Grand Rapids Young Professionals | June 1, 2018
June Newsletter
Summer is here! Not only is it a great season for spending time with family, camping, grilling, and heading to the beach, but it's also a great time of year for networking and professional development! Schedules tend to be more flexible, and traveling is much easier, so why not put one or more of our June events on your calendar?! We hope to see you there!
Active Listening in Conflict Resolution
Tuesday, June 12
Conflict is everywhere. It can lead us to a greater work product, but we just need to learn how to use it positively. To begin to use conflict positively, we need to deescalate participants and help people to move from dug in positions to a place where they can discuss their needs and interests. One powerful way to help deescalate almost anyone is by practicing active listening.

This interactive session presented by Christine Gilman will give participants practical tools and opportunities to practice active listening.

Click the Register link for more information or to sign up!
Featured Member:
Alicia Clark

This month's Featured Member is Alicia Clark. Alicia has been involved with GRYP for just over a year, and we love seeing her at events! Make sure to keep an eye out for her and introduce yourself at one of our upcoming events!

We asked Alicia a few questions. See what she had to say below!
Tell us a little about yourself. 
I graduated from Central Michigan University and moved to Grand Rapids shortly after to pursue a career as a financial advisor. I grew up in a small town called White Pigeon and knew right after graduating high school that I wanted to live in the city. I love to laugh and hang out with friends all the time. I’m a huge sports fan, so I like to spend a lot of my time at sporting events.

Why did you join GRYP?
I joined GRYP to build relationships with people in the same age range and because I wanted to get more involved in the community.

What's your favorite event? 
My favorite event is trivia, even though I’m probably the worst trivia player out there.

How long have you been a member?
I have been a member since April 2017.

What area of work are you in?
I work at a financial services firm, Prudential.

What's your favorite thing to do in Grand Rapids?
My favorite thing to do in Grand Rapids is to explore the city and try out all the breweries in the area.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Fun Fact: Most of my friends that I’ve made since moving to Grand Rapids are from this group!
New Member Happy Hour
Thursday, June 14
Come join us at City Built Brewing on Thursday, June 14th from 6-8:30 to kick off summer by meeting some new friends! New to GRYP? Come meet fellow New Members in a more intimate space that our larger events. This is a very casual event and the best part is everyone is new! Come find out what Grand Rapids Young Professionals is all about while enjoying a local brewery that represents all Grand Rapids has to offer!
Volunteer with GRYP at Carol's Ferals
Saturday, June 16
Carol’s Ferals is a local rescue focused on helping the community to learn more about TNR (trap- neuter- return) as well as finding over 70+ adoptable cats their furever home. Join us on Saturday June 16th from 9:30am- Noon at their facility.

Duties will depend on the weather: If there is no rain we plan to help work on the outside of the building with gardening and landscape work. If rain, we will be inside doing a deep clean of the facility.
Unwind with GRYP!
Thursday, June 21
Want to network with other young professionals? Join us for our upcoming Unwind at Aperitivo, where you can do just that!

Unwinds are open networking events that allow you to meet others and network in a low-key environment. Come as you are, and make sure to bring some business cards!
Join the GRYP Board or a GRYP Committee!

Looking to Get Involved? The GRYP Board is looking for a new Treasurer, Co-Director of Education, and Co-Director of New Membership! If these sound up your alley, we'd love to hear from you!

We've also got plenty of committee involvement opportunities available! Want to help connect members to local volunteering opportunities? Join the Community Involvement committee! Interested in helping GRYP get the word out? Join the Public Relations committee!


For more information on any of these opportunities and others, email [email protected] !
Grand Rapids Young Professionals | [email protected] | GRYP.org