The Visalia Young Professionals Network provides the next generation of professional Visalians with lasting connections and new opportunities.

A Young Professionals Top 5 Reasons for Volunteering
Written by Nicola Wissler, Visalia Chamber of Commerce

For many, getting into the holiday spirit begins with giving back. During this time of the year, many people begin to take stock, and come to realize just how blessed and lucky they are. If you are like me, you begin to notice those in the community who have fallen on hard times. I begin to wonder what I can do to help lift someone’s spirits, and how I can serve and make someone’s days a little brighter. While wanting to volunteer often becomes a higher priority during the holidays, I want to encourage everyone to make volunteering a priority year-round.

In Visalia there are a number of non-profit organizations whose mission is to serve the less fortunate. During the Holiday season many of these organization look for additional volunteers to help serve meals, give out food, collect clothing and toy and much more. But these organization exist all year long and most will tell you that they could use extra help beyond just the holidays. I would encourage you to do some research, find something you are passionate about, and get involved. Become a volunteer. The holidays are an ideal time to start, but let’s see if we can make volunteering a part of our regular routine.
I have compiled a list of the top 5 reasons to give back and volunteer, hopefully these will resonate with you.

1.  Make an impact:  Looking to make a real, lasting difference in this world? Unlike other aspects of life you may not be able to control, volunteering allows you to choose where and how to make a difference. It’s easy to get inspired with a cause you truly care about—and it’s rewarding to see your direct impact.

2.  Strengthen communities:  From cleaning up a street to reading to kids at the local library, you can enhance your own life by improving the areas where you work, live and play. A strong community with a high quality of life means safer, healthier lives for you and those around you.

3.  Meet others:  Looking to broaden your network or find others with similar interests? Volunteering is a great outlet for meeting others. A local club or organization can put you face-to-face with people right in your community—plus, it’s easy to bond over a shared passion. You can create lasting friendships with those you may not have otherwise met in your day-to-day grind.

4.  Take the lead:  Often what a great effort needs most is a great leader. If you see a cause that needs a push or a group that needs a head—take the lead! Many find leadership rewarding in itself because of the opportunity to share their passion, value and inspiration with others. When you take a leadership role, you also have the ability shape the world around you in the ways you choose.

5.  Find new opportunities:  Doors open when you volunteer. You can widen your social network, discover an organization in your community or finally talk to the person you always see on the bus! Who knows: You may even stumble across your dream job by meeting your future colleague or next job reference.

Because it just feels good:  We thought it was worth a mention!


YPN Spotlight

Jordan Mulrooney is an Associate REALTOR®, ABR®, SFR® with RE/MAX Visalia

RE/MAX Visalia is the premier real estate brokerage that is not only locally owned and operated, but the franchise is global in many different countries and areas. An office packed with full-time professional REALTORS®, we have an agent who can specialize in just about every type of property. We believe in putting clients first and educating not only ourselves to grow, but the public about real estate. Whether a person is looking to buy or sell their first home or their next investment property, RE/MAX Visalia is available to assist the entire way.


Why is participation in the Visalia Young Professionals Network beneficial to you and your business?
Participation in the Visalia Young Professionals Network has been beneficial to my business and myself because it has connected me with a lot of great, younger professionals that are driven and excited about their career’s like I am. I have met people that have now become friends who I did not know even a short time ago.

The best part of Visalia is …..?
The best part of Visalia is the community and the people that are in it. I feel a strong connection to this city because I do not have to travel far to find a friend in a grocery store or out having dinner.

What is your favorite local charity/non-profit? How have you gotten involved?
My favorite local non-profit is the Visalia Breakfast Lions Club. I am an active member of the lions club and we donate a lot of time and money to help keep Visalia the way it is. Right now we are prepping up for our Thanksgiving Turkey give away, where this year we are shooting to give away 1,000 turkeys.

Who is your mentor and what have you learned from them?
My mentor is my team leader and Uncle Rick Perez. Rick has taught me everything I know about business and over the years also about life. I honestly could say I would not have the life I do today, had he not stopped me on my 20 th birthday and asked that I follow him around to see if I like real estate. I could not ask for a more honest, open, and ethical mentor than him. Not only are we close because we are family, but he honestly cares about my well-being and seeing my business grow to its maximum potential.

Thursday, December 13th
5:30 pm
BarrelHouse Brewing
Saturday, December 15th
11:00 am
Plaza Park
Bring a friend, food to share and your favorite beverage
YPN Winter Mixer
February 21, 2019
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Train Like A Girl - 1048 N. Marcin St.
More details to follow
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Emerge: Simply stated, Emerge is a "Business 101: How to Start a New Business" class. It was created to help new and future business owners do the careful planning required to minimize the risk of launching a new enterprise. Participants receive hands on experiences as they learn core entrepreneurial/business skills, which will help them take a business idea from the early stages, to a business ready to launch. Throughout the program participants will meet with industry experts provide background, current trends and best practices for various areas of business. Some of the areas featured in this program include: Legal Entities & Business Law,  Human Resources, Business Insurance, Marketing/Branding, Accounting, Taxes, Zoning, Ordinances, Commercial Real Estate, Sales Training and Non-Profit Management. For more information go to www.visaliachamber.org/emerge
The Chamber will host the first Annual Leadership Conference, March 21, 2019 at the Visalia Convention Center. The conference includes a nationally recognized keynote speaker (announcement coming soon) plus breakout sessions focused on leadership skills and workforce development. Details and registration information will be available soon.
Visalia Young Professionals Network | 559-734-5876 | vypn@visaliachamber.org | www.visaliachamber.org/ypn