GS-OB Rotary Launches Program For Young Professionals

Rotary District 6880 recently inducted 21 young professionals into YoPros, what it calls “the first-of-its-kind Rotary club specifically designed for young professionals ages 21-45 within the district.” Sponsored by the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach (GS-OB) Rotary Club, YoPros was created by Penny Hughey, District 6880 governor nominee, to provide a more flexible way for younger professionals to become fully engaged Rotarians while continuing Rotary’s 121-year tradition of leadership, fellowship and service. For several years, Hughey had heard concerns about declining Rotary membership as longtime members age and fewer younger professionals join traditional clubs. As part of her new model designed to remove some of the barriers that can make traditional membership difficult for today’s young professionals, YoPro members pay just $25 per month with an automatic payment option, meet in person once a month (rather than weekly) and stay connected between meetings through a texting platform. The vision for YoPros extends beyond Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The club has created a blueprint that other Rotary clubs can follow, with the goal of launching additional YoPros clubs throughout District 6880’s Lower Alabama region and, eventually, the U.S.