If we aren’t already worried enough about the aging demographic in our state, perhaps we should be. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, New Hampshire is the fourth oldest state in the nation and is growing older at a rate that is higher than the national average.
These facts have ramifications both socially and economically. As older citizens leave the workforce, who will be there to take their place? How do you replace years of institutional knowledge.
That’s why I’m glad that organizations like Stay Work Play and postsecondary institutions like Antioch University are joining together to address the issue and try to stem the tide. Check out this release that just crossed my desk and please make plans to join the discussion on November 18th.
Take Steps to Keep Our Young Professionals in New Hampshire
Thousands of 25-35 year olds can’t find work in New Hampshire. They are smart, capable and eager to stay and work here, but they find it challenging to stay in our state.
Let’s talk about how to solve this urgent problem. Antioch University New England (AUNE) is hosting a statewide peer-to-peer strategy session during a free breakfast, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 18.
The public is welcome. Join other people from around the state, including representatives from AUNE, New Hampshire Business for Social Responsibility, Stay Work Play, Keene Young Professionals of the Keene Chamber of Commerce, and AUNE’s Net Impact Chapter.
Kate Luczko, executive director of Stay Work Play-New Hampshire, will give a short keynote talk. Stay Work Play-NH <http://www.stayworkplay.org/> is a nonprofit organization which furthers the goal of the 55% Initiative to encourage at least fifty-five percent of new graduates to stay in New Hampshire. Luczko was formerly program director for New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR). <http://www.nhbsr.org/>
You’ll also be able to meet, Michelle Veasey, NHBSR’s new executive director, who will attend.
‘Catalysts for change’
Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, wrote “…we must be catalysts for change in our own right and exercise our influence and responsibility as business leaders and entrepreneurs.” Schultz calls for a “peer to peer job strategy” that uses a collaborative approach to get people back to work. We want you to be part of this development strategy.
The goal is to identify concrete ways to keep our young professionals living and working in New Hampshire. We want to address this problem and invite you to be part of the solution. We expect our strategy session to come up with concrete action steps on:
• How universities can best prepare their students and young professionals to meet the needs of New Hampshire businesses and nonprofits.
• How nonprofits and businesses in the state can learn about the skills and talents New Hampshire graduates can offer, and create opportunities to hire them, even in tight financial times.
• How we can make sure that young professionals are part of the future of New Hampshire businesses and nonprofits.
Schedule
8:15-8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast served
8:30-9:00 a.m. Welcome and keynote speaker
9-10:30 a.m. Facilitated strategy-building conversation
The event is free and open to the public. It will be held in E101 at AUNE. Please RSVP to Stephanie Tickner, stickner@antioch.edu or call 603-283-2418.