This is a great time to be in the movement Young Professionals.  There are so many needs that we in the Urban League movement have to begin to seriously address.
 
Last week, many of us attended the National Urban League Conference held in Chicago, IL. Like in times past, the conference was nothing short of spectacular!
 
Due to the close proximity of the conference the Milwaukee Urban League had a total delegation of 40+.  Included in that count were 16 members of the Young Professionals, 13 of those registered prior to the deadline, so we received public recognition for having the greatest amount of members to attend the conference from the Central Region.
 
A huge highlight includes our very own Membership Chair - Sean Lowe receiving Central Region Member of the Year!  Congratulations Sean for all the work you do for the Movement! Your commitment is apparent, and it is an honor to serve with you!
 
This year national elections were held, because of that, it is important that we all are aware of the changes that occur on a national level, so that we can communicate on a local level.  Your new chain of command for the National Urban League Young Professionals:
 
Although many of us were unable to attend, those that attended did there best to keep you in the loop of information by updating our social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.  I certainly hope that you had an opportunity to follow us as often as possible.
 
I want to thank those that attended the conference: Sabrina Jackson, Caroline Archia-Adams, Justine Hall, Reggie Newson, Sean Lowe, Kenya Evans, Rayna Andrews, LaVerne Badger, Shantel Bacchus, Lisa Rand, Tamikia Taylor, and Alfonzo Lewis.
 
There was a plethora of functions, workshops and plenary sessions to attend at the conference. I am excited about this month's General Body Meeting scheduled for Thursday August 20, 2009 @6pm; Heartlove Place - 3229 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Dr.
The reason for my excitement is because we will hear reports from those that attended the National Conference, as well as hear from one of the many National Conference Sponsors; on why they support the movement! 
 
I want to thank the Movement! From our local affiliate the Milwaukee Urban League, our President & CEO Ralph Hollman to our National Urban League, President/CEO Marc Morial for having the vision, and insight to recognize the value that we the Young Professionals bring to the Movement! There is much more work to be done.  National President Marc Morial has called for the National Movement to make a pledge to correct four areas of concern by 2025:
 

• All students will have access to a quality education, and will graduate from high school;
• All Americans will have access to quality, affordable, and energy efficient housing;
• All Americans will have access to quality and affordable healthcare;
• All Americans will have access to jobs with sustainable wages and benefits, to include new "Green" jobs.

This pledge is a fifteen year agenda, that we should all consider taking. The pledge form will be available on the newly revised national website www.nul.org. 
 
Lastly, we are a great chapter, and I am so proud to serve with all of you.  Although, there are many things that we do as a chapter, we can always do more.  As our new National President Barton J. Taylor said in his address, "We are not the next leadership, we are the "NOW" leadership, therefore we must do what needs to be done "NOW" not later!"
 
I look forward to seeing each of you on August 20 @6pm, Heartlove Place - 3229 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Dr. As always, I can be reached directly at Richard.Badger@tmulyp.org, or by phone at 414-429-8477.

 
Yours in the Movement,
 
Richard M. Badger
President