By Kate Lohnes

Twenty-four weeks is a short timeframe to start an organization. That’s just six months to attract potential members, build your roster and, among other things, tell people what you stand for.

Yet, in its first half-year of existence, the young professionals group NextGen Dublin has made quick work of getting its message out there.

And people are listening.

NextGen Dublin is a networking group offered by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Aimed at young professionals ages 21 to 39, the group fulfills several needs in the Dublin community, says Jenny Jakse, chamber community relations representative and NextGen Dublin member.

NextGen exists to help young professionals give back to the community while networking and advancing professionally. At the same time, Jakse says the group will help connect young people to Dublin, keeping “capable, competent” professionals in the area.

“The hope is to keep young professionals engaged in the community, so they become engaged citizens and engaged professionals. We’re more likely to retain them and then attract business here (as a result),” she adds.

According to Jakse, the chamber saw a need for this type of organization two years ago. The group, with financial help from NextGen partners, officially kicked off its inception in March with a St. Patrick’s Day celebration and has been growing ever since. NextGen has already surpassed the 200-member mark, Jakse says.

“It’s open to anyone who lives or works in the area. We have a lot of people who come from Dublin, but we have people from all over Columbus who are members,” she says.

NextGen Dublin offers social activities beyond the group’s monthly meetings. In October, the group will host a happy hour at Dave & Buster’s in Hilliard. In November, it will have a mixer event and food drive at Leo Alfred Jewelers in Dublin. Jakse said NextGen Dublin tries to keep costs at these events low for those who attend them.

“It’s very affordable for people,” Jakse says. “We want to make it easy to participate.”

Although its schedule is busy, NextGen Dublin functions as more than a social outlet, says Kristy Parsons, who does marketing and communications for the Dublin Chamber and who is also a member of NextGen Dublin.

“What makes NextGen different is that it is such a well-rounded group,” she says. “It’s not just there for socializing. It’s there to help develop and mold young professionals personally and professionally.”

NextGen places as much emphasis on volunteerism and community involvement as it does on networking. Currently, NextGen members are involved in an eight-week volunteer literacy program at Riverside Elementary School. Volunteers work as “book buddies” with second grade “English as a Second Language” (ESL) students to help them improve their reading and comprehension skills. NextGen has also donated food to Dublin Food Pantry, donated clothes to Welcome Warehouse and assisted Fairy Goodmothers, a non-profit organization that gives free prom dresses to high school girls who can’t afford them.

NextGen members also will have the chance to participate in a “Leadership Academy,” a series of classes beginning in January 2009. The classes will involve guest speakers, lessons in leadership and more.

“They’ll learn how Dublin operates and how they can help one another,” Jakse says. “The Leadership Academy will help with personal development. It will teach participants to look into ways to improve themselves as well as how to become more effective leaders.”

Based on the community’s response to NextGen Dublin so far and the gains the group has made in such little time, it’s no wonder Jakse and Parsons expect even more progress in the coming months with Facebook and LinkedIn profiles and a Web site to reach prospective members..

“If you look at what suburban young professionals organizations and what other groups are doing, we’ve already exceeded expectations,” Jakse says. “That’s the great thing about Dublin. People are always willing to step up to the plate. We’re thrilled with our membership so far. The more people we have, the more projects we’ll be able to tackle.”

The cost to join NextGen Dublin is $25 for people who work for a Dublin Chamber member business and $95 for people who do not.

For NextGen Facebook and LinkedIn information online, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Dublin-OH/NextGen-Dublin/11701139869; www.linkedin.com/e/gis/128752/3C286868E4BC; or the group’s Web site at www.nextgendublin.org. Or call the Dublin Chamber of Commerce at 614-889-2001.

Kate Lohnes is assistant editor of Dublin Life.