Young Professionals in Boone, NC? (Charlotte, Hickory: university, live in, club)

[workingoutfaith]

Hi,
I just moved here to Boone, NC in October and after doing some searching, I have not found a group for young professionals. It is either college students OR older adults (40's up). Does anyone know of any groups for young professionals here in Boone,NC or if I started one, would anyone in their 20's and 30's be interested in being part of the group who currently are young professionals in Boone?
Thanks!
Jess

[roadpony]

I'm not a "young" professional, nor do I live in Boone... BUT I have a couple of suggestions. Have you contacted the Boone Chamber of Commerce? There is a local/regional Leadership program that is targeted primarily at younger professionals to introduce them to all aspects of the community (gov't, non-profit, arts, business, etc), but it's not an ongoing activity. The Chamber might be interested in helping you start a young professionals group, if there's not one. I'd also suggest volunteering on a Chamber committee or getting involved with High Country United Way or one of its funded agencies. Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people.

[workingoutfaith]

Thanks for the great ideas! Yeah, I plan to do some volunteering with the humane society but want another group for some social aspects. Before I even got highered I was warned of the lack of finding people here ironically. I think a young professionals group is what this town needs. It would not be a big group at all by any means but just to have those young professionals who move here to be able to do some different activities the town has to offer as well as meet other young professionals. Thanks again for the advice.

[hymnsinger]

Around here we call it church! LOL

[workingoutfaith]

LOL...I bet! I go to Unity Church and there are not even those around here. I think I might start up a social club at ASU but want it so all can join. I'll keep it posted how it goes! :-D

[roadpony]

Most of the community civic clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.) will have a broad age range, not just older folks. Don't rule them out either.

[workingoutfaith]

Yeah, I didn't see much for what I am looking for which is more of a rock climbing, hiking, snowboarding, games, etc. I even contacted the recreation center for leagues but nothing. Thanks for the advice though! :-)

[Catbirds]

Hi Workingout, Welcome to our corner of Heaven. I think you may find like minded folks that enjoy the outdoors at some places like ClimbBooneNC.com, Chargers & Rechargers Hiking Club and even places like Footsloggers may have information about groups that do outdoor things. We use to have a young professional that rented from us that was big in rock climbing and even hiked the App Trail. The Whitewater centers may know of groups also. I would think that Appalachian University may have something where young professionals meet. This is just some ideas where you may meet young folks like yourself. Good luck and keep us informed.

[Halo_in_reverse]

Originally Posted by workingoutfaith

Hi,
I just moved here to Boone, NC in October and after doing some searching, I have not found a group for young professionals. It is either college students OR older adults (40's up). Does anyone know of any groups for young professionals here in Boone,NC or if I started one, would anyone in their 20's and 30's be interested in being part of the group who currently are young professionals in Boone?
Thanks!
Jess

I would suggest you look around for a local Jaycee chapter. When I moved to Richmond, Va several years ago I didn't know anyone. Someone suggested the Jaycees. So I went to a few social meetings and really enjoyed it. We did a lot of good community service projects and we had some really fun social activities (house parties, rafting/tubing trips, the local steeple chase event and lots of dinner/social meetings)

Their motto back then was "leadership development through community service"

Try this site to locate an area near you.
Local Chapters | North Carolina Jaycees

[workingoutfaith]

Thanks for the info! I did look for Jaycee chapter but the closest one is Hickory which is an hour drive.

Catbirds = I did check the Chargers and Rechargers and it might be something but I would rather have one club that does various things instead of having to join 5, ya know? Plus I am 26 and it seemed like the group was older. Not that anything is wrong with that, they probably out do me, it is just i am trying to find some thing to do with people my age or even a variety of ages. I still might do the hiking club though on top of another one!
I searched for Young Professionals but closest one was Charlotte. I even contacted them to see if we could start a branch here and they said they are not adding anyone to their website right now. I have a meeting tomorrow here at ASU to start up a social club again so I will let ya know how that goes. They use to have one but I was told the resources were no longer there so it died out. I just might bring that back again and go from there. A lot of the international faculty and staff would enjoy something like that as well as new staff and faculty.
Thanks again for all the great advice and ideas! :-)