What Makes an Emerging Leader? It's These 3 Powerful Desires

 

 

A leader might typically be defined as someone who takes control of a group or situation and steps up to make things happen.

 

If that’s the case, then what makes an emerging leader?   

 

We caught up with Bryce Kruger at United Way of York County, who works with the Emerging Leaders Society Steering Committee to develop year-round engagement events and professional opportunities for young leaders. In this article, he is going to share his knowledge and advice on what makes an emerging leader and how to get involved! 

 

 

 

An emerging leader is any professional that is taking steps to increase their involvement and engagement with their community and peers. You don’t have to run a multi-million-dollar company to be a leader — sitting on a committee or helping your workplace make an impact are great places to start, and that’s where the Emerging Leaders Society comes in. 

 

United Way of York County’s Emerging Leaders Society (ELS) was founded in 2008 with the goal of bringing young professionals together between the ages of 21-40ish that were interested increasing their community involvement and civic engagement. With an original goal of 100 members, ELS is now almost 400 members strong, collectively contributing over $215,000 to United Way of York County’s annual campaign.  

 

Each year the group provides access to prominent community leaders; networking, educational and volunteer events; and leadership development programs. But why is it so important to focus on emerging leaders?  

 

 

 

Emerging leaders will help drive positive, long-lasting change in York County for current and future generations. ELS members develop relationships between corporate partners and mission-driven nonprofits. These relationships are vital to supporting community efforts, creating collaboration, and developing opportunities for others. 

 

 

 

The best advice for any young leader is to get involved with something you care about. Joining groups like ELS builds your network and connects you with others and their roles within the community. Serving on nonprofit committees and boards will expose you to new challenges and will present the opportunity to make things happen using your unique skills and knowledge.  

 

 

To get involved with the Emerging Leaders Society is simple. If you... 

 

… have an interest in community involvement and a desire to make long-lasting, positive change in York County, that’s what we’re about!  

 

… are between the ages of 21-40ish and contribute $250 or more to United Way of York County, this connects you to what we do and showcases the importance of financial generosity. 

 

… are interested in regular networking events and professional development opportunities, these are a great way to get your feet wet as an emerging leader and support your community. 

 

 

To learn more or get involved with ELS, visit our website at www.unitedway-york.org/els. 

 

 

 

 

 

United Way of York County celebrates 100 years of service to our community in 2021. We began as The York Welfare Federation, an organization that raised funds on behalf of 17 member agencies.  Today, as United Way of York County, the mission of raising community funds remains the same, but the strategies have broadened in order to meet the growing and changing needs of people living in York County. 

 

Join us this year as we take a look back at 100 years of impact, and look ahead at the future we can build together for York County: A future where every person in our community can thrive.