Hey 2009 Fellows! We hope that your Winter Breaks have been treating you well and you rung in the New Year with joy. We have finally made it to 2009 and the members of our 2008-2009 Steering Committee have a few words of advice for you to take with you to the National Summit this February. Also, if you have any lingering questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to comment on this blog posting and ask away here.

Don’t know what the Steering Committee is? 

Scroll down to the bottom of this post to find out who they are and what they do.

Want to learn more about the former fellows advising you? 

Click on their names and you’ll be led to their profile page. 

Here’s what they have to say:  

Mazhira Black

Baylor University, 2008 Fellow 

“Be prepared to network and open yourself up to many people who may be important to your cause.” 

Miguel Del Mundo

University of Southern California, 2008 Fellow  

“If there is anything I would advice the upcoming class, it would be to take advantage of the networks during the summit. Be prepared to meet people from all walks of life, from different backgrounds with different causes. But despite the differences in causes and hometowns, we, in the progressive movement, all go through the same challenges and could learn from each other since similar challenges are mirrored from issue to issue. Their greatest resource is each other in the young progressive movement. The important thing is that in the end, we are all fighting to achieve the same social justice, just through different avenues.In meeting these people, be prepared to know what questions you are going to ask and the information you might want to find out. Though it seems long, the summit will go through fast. That’s why, when you met people, you should know what to ask them. You should also seek the information you need from other fellows to best learn from them. Think about your challenges in the progressive movement, how other fellows might help you and what advice are you looking for.” 

Amanda Gonzalez

Florida State University, 2008 Fellow 

“Get ready to take in a lot of new information because you're going to hear things you never want to forget.  Also get ready to take a lot of pictures because you'll be meeting many amazing people and you're going to want to remember them.”  

Nicole Iaquinto

Michigan State University, 2008 Fellow 

“Only one logistical one, because I think it's important. Bring something in which to put the business cards you will be trading with other fellows! It could be something as simple as a plastic bag, an envelope, or they could get really fancy with a business card holder or Rolodex (haha, do they even make the latter anymore?). I suggest this because last year I collected a lot of them and amidst all the hustle and bustle of the rigorous conference schedule, I ended up misplacing some of my cards because they were strewn all over the place.”  

Some more tips from Nicole:  

“Don't be afraid to blog about your conference experiences (I wish I would have at my Summit)! Bring a computer or a notebook with you and write down the ideas you hear from other fellows, or write about the something inspiring one of the speakers said. It's nice to share your thoughts with other fellows, past and present, and it's also cool to look back on what you did during the Summit when you are ending your fellowship.

Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself. Everybody is going to mess up some time or another. Some of the trainings (like elevator pitches) may make you feel uncomfortable or put you on the spot. That doesn't always have to be a bad thing! Just be who you are and learn to work yourself in situations where the pressure is on-- after all, it's not all fun and games out there in the real world of progressive leadership!

Try to talk to at least 2 new people each day, don't just stick with people you know from your own school or your own state. You only have a few days at the Summit, try and meet as many awesome people as you can! Trade information and stay in touch with people! You may end up getting to work with them on future projects for or outside of YP4...or you might need to crash on their couch someday if your flight is canceled and you're far from home! When the day is done, don't lock yourself in your room! Keep your door open or walk down the hallways of the hotel and try to meet some new people.

Talk to Senior fellows and those on the Steering Committee-- ask them for help, ideas, see what worked and didn't work for their blueprints during their Fellowship year so you don't end up making the same mistakes. They have been through the YP4 process before and can be a very valuable resource next to your Fellowship Associates! And also, get to know your Fellowship Associates! Don't be shy! They are there to help you, and if you do a blueprint you will end up interacting with them a lot, so get comfortable with them now.            

Pay attention in the workshops and trainings, especially things like the Media session. Even if it's not something your strong point or something you're interested in, keep in mind that you can always pass on that information to someone else back on your campus.” 

Liz Lamoste

Columbia University, 2008 Fellow            

“One of the really cool things about the YP4 summit is that even though we spend days discussing some of the most serious and pressing issues that our communities and our country face today; we do it in a low-stress and high-fun environment. Don't think about the summit as a really research intensive conference. In fact, you don't have to have a fully fleshed out blueprint (we teach you!), but it never hurts to have ideas floating around!  

Just bring your enthusiasm for the progressive movement, curiosity about what you don't know and expertise about what you do know, and your stuff (listen, Washington D.C. winters can be cold... pack appropriately!!!), and you will fit right in! I look forward to meeting all of you in February!” 

Andrew Macurak

University of Pittsburgh, 2007 Fellow            

“The YP4 Summit is as much of a conference as it is an exchange - it's one of those few occasions outside of the first week of college where everyone is genuinely excited to talk to everyone else. Take advantage of it - everyone attending the Summit has valuable experience to offer. When I attended it my fellowship year, I learned just as much from the people around me as I did from the Summit's programming.” 

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So, who is the Steering Committee?  

A group of current YP4 fellows asked to serve on the Young People For Steering Committee based on their level of engagement in the program, their leadership potential and their activities on campus and in their communities.  

And, what’s its purpose?  

The Steering Committee structure is designed to ensure that YP4 is accountable to our fellows and that the program remains fellow-driven. Fellows' deep participation in YP4 significantly strengthens the YP4 network and builds a strong sense of family and connectedness among YP4 staff, our progressive partners and YP4 fellows. Membership on the Steering Committee also helps to prepare fellows for leadership roles in the progressive movement. 

Where can I find some more information about them?  

For more information, like the complete list of the 2008-2009 Steering Committee and a link to YP4 YouTube channel, click here.