THE THURSDAY NETWORK

The League's Thursday Network (TN) auxiliary is a leadership development vehicle for young adult professionals ages 21 to 35 who are interested in volunteer service to the community. Its mission is to assist the League in its goals and develop outreach programs that have positive influences on African-American youth. The Thursday Network provides a platform that fosters professional development, social consciousness, political involvement and entrepreneurship via community service projects, social and cultural outings, hosting guest speakers on various current topics, mentoring/tutoring and serving meals to the homeless.

Each May, TN holds Young Blacks Give Back Month activities in service to the community. Its annual Black Tie event is held in December or January to raise funds for college-bound senior high school students from the District of Columbia. For more information on TN, please visit them at www.thursdaynetwork.org e-mail them at info@thursdaynetwork.org or call the Hotline at 202-728-7585.

URBAN ROUNDTABLE

The Urban Roundtable, an auxiliary of the GWUL, is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to the development and support of outreach programs and activities that will enhance the quality of life in those communities serviced by the League.

Established in 1997, the Urban Roundtable was formed so that persons who were no longer eligible for membership in the Thursday Network (persons ages 21-35), or just people over 35, would have a forum to work with the League's programs Toward that end, the Roundtable's goal is to develop and support outreach programs that complement the League's existing programs, while promoting social and professional interaction and fellowship.

Initial efforts to support an exisitng League program have focused on the Young Scholars Program. The Roundtable is assisting this dropout prevention program by providing mentors, giving college counseling and fundraising. External volunteer efforts have included participation in the March of Dimes Walkathon and Christmas in April.

Meetings

Meetings are held at GWUL headquarters, 2901 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Each meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments and a social half-hour followed by a speaker on a topic of general interest. A general busines meeting closes out the session. Meetings are free and the membership fee for the Urban Roundtable is only $100 a year, which included a general membership in the GWUL.

Professional Development

Since the Roundtable is a community service organization of volunteers, it recognizes that members are busy professionals who are attempting to enhance their careers. In addition to informal networking, speakers are invited to address the Roundtable at its monthly meetings. Usually, the speaker is a member or a prospective member who is enhancing his/her presentation skills while promoting a particular cause, company or business. Memebers have addressed such topics as the formation and operation of investment clubs, stress and the African-american professional, and creating an aromatic lifestyle. Guest speakers have discussed tax changes for 1998, the basics of employment discrimination law and adoption in the African-American community.

Programs
Recent Programs have included a college fair at Anacostia High School and Christmas in April. Ongoing programs include:

The Consignment Campaign
The Clothes Closet
Honey Baked Ham Fundraiser
"Our Lives Count, Too"
Toiletries for the Homeless
Video College Fair
Volunteer Spring Fling Weekend
Book Drive for Inmates

Activities
Urban Roundtable members like to have some fun as well. Annual events are the Urban Roundtable Picnic; Bowling Night; Comedy Club Night, and Dave & Busters Night Out.

For more information, Email: smittyka@hotmail.com