Last Thursday, basking in the glow of The Peabody Hotel’s rooftop electric sign and waiting in an ungodly long (but worth it) beer line, I reminisced about my first night out in Memphis:
I stood front row at an Al Kapone rooftop concert 15 stories up, followed by a trip to what would become one of my favorite bars in town, The Flying Saucer. I remember standing in a group of 10 or so people at the bar sipping on Hummingbird Water and thinking, “Okay, Memphis is pretty great.” I felt like I’d known these people for years (yes, beer helped that) and certainly didn’t feel like my stuff was still in boxes on the floor of my sister’s spare bedroom.
So, how did I stumble upon these new-found friends that made Memphis feel like home in just a few weeks? Two words: MPACT Memphis.
Officially, MPACT “engages and supports today’s diverse, creative generation of young professional who want to connect to each other and contribute their unique talents to the community.” Unofficially, it’s a membership organization that lets 20-40 somethings mix, mingle, network and learn about the community and ways to get more involved. Also unofficially, it serves as a great resource for job hunters, those looking for clients and even singles.
With over 150 events in 2009 alone, MPACT Memphis is constantly holding an event to further engage and connect the young professional community. They also center their events around the recently published Voice of MPACT-the nation’s largest grassroots survey of young professionals. Here’s just a preview of some of the most popular events: (NOTE: ALLLLLLLL events are free to the public, unless otherwise noted)
MPACT 101: These happen once or twice a month and offer a general membership overview of MPACT Memphis. They last for about an hour, usually on a Monday or Tuesday, sprinkled all over the Memphis area. Member Connections committee members lead the meetings and their are usually free appetizers! The next 101:
An introductory meet-up for potential, new and current members. This one-hour reception offers new and prospective members general information about MPACT and a guide to getting involved with the organization. It also gives current members a chance to network, connect with and welcome our new members. For more information or to RSVP contact Marcus Washington.
Happy Hour w/a Twist: These are just like your basic happy hours, only with better drink specials (usually an open bar!), free appetizers, information about 3-5 nonprofits and a fun theme. They are the perfect way to get some networking in after work and a first-hand look at how to directly get involved. The next Happy Hour w/a Twist:
We love Earth Day so much we thought, “Why limit it to just one day?…everyday should be Earth Day!”
Stop by R.P. Billiards after work to:
For more info or to RSVP contact the Member Connections Committee. To join online for just $28 a year, click here.
Trolley Tour: Okay, so this event isn’t really just MPACT’s…but they’re open for it! The South Main Trolley Tour happens on the last Friday of the month all year round-but really get going when it’s warm out. Not actually a tour on the trolley, it’s more of a casual wandering of S. Main Street and the shops that stay open late. The next one is coming up:
It’s finally warm enough for trolley tour again! Join us for some drinks, food and to catch up friends. Also don’t miss out on other awesome S. Main stops such as Memphis Music Foundation, MUSE, all the art galleries and the rest of the shops that will be open late every last Friday of the month! We’ll have FREE Ghost River Beer and Wine for Members! It’s $20 to join on Trolley night, instead of our usual $28.
Civics 101: If you’re like most Memphians, you are generally confused by and/or need to learn more about most government/public policies in Memphis and Shelby County. These are the perfect avenue to learn more about city government, public policy, education and how they directly relate to you. The last Civics 101 on Greening Memphis was a huge success. Here’s one that’s coming up:
Don’t miss this public forum to get your questions answered about school funding, the Teacher Effectiveness Initiative funded by the Gates Foundation, and the recently awarded Race to the Top grant in which Tennessee was one of only two states to receive federal funding. Panelists include:
Contact Michael Whaley to RSVP.
MPACT also participates in various events around town such as the Downtown Alley Jam Series and the upcoming Grand Re-Opening of East End Beale Street on April 22nd!
So if you’re looking to get more involved or just to come out and have a good time, think about joining MPACT Memphis. It’s only $28 for the whole year, which pretty much pays for itself in free food, beer and wine alone.
Happy Monday,
Penelope
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