Emerging Planning Professionals & Young Planners Group (EPP/YPG)

Announcements!

• We've updated our group name to include "Emerging Planning Professionals" (EPP).     Following in the footsteps of several other state chapters’ groups, the APA VA young planners’ group wanted to include a name that was more inclusive; no matter one’s age, career stage, or profession, everyone is welcome within our group-and we wanted to include a group designation that best reflected these ideals. After polling our members in Fall 2022, the consensus fell to “Emerging Planning Professionals”. Our group is intended to include professionals in the early stages of their careers, students, and recent graduates. APA Virginia Emerging Planning Professionals & Young Planners Group (EPP/YPG) is open to all planners of any age. 

• Read the 2023 EPP/YPG Work Plan here.

Contact: 

If you are interested in joining, volunteering, or being active in EPP/YPG, please email ypg@apavirginia.com. View us on Facebook to check out events and happenings at https://www.facebook.com/groups/apavaypg/. 

Vision and Mission:

Organizational Structure:

FAQ

Is there an age cutoff for EPP/YPG participation?

Absolutely not. Anyone can be a member or participate in EPP/YPG events. Though the word "emerging" is in our name, we are an organization for planners of all ages and career phases who seek development opportunities. Our members range from college undergraduates and second-career professionals to retirees who want to mentor newer planners.

Do I have to be in the planning field to join?

Nope! We welcome members from all sectors and backgrounds. We have members from more environmental, urban design and engineering backgrounds and hope to soon involve architects, landscape architects, city administrators and professionals from other related fields.

Is there a fee to join EPP/YPG?

No, again! EPP/YPG is free to join. We may charge a participation fee for some events, however.

What am I signing up for when I join?

There is no participation requirement for EPP/YPG. You can interact with us online only or come to all the events.

What are the benefits of joining EPP/YPG?

Joining EPP/YPG gives you access to planning-related professional development resources, ranging from networking events to AICP study materials. EPP/YPG activities target the needs of students and emerging professionals in diverse career paths. Check out the rest of our website to see the things we're currently working on.

How do I join EPP/YPG?

Just send us an email at ypg@apavirginia.com and we'll add you to our mailing list. It would help us to know your full name, job title and the section where you would like to attend EPP/YPG events. There are no annual dues or participation requirements!

Do I have to be an APA VA member to join EPP/YPG?

No, but you do have to be an APA VA member to take advantage of certain benefits, such as reduced conference rates and the soon-to-be-launched AICP resources portal.