pre-event networking opportunities | |||
| Invitations to special Young Leaders Circle-only events | |||
| Advance access to ticketed events | |||
| Invitations to exclusive United Way sneak-peek events | |||
| Private table for you and your guests at events | |||
| Access to Impact Network events |
Young Leaders Circle members who contribute $80 or more per month ($1,000 per year) to United Way of Rhode Island automatically become Impact Network members.
There's no better time than the present to start making a difference.
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To keep up to date with all our activities, join our Facebook group.
Program aims to reverse learning loss
WPRI
For 30 hours a week for six weeks, the Summer Learning Initiative gives students the opportunity to learn in fun and out-of-the-box ways... "There’s ways to be able to explore and be creative without feeling like they are falling farther and farther behind, which I think a lot of youth are feeling right now because of the pandemic," [Marlene] Guay said.
Summer energy bill assistance is available
The Westerly Sun
The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is open to all eligible Rhode Island households experiencing financial difficulty and [needing] assistance with energy expenses, even in the summer. The fund is sponsored by Rhode Island Energy, Block Island Utility District, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services and RISEC LP and administered by United Way of Rhode Island.
10 Ways Nonprofits Can Influence Giving
Forbes Nonprofit Council
As nonprofits seek out donations, leveraging... win-win opportunities can be an effective way to further the social goals of the nonprofit and potential donors. Below, a panel of experts from Forbes Nonprofit Council, including Cortney Nicolato, United Way of Rhode Island's president and CEO, each share one... strategy nonprofit leaders can leverage to influence major corporations to support community-serving efforts.
United Way Launches Nonprofit Leadership Development Series
United Way of Rhode Island is launching a new leadership development series for staff of local nonprofits with annual budgets of $5 million and under and is currently accepting applications from interested participants. The no-cost program is the Deputy Director Learning Circle, and it was developed specifically to strengthen the competencies of nonprofit staff who aspire to become executive directors.
United Way Issues VITA Program RFP
In support of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that returns millions of dollars to the pockets of eligible Rhode Islanders, United Way of Rhode Island is making a total of $500,000 in funding available over a two-year grant cycle.
Olneyville Programs Awarded $182,708
Through its Olneyville Community Fund, United Way of Rhode Island has awarded $182,708 in grants to programs whose work is strengthening the Providence neighborhood it calls home… Investments focus on creating opportunities for all by improving access to services for residents, enhancing educational offerings for children through adults, and increasing nonprofit capacity to meet community need. Eleven organizations received funding.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Barbershop Books Prep4Success!
Join United Way of Rhode Island for Barbershop Books Prep4Success! on Friday, August 12 from noon - 3 p.m. at Haircuts & Heritage in Pawtucket. Barbershop Books inspires Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun by providing free books at local barbershops. Stop by for free haircut vouchers and backpacks with back-to-school essentials, and enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft drinks.
United Way of Rhode Island’s 96th Annual Celebration
Join United Way of Rhode Island for our 96th Annual Celebration on Wednesday, October 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence. Together, we'll celebrate the positive impact we've made this year, thanks to you — our donors, partners, and volunteers — and honor the heroes among us. This event is free and open to all. Registration is required.