EMERGING LEADERS UNITED
Formerly Young Leaders Society
Connect. Impact. Lead.
Through Emerging Leaders United (ELU), Heart of West Michigan United Way offers local professionals the opportunity to begin their philanthropic journey while building a network of like-minded and engaged citizens in Kent County. Our local group is open to anyone in the community from their early 20s to age 40 who is committed to the overall well-being of West Michiganders and looking to invest in solutions to fight poverty.
Since 2015, Emerging Leaders United (formerly Young Leaders Society) has invested hundreds of volunteer hours and raised more than $200,000 for our community.
OUR MISSION & FOCUS
Emerging Leaders United is a group of local professionals committed to empowering youth in our community and investing in a more equitable West Michigan.
Between organizing volunteer events and professional development opportunities, ELU serves our neighbors and increases awareness about relevant community issues to further United Way’s vision of creating a thriving community for all.
Volunteering
Youth advocacy
Supporting United Way initiatives
Serving local agencies
FUNDRAISING
Community Grant Fund
ELU Microgrant Fund
Collection drives
NETWORKING &
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Committee meetings
Networking events with local leaders
Social events
be part of the change.
When you give to United Way, we put your money to work through our Community Grant Fund to support Emerging Leaders United’s mission and do the most for those in need. While giving isn’t directly tied to membership, it’s vital to the continued growth and success of United Way and ELU.
We recommend a minimum $100 annual donation to support United Way’s Community Grant Fund. You can make a one-time gift, donate monthly, or use payroll deduction through your workplace campaign.
If you have any questions about becoming a member or giving to Heart of West Michigan United Way, contact Kevin Nelson.
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• Deepen your understanding of our area’s most critical issues and contribute to real change
• Improve the lives of local young people, families, and individuals to help them become fulfilled and empowered
• Access a strong network of local professionals, business/community leaders, and civically engaged residents across Greater Grand Rapids through networking and social events
• Gain exposure to changemaking nonprofits and businesses in our community
• Develop your own philanthropic goals and establish a strategy to achieve them alongside the group’s collective impact
• Plus, get stylish ELU swag, including a t-shirt
A GLOBAL NETWORK OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS.
United Way’s Young Leaders Society is a network of 58,750 young professionals (from their early 20s to mid-40s) who share a passion for advancing community solutions in their own backyard and around the world. Through networking, volunteering, and leadership trainings, members leverage the power of United Way to connect, serve, and grow—both personally and professionally. Since 2017, YLS members have invested $56,878,110 in more than 200 programs worldwide, including right here in Kent County.
OUR IMPACT
Bring the Basics: This annual drive provides toiletries and cleaning supplies for families in need, and ELU members help sort and deliver donations.
Emerging Leaders United Microgrant Fund: Each year, ELU crowdfunds to provide a small grant to a local nonprofit agency with a focus on financial stability services.
Summer Stock Up: During this large-scale drive that collected 9,000 lbs. of food, members unloaded vehicles and organized/prepared donations for local food pantries.
Stuff the Bus: ELU collected school and classrooms supplies for this community-wide school supply drive that supported 5,500+ students.
Trunk or Treat: In partnership with Arbor Circle and Ronald McDonald House, ELU members give young children and their families a fun and safe Halloween.
Stuff the Sled: Members form a team to collect items for our annual drive that provides holiday gifts to young students enrolled in Head Start for Kent County programs.
OUR INSPIRATION
Sort-A-Social: Volunteer opportunity to sort and deliver Bring the Basics donations
Coffee with the Community: Morning conversations with community, business, and industry leaders
Backyard BBQ: An opportunity to meet fellow ELU members with food and fun
Gingerbread House Kits: With Arbor Circle, assemble gingerbread kits for young children to make with their families
leadership
Rachel Dick, Chairperson
Financial Advisor
Grow Trust Partners
Email Rachel
Raelynn Breitfield, Secretary
Supply Chain Planner
Amway
Email Raelynn
Logan Waller - Treasurer
Senior Accountant
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
Email Logan
Staff Liaison
Kevin Nelson
Sr. Donor Development Manager
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Email Kevin
