Young Creatives Summit Update
Since Last Week
1) We are meeting with other teams in the region who have young professional initiatives.
2) We have completed the business plan (which is now in the final review process).
3) We met with Summer in the City to consider a joint effort with their mentoring program.
4) Planning Committee is formulating a meeting with Volunteers.
5) We have a temporary date for the summit (currently called the Springboard Summit).
6) Developed “Talking Points” for summit team (under review).
7) Communication plan 99% complete (under review).
The Young Creatives Summit
Young talent is leaving the region and it is hurting the area’s ability to grow economically. Calculated using census data for the Dayton-Springfield MSA, the region has a 0.8 rating on the Richard Florida Brain Drain Index, meaning too many of our college graduates are leaving the region. We fundamentally believe that if the Miami Valley’s young people feel engaged civically (i.e. part of the solution) then they will be more likely to stay in the region.
We know that several unique organizations are engaging with the area’s young talent, and the Young Creatives Summit initiative seeks to identify the common goals of these organizations in an increased collaborative effort. We believe a shared vision for the region’s future– realized in collaboration with the Miami Valley’s diverse young people, business leaders, government, universities and non-profits– will ultimately improve the economic health of the region.
We propose the first annual Young Creatives Summit, which will bring together diverse young talent, business leaders, non-profits, universities and elected officials, to address the flight of young talent from the region. Modeled after the very successful Syracuse 40 Below (http://www.40belowsummit.com), the Young Creatives Summit will air the concerns of young people, engage them in the region’s decision making process, and help build a shared vision of how the Miami Valley can be improved. The summit will also provide an opportunity for professional development and career networking. This will be an annual event, maintaining a constant focus on attracting and retaining young talent in the region. We hope the summit will foster cooperation between the many regional stakeholders who all want young talent to stay in the region.
Team Catalysts:
Tokunbo Awoshakin
Linda Burrs
Katy Crosby
Drew Fuller
Marilyn Klaben
Scott Murphy
Ryan Shapiro
Next Steps:
1) Develop project plan
2) Organize committees
3) Identify potential partners
4) Identify potential funders
5) Engage volunteers
Volunteers and potential partners are encouraged to contact Scott Murphy at 937.643.0691 or murphyjs@woh.rr.com.