Young professionals in the Golden Circle are in a unique position to help shape the future of our community. With the natural attrition of the workforce, the anticipation of a massive transfer of wealth between generations and a multifaceted push to promote Greater Des Moines as THE place to live, work and raise a family, young professionals can and will direct this community as we proceed through the 21st century.

Of course, there always has been a need for young professionals to step up and assume leadership roles in a community. Perhaps it happens without any deliberate initiatives, movements or ¡°passing of the torch¡± strategies. However, these times are different. This is not an era like any other (really now, is any era like the others?). By considering the new world order, the political environment and the economy, we surely can see that we will be living in ¡°interesting times.¡± (Darn those ancient Chinese proverbs).

Face it, folks, this community is on a roll. New construction and development — it is happening everywhere. Jobs — look hard, you can find one. Really good jobs — they exist and more are coming. Natural resources — trails, parks, lakes and more. Transportation infrastructure ¨C the rebuilding of Interstate 235 is moving along nicely, and other work is getting done. Social system infrastructure — despite massive government budget cuts, we continue to support our non-profits. Other highlights ¨C the Greater Des Moines Partnership¡¯s Project Destiny, the new Science Center of Iowa, the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, the new public library, the Iowa Events Center, Jordan Creek Town Center, thriving suburbs, plans for helping local governments work together, and on and on. You do not have to force yourself to be an optimist here. Things are looking good.

Back to the issue of the importance of young professionals. Members of Generation X have a lot of options. We are educated. We are focusing on our families first and careers second. We want a safe and peaceful world for our families. We want economic stability. We want a clean, safe and healthy community. We want to make a difference in how all of this happens.

United Way of Central Iowa realizes the value of young professionals and last year created the Emerging Leaders Initiative (ELI). Our focus: Creating the next generation of community philanthropists. United Way will do that with a comprehensive strategy that builds upon the leaders of the past and present, to create leaders who will be successful in the future. ELI will be built firmly on the following six pillars:

¡ñCommunity insight. Providing data, information and the real stories about what is going on in the community.

¡ñVolunteerism. Providing meaningful opportunities for young professionals to lend their time, talent and experiences to young people who need positive role models.

¡ñPhilanthropy. Cultivating young professionals to be aware of opportunities to become active community investors.

¡ñTraining. In leadership, governance and community engagement.

¡ñInvestment and quality assurance. Providing ELI members with the opportunity to allocate and closely monitor their philanthropic investments.

¡ñNetworking. Providing positive experience for young professionals to network with one another, other professionals in the community and senior-level executives and community leaders.

United Way of Central Iowa is a community solutions provider. Our mission: To unite our community in measurably improving the condition of people¡¯s lives. We alone cannot provide all things to all people in the community. However, with the help of ELI, the Young Professionals Connection, Young Variety and many other efforts, young professionals in our community will be able and ready to carry the torch.

Steve Quirk is a strategy leader with United Way of Central Iowa and teaches part-time as an associate clinical professor at Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center in the Division of Health Management.