Membership Harper Matthews

Membership is everyone’s business and a year round efforts. While the membership chair holds the title, the health and growth of our movement must be valued and prioritized by all.

—Harper Matthews

In 2022, the Membership committee focused on reenergizing and re-engaging Young Professionals (YPs) across the United States. With a goal of reaching a membership size of 10,000 nationwide, the committee prioritized providing guidance on recruitment and retention strategies throughout the year. The emphasis was on upskilling and equipping local membership chairs with resources to design effective recruitment and retention plans tailored to their respective chapters.

A major accomplishment was observed during Join Week 2022, which marked a significant revitalization of membership. The organization experienced an impressive 88% increase in membership, indicating a strong desire among young professionals for community, networking, and opportunities to make a positive impact. This surge in membership demonstrated the appeal of the organization’s mission and the value it provides to young professionals nationwide.

The Membership committee also collaborated with the Advocacy committee for the launch of the Votecoming initiative in the fall. This collaboration highlighted the advocacy impact of the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) while encouraging chapters to view all programming as an opportunity to attract new YPs and engage them in the organization’s work.

Committee Members

Natalie Turman

Mark Overall

Crystal Milton

Arieon Walker

Ashley Schuler

Shavasia Coleman

Foluke Houstin

Keldrick Porter

Overall, the committee’s accomplishments underscore its commitment to empowering YPs and fostering a sense of belonging within the organization. By providing guidance on recruitment and retention best practices and leveraging collaborative initiatives, the committee has successfully reignited the enthusiasm and engagement of young professionals across the country. These efforts contribute to the organization’s overall growth and impact, positioning NULYP as a leading force in supporting and empowering young professionals in their personal and professional journeys.