In Massachusetts, there are many emerging professional planners in the early stages of our careers. Whether we are recent graduates or professionals transitioning into the planning field, this APA-MA Chapter Committee is here to support career development and building community within our professional field. The Young Planners Group, provides professional development opportunities , such as AICP information sessions and training, speaker series, and networking events throughout the Commonwealth.
APA has recognized that there is a need to sustain the organization, to provide services to a changing professional demographic, and to cultivate the next generation of leaders. In 2008, APA issued the Young Planners Group Task Force Report: “Keeping APA Relevant in a Changing Environment”. This report identifies needs, strategies, and other things vital to the future of APA and the next generation of leaders. Most importantly the report outlines the need for APA , along with the chapters to both identify ways to foster career development and building community within the professional field of planning.
We want to hear from you! Some of our goals for the upcoming year include:
- Increase social networking
- Plan and host speaker events
- Create a mentoring program
- Collaborate with other affiliated young professional groups
- Form local and regional groups of emerging professional planners
If you are interested in helping to shape the future of the YPG in Massachusetts, let us know. Feel free to contact us at ypg@apa-ma.org, and let us know if you are or know of others who may be interested in becoming more involved.