YLS inspires philanthropy and volunteerism in the young leaders of Central Texas.
YLS is made up of leaders, ages 21-45 who, individually or as a couple, invest a gift of $1,000 or more annually in United Way Capital Area.
YLS Member Profile: Ashlee Martin, Maxwell Locke & Ritter
How did you find out about YLS?
From a friend at State Farm. She graduated a few years before I, and joined this United Way group that was focused on getting young professionals involved in the community. I tagged along with her to an event and was immediately hooked...granted it didn’t hurt that the event was Bruce Robison performing at the Austin City Limits studio.
Why did you join YLS?
I joined for the same reasons I was first attracted to YLS—an opportunity to give back to the community and to network with other young professionals. It seemed like such an innovative idea years ago, and now I see other organizations around the community imitating the YLS model…I guess that’s when you know you’re a success!
What was your favorite YLS event?
See my answer to question #1. It was an event at the Austin City Limits studio with Bruce Robison—intimate and truly Austin. I think my 2nd favorite would be another event held out at a game ranch west of town off 290—it was just an amazing venue and incorporated all United Way givers—YLS, the Tocqueville Society, etc.
“I would highly recommend to anyone curious about YLS, to attend one of our events. The quality of members, diverse career fields, positive attitudes, combined with the common interest of giving, advocating and volunteering in our beautiful city of Austin is enough to suffice any young leader's needs.”
Eloy Alderete, Wells Fargo
Want to get more involved?
There’s no time like the present to become more involved in
the community! Join the YLS board and volunteer to be a member of
our committees to help us create, plan, and organize events and
projects for our members.
Benefits of Volunteering:
Volunteer work helps you realize the positive
impact you can make in someone else's life.
Learn new skills or volunteer in your area of
expertise and teach your skills to others.
Group volunteer projects can foster team spirit
and bring together
people from all walks of life.
Be a positive role model to family and friends.
Volunteering is a great way to enhance your résumé.
Volunteering often communicates to others that
you are ambitious,
enthusiastic and care about the community.
A Dow Jones Report noted that corporations interested
in increasing
the education of their top personnel should look to non-profit
organizations over the nation’s business schools, “
Three to five years of volunteer work can provide management experience
most corporations couldn’t provide over 20 years, if at
all” PMA Leadership Briefs, August 2000.
YLS is committed to supporting United Way Capital Area in its efforts to provide resources where they are needed the most in our community: by helping our friends and neighbors today, and, by demonstrating the kind of leadership necessary to make lasting changes in Central Texas.
YLS and United Way Capital Area are working to advance the common good by focusing on education, financial stability and health. YLS hosts education, social, and volunteer activities in these three focus areas during the year.
