The Young & Emerging Planners (YEP) function as a component of the greater American Planning Association and its Los Angeles Section. Its goal is to engage young and emerging planners in ways that connect them with established professionals in both professional and social settings, through workshops, discussions, and other events that foster professional development and lasting relationships. With that in mind, YEP organizes a series of social events and speaker engagements. The YEP Committee is open to planning professionals with up to 10 years of experience and students. It encourages members to grow into leadership roles within the California Chapter and Los Angeles Section and to help maintain the continued relevance of APA to an evolving profession.
If you are interested in learning more about YEP’s social and professional development events and networking, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, please email young-emerging@apalosangeles.org.
Membership
YEP membership is included in both National APA Membership and the Chapter-Only APA Membership.
Benefits for YEP Participants
- Gain a fresh perspective and insight into the industry;
- Increase self-awareness of personal and professional capabilities by sharing experiences;
- Further professional and personal goals;
- Network with seasoned planning professionals and other young and emerging planners;
- Expand understanding of the many planning disciplines and become more well-rounded;
- Strengthen ties with the planning community and APA.
YEP Professional Development
The YEP Committee provides a bridge between new professionals and the greater planning profession. To support this mission, one of the key functions of the committee is providing professional development opportunities for planners throughout the chapter.
The Plates with Planners series is a semi-annual event aimed at creating connections between established professionals and those new to planning. Attendees meet over dinner to ask questions, seek advice, and gain mentorship in a smaller and closer environment.
The YEP Committee also organizes an annual Professional Development Workshop each fall, which allows attendees to focus on skills ranging from salary negotiations to key traits of different planning career paths. Along with these formal events, the YEP Committee connects Chapter members with other resources for professional development and AICP Certification.
Finally, to help young and emerging planners grow their skills and further their careers, the YEP Committee has organized these various free resources and programs.
APA Mentorship
YEP encourages AICP Candidates to participate in APA National’s Mentorship Program. The mission of the Mentorship Program is to foster an exchange of professional expertise and innovative planning practices between seasoned planning professionals and young and emerging planners preparing to take the AICP exam. This valuable opportunity provides participants the opportunity to enhance their career and personal skills by forging mutually beneficial relationships and friendships.
If you are not an AICP Candidate and are seeking advice on finding a local mentor, contact young-emerging@apalosangeles.org.
Check out YEP’s Facebook Group for events and updates!
