The responsibility of the Civics and Economics Committee (C&EC) is to develop and implement activities that deal with the social, political and financial needs of the Young Professionals general body. The enforced activities must revolve around the three-pronged agenda of Civic Engagement, Civil Rights and Economic Empowerment. Such activities include seminars and social discussions regarding asset protection, civic involvement, entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, familiarity with the workings of our local and national government and wealth accumulation amongst others.

As proposed by the 2006-2007 C&EC members, the below mission statements explain the goals and objectives of the committee for the year to come:

“C&EC is committed to empower individuals to exercise their influence and talents to eradicate social injustices and support economic vitality in the communities where we live and work. This is primarily, accomplished through panel discussions and seminars related to civil rights, civic engagements and economic empowerment."

A couple of the recent panels hosted by the committee created opportunities to hear expert insights/opinions regarding the effects of Hurricane Katrina and its relationship to disaster preparedness in NYC; and information on voting rights and their significance to the mid-term elections.

In a new effort to extend conversations around key issues and develop actions steps for members, the committee plans to host small social gathers as supplements to these critical discussions.

Other planned efforts include executing the National Day of Service program in conjunction with the Community Service Committee each July; conducting voter registration drives, sharing voting rights and education; and delegate a NYULYP member as a representative at national civic engagements such as the NUL’s Legislative Policy Conference held in Washington, D.C. annually.

The C&EC is also committed to elevating the financial position of its members and the community at large. Each year we conduct two seminars which include:

• Home Buying Seminar
• Getting Your Financial House In Order: Financial Strategies for the Young Professional
  

We welcome your concernment and enthusiasm. This allows us to better benefit our members and the communities we service. To share your civic and economic expertise, concerns or to learn more about these areas of interest please feel free to contact the Civic and Economic Committee Chair, Olubunmi Awofeso at ypcivicsecon@nyul.org.