New Non-Profit "Launches" Young Friends Groups
Online, July 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - St. Louis, Mo. - Recently Launch St. Louis, a group of young professionals in the St. Louis region, announced its plan to become a 501(c) 3 nonprofit designed to help create "young friends" groups and encourage philanthropy amongst individuals entering into the workforce.
Different from other young professional networking groups, Launch St. Louis is a mission based organization focusing on the development of future leadership for cancer-related support agencies. Launch's services include the recruitment and development of young leadership, helping create organizational culture and structure, and assisting with branding, marketing and fundraising efforts.
"When people work together for a cause they become deeply connected," says Launch board member Yvette Hartsfield of Operation Brightside. "If engaged at a younger age we're establishing the possibility of a long-term relationship for the nonprofit which could lead to future board members and/ or major donors."
Currently, Launch has 14 board members representing various industries such as governance, finance, marketing, fundraising and development, and event planning. "With this pool of talent we knew we could do more," says Launch Vice-Chair Kevin Haar Jr. with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. "We wanted to help organizations that had a desire to reach out to young professionals but didn't necessarily have the tools to do so."
When working with a new client, Launch commits to a two year partnership. During those two years, Launch helps create a group structure conducive to the client organization. Once a board is established, Launch helps form breakout committees such as membership, marketing, and events with fundraisers and service-related activities.
"I meet people all the time who want to get involved but they just don't know where to begin," says Haar. "Launch acts as a gateway between these individuals and the nonprofit - we provide the nonprofit exposure and then act as a model for the young friends group before they can create their own identity."