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Live United with United Way Capital Area


Become a member | Executive Committee | YLS Member Profile | YLS Supports...    


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.

Read more...

Thinking about joining YLS?


“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.

Ready to make a difference and get involved?
Call Alix at 512.225.0371 or write at alix.floyd@unitedwaycapitalarea.org

Click here to become a YLS member.


YLS Supports...


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.

Click here to learn more about the initiatives YLS supports.



How far do YLS dollars go?


Just a $20 per week* contribution will improve your community:
  • 380 days of mentoring for at-risk youth
  • 184 meals delivered to older adults or those with disabilities
  • 56 Earned Income Tax Credit returns prepared yielding up to $4,536 to each low income family
  • 60 people trained and certified by Hands On Central Texas (a program of United Way) to lead multiple volunteer projects in our community

* Approximate weekly contribution is based on YLS qualifying membership gift of $1000/year. Click here to become a YLS member.



YLS Photo Archive