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About Us
Mission

The goals of the Urban League Young Professionals are to serve as abase of support for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and its respective initiatives; to increase community involvement of members through development and programs; to strengthen leadership and professional development of members through organized directives; to promote the Urban League and its mission; and to provide a comprehensive orientation to the Urban League movement for new members.

History of Movement

In 1985, under the leadership of James Buford, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis established a young adult auxiliary named Progressive Young Adults (ProYa). After years of vibrant support of the local Affiliate agenda, ProYa declined in activity as members advanced personally and professionally.

After the approval of the National Urban League Young Professionals as an official auxiliary of the Nation Urban League, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis renewed its connection to the young adult community by establishing an affiliate chapter in January of 2000. Convening a group of young professionals on a rainy Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, President James H. Buford gave a charge to the group to take up the banner of community leadership and professional development. Within the year, over 100 individuals in the St. Louis region answered the call and became active members. These members, of diverse professional backgrounds, are dedicated to the ULYP’s Three-pronged Agenda.

This five point strategy guides our local programming efforts, including monthly workshops on varied topics of personal and professional development, fundraisers to support community programs, forums on current events and issues and community service partnerships (primarily dedicated to the Urban League’s wide portfolio of volunteer opportunities). For more information on national efforts visit www.NULYP.org.

Five Point Strategy
Education and Youth Empowerment
Economic Empowerment
Health and Quality of Life Empowerment
Civic Engagement and Leadership Empowerment
Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment