December 2014

The December Rush

with Newsletter Editor, Elizabeth Fischer Laurie

It always feels like the to-do list never ends in December. Most of us invest countless hours in finishing the year out right by making the holidays magical and getting those last few things accomplished that we set out to do at the beginning of the year. For some, this includes career development or networking. For others, the goals are more personal. Regardless, it is a stressful time for almost everyone.

YGL is here to help - at least on the networking and career development fronts. As we quickly approach the full-on launch of YGL University, a new initiative to provide career development and training opportunities for our 7,000+ members, we are offering opportunities to network, develop a mentoring partnership, and learn through online webinars. And the best part? All of these events are FREE to you, our valued YGL members. Consider them an early holiday gift!

So scroll on down this newsletter and add these great events to your calendars. Even with the holiday rush, we hope you will find some time for career development. Of course we expect this will be followed by fun, family, food, and, of course, lots of holiday magic.

Help us ensure we are reaching you!

If you haven't done so in recent months, please scroll to the bottom of this email and click on "Manage Preferences" to update the content you receive from YGL. 

Several chapters (e.g., Columbus) have new newsletters to send and events to invite folks to but need to be sure they are reaching the correct members.

YGL is Seeking Leaders Willing to Take Action

We are currently seeking candidates to fill an open YGL National Board Position. Serving as a volunteer on the Board can offer you amazing connections, a powerful platform for having your voice hear, and, most importantly, a direct way to add value to emerging government leaders around the United States. See below for a description of the role and responsibilities of the position. 

Please contact chiefofstaff@younggov.org for more information.

To apply, please submit your resume and statement of interest to chairman@younggov.org.

Chief Information Officer

The Chief Information Officer is responsible for the organization’s website (www.younggov.org) via WordPress. Knowledge of Google Analytics and Google Apps is a plus. Time commitment includes one monthly board meeting in DC plus around 5 hours a week of additional work depending on need.

Newsletter of the National Board

DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Apply now for your spot in the next cohort of the YGL/SEA Mentoring Program

YGL and the Senior Executives Association (SEA) are gearing up to select the next group of mentor/mentee pairs. This is a unique opportunity to be mentored by a current or former federal executive through this free program.

Increase your professional and intellectual confidence; accumulate experience, knowledge, and skills directly related to your professional ambitions; boost your network of pertinent professional contacts; and develop a sharper focus on what is needed to grow professionally.

We encourage all to apply! 

Please see below for more information on how to apply.

Any questions? Contact Kehli Cage at mentoring@younggov.org.

YGL Drinks for Good Charity Happy Hour

Join YGL at Drinks for Good: YGL Charity Happy Hour on Monday, December 8th. Happy hour specials and appetizers provided. Please bring a new toy for donation to the Health Services for Children Pediatric Center, a children's rehabilitation center in Northeast DC. The Center provides a very different experience for children from infancy through 21 years of age in need of expert rehabilitative and transitional care. Each child is involved in everyday activities of playing, learning, and growing while receiving expert medical care that only a pediatric hospital can provide. The Center plans for a child's return home from the first day of care and offers programs to make a successful transition possible. You can find a list of suggested toys here on Amazon.com. Monday, December 8, 2014 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Location: The Fainting Goat, 1330 U Street NW, Washington, DC Metro Stop: U Street (Yellow and Green Lines)  R.S.V.P. for free on Eventbrite.

Free Training Event: Cracking the Code to Your Federal Job Search

PLEASE NOTE: In person space for this event is SOLD OUT however you can now reserve a virtual space for our live webinar broadcast. Tickets are limited so sign up now on Eventbrite!

This free seminar provides emerging leaders an opportunity to understand the nuts and bolts of the Federal job search process. 

Topics include:

• Understanding the Federal job road map
• Qualifying for Federal jobs
• Reviewing federal vacancy announcements
• Understanding how federal HR staff score your application 
• Understanding the federal job roadmap; and
• Writing your federal resume.

The featured speaker is Corliss Jackson, MPA, former GS-15 HR Manager with the Office of Personnel Management. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Miguel Joey Aviles at CLO@younggov.org.

Kudos to the Kansas City Chapter (AND FREE TRAINING)!

We all know how hard it can be to write a federal resume - it is one of the most challenging parts of being a fed. Kansas City took action and hosted a two-hour webinar on Creating a Federal Resume.

Nate Mercer of OPM provided two hours of content-packed slides to over 20 local participants. The event was held as part of a challenge to chapters to provide training to their members as part of the launch of YGL University, a new YGL National initiative that will bring free training opportunities to all members across the United States. 

You can watch a recorded version for a limited time on our website, younggov.org.

We want to hear from you!

Did your chapter do something awesome this month? Have a member who deserves to be featured in an upcoming newsletter? Want to share information about a nationally available event? 

Contact Newsletter Editor and YGL Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Fischer Laurie, at chiefofstaff@younggov.org to share your story. Content and photos may be featured in our monthly national newsletter.

The Latest from FEDManager.com with Lynnie Martin

Recently Lynnie Martin interviewed  McArthur Allen, Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Atlanta. Judge Allen discusses his motivation, why he encourages young leaders to explore the many opportunities government service has to offer, and the best leadership lesson he knows. You can read the full article here. Each month, the Young Government Leaders' feature column offers a fresh perspective on news and information, not just for current and future generations of YGL, but to all feds interested in hearing from those who will meet the next set of challenges facing the federal government. More articles relevant to your professional life can be found on fedmanager.com.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Do you enjoy reading Lynnie's regular column on Government Executive? Now is your chance to share your story or encourage someone you admire to share their's. 

Lynnie is seeking fresh faces to interview at the GS-12 level and above. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact her directly at lynniemartinps@gmail.com.

YGL & the Federal Times with Tyler Robinson

YGL's Chairman, Tyler Robinson, regularly writes for federaltimes.com. 

Tyler took November off but you can read his past articles here.

Young Government Leaders is a 5,000 member, non-profit organization committed to providing the authentic voice for our generation of aspiring government leaders. We are actively building a community of leadership for young public servants across the country through professional development activities, networking opportunities, social events, seminars, fellowships, and scholarships. You can find out more and join for free on our website.