Over the last few years, the YLNI Board of Directors has taken steps toward providing opportunities for members to be heard.  As different leaders from different classes of the YLNI Board have met with their YP Group colleagues across the country, we have come to recognize the need to voice an opinion for issues that directly relate to our region.  The result of this work is the development of policy addressing how we take a stance on issues.

In early December, the Community Impact Committee began discussing the issues raised by the legislative agenda of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana. Of particular interest was its stance on the proposed Right to Work legislation. The Committee felt it was important that the organization take a strong look at RTW because of its extreme significance to our region and the State of Indiana. Accordingly, the Board approved a legislative policy survey of the network, as well as the non-partisan Right to Work 101 educational forum, which took place on January 10.

The survey results came back 21-8 (4 undecided) in support of RTW. The Committee then discussed the research and findings. Significant was the fact that our regional economic development professionals were unified in their support of RTW and the legislation would promote job growth in the region. Moreover, the purpose of the legislation furthers the ongoing goals of the organization as indicated by the network.

The Right to Work bill might be the most important piece of legislation that our membership will see in its lifetime. YLNI’s volunteers made an effort to thoroughly research the issue, and the Board made a decision to support the legislation. It was not a decision made lightly and not one made based upon politics, party affiliation, or any other factors other than those the Board feels furthers the mission of the organization. The decision was not a unanimous decision, but the decision was one both the Community Impact Committee and a majority of the Board of Directors felt falls in line with data collected two years ago in YLNI’s 2020 Vision Survey.

The survey, conducted of more than 200 young leaders, resulted in a clear mandate for the organization and region. Thirty-six categories in areas such as Quality of Life, Entertainment, Health & Fitness and Job Opportunities, were enumerated in the survey. “Professional Career Opportunities” was ranked the number one area of focus for improvement, reflecting a 39% and 70% increase over the next categories of mass transit and walkability, respectively. YLNI’s demographic comprises more than 1/3 of the workforce, and a large sampling instructed the organization to improve professional career opportunities for our region.

The Fort Wayne Chamber, Regional Chamber, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and Fort Wayne/Allen County Economic Development Alliance collectively provided testimony to the legislators that Right to Work will give Indiana, and specifically our region, a competitive advantage in business relocation and expansion efforts, resulting in the job growth encouraged by our membership.  Moreover, young workers will be given flexibility that they are not currently afforded.

For these reasons, the Committee provided a unanimous recommendation to the Board to endorse Right to Work.  Whether YLNI’s endorsement influences the vote, the organization should not sit idly by as this important piece of legislation is discussed by our legislators.  Our membership and network have directly influenced the actions of this Board.  The final Board vote was 10-1 (2 abstain) in favor of RTW. The Board’s endorsement is not meant to be a substitute for individuals’ personal choice, nor should it be perceived as such.  However, it is meant to be an official stance based upon the best efforts of young leaders that are passionate about providing a voice for its membership in the important decisions of the community; and an important decision on an issue relevant to the demographic it serves.

The Board’s endorsement does not change who we are as an organization. It reflects the Board’s assessment of how to carry out the same mission that existed before the vote and will continue to exist in the future.  It is the same mission that existed when the Board issued an endorsement of Harrison Square – an equally divisive issue in the community, but one that the Board members felt was in line with their efforts in YLNI. 

YLNI will continue to explore issues of public policy. Proposed issues will be given due consideration by the Community Impact Committee and if the committee is comfortable with its findings, a recommendation will be made. Any member may request that the Board consider issues with or without Committee consideration.

We invite your additional feedback regarding how we can improve this process. Your Board of Directors wants to hear your opinion. 

The YLNI Board stands by its endorsement and does so with a strong belief that it was made in furtherance of the mission of the organization and appropriate engagement of the membership.

We hope that our members understand and appreciate the efforts of this organization in providing a voice to an under-represented demographic. We encourage all of you who feel your voice was not heard to become a part of the solution. Our committees need more people who are not only passionate about issues like Right to Work, but who are passionate about making this region the best it can be, as well.

Sincerely,

Lisa Updike
President, Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana

The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) Board of Directors has voted to support the proposed Right to Work legislation currently before the Indiana General Assembly. 

The vote was approved on Monday following the recommendation of the Community Impact Committee, which has been tracking and researching the proposed legislation for several weeks. In December, YLNI began obtaining feedback from its membership, including conducting an online survey on Right to Work and other items on the legislative agenda of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana. On January 10, YLNI hosted Right to Work 101, a nonpartisan educational forum on the issue.  The Committee then evaluated the merits and impact of the proposed legislation on its demographic and Northeast Indiana.  

“The Committee felt strongly that YLNI should take a stance on Right to Work. It encourages employment flexibility and merit based advancement for young workers. We want to provide a strong and unified voice for our regional economic development efforts, along with the Regional Chamber and Regional Partnership.” said Community Impact Chair, Michael Barranda. 

The Community Impact Committee presented a unanimous (10-0) recommendation to the YLNI Board for endorsement.  Thereafter, the Board voted in favor of the proposal.  

YLNI’s mission is to attract, develop, and retain emerging leaders through community, professional, and social engagement.

The 2012 Indiana legislative session may be one of the most important, and debated, in recent history as legislators prepare to discuss making Indiana the 23rd “right to work” state in the nation. While many debate the costs and benefits of the proposed legislation, few doubt the potential for lasting impacts of the passing of such legislation on Indiana’s workforce. The Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI), a non-profit organization representing, perhaps, the demographic with the most at stake in the proposed legislation, is making preparations to educate its members on the issue of “right to work.”

On Tuesday, January 10, 2012, YLNI will host “Right to Work 101,” an educational forum designed to help the YLNI network understand the proposed legislation, its history and the potential lasting impacts.  

“It is essential that the young leaders of this community be informed of the proposed legislation and its potential impact on the region and workforce,” says Lisa Updike, YLNI president. “YLNI has hosted various educational forums to ensure that its membership and demographic are engaged and informed regarding issues affecting the greater community. This legislation will be heavily debated at the Statehouse, and YLNI wants to make sure its membership and demographic have access to information on both sides of the issue.”

Proponents of right to work, such as Governor Mitch Daniels, insist that the proposed legislation encourages new business attraction by removing dues paying requirements as a condition for employment in some circumstances. Opponents, such as the Indiana AFL-CIO, disagree with the suggestion of a correlation between economic growth and right to work legislation and insist that the legislation simply promotes lower wages.

YLNI’s forum will feature attorney Tuck Hopkins who has practiced labor and employment law for more than three decades. Hopkins will present a non-partisan overview of the proposed legislation, including an overview of points and counterpoints, followed by a question and answer session facilitated by two young leaders compiling questions from both sides of the aisle. The forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in the Auditorium of the Downtown Branch of Allen County Public Library.

The forum is hosted by YLNI’s Community Impact Committee. YLNI’s mission is to attract, develop and retain emerging leaders through community, professional and social engagement. In furtherance of that mission the Community Impact Committee educates YLNI members about issues that impact the community, and in particular, the young leaders demographic. 

What: Right to Work 101, hosted by YLNI

When & Where: Tuesday, January 10 at 5:30 PM, Auditorium, Downtown Branch, Allen County Public Library

For more information about this event, contact impact@ylni.org or Lisa@ylni.org.