YOUNG LEADERS UNITED
Get Involved
Find Resources
Attend An Event
YLU
Young Leaders United
The next generation of philanthropic leaders creating impact through the mission of United Way of Tucson & Southern Arizona.
Young Leaders United (YLU) is United Way’s affinity group of young philanthropists who are passionate about connecting within our diverse community, are committed to serving Opportunity Youth, and leading by implementing positive impact throughout Southern Arizona.
Connect
Network with other like-minded young professionals in the Southern Arizona community. Connect with prominent community leaders and other local philanthropists through various hosted events.
Serve
Committed to serving opportunity youth in the local community in both impactful and meaningful ways through various fundraisers and partnered events. Our service focus is Opportunity Youth, who are individuals ages 16-24 currently disengaged from school and work due to systemic barriers out of their control. Serving this group means helping them gain access to supportive services such as housing, mental health support, food, toiletries, and workforce training.
Lead
We lead by example, committing to service and building a thriving community by investing our time, talent, and treasure. We are inspired by mentoring future generations of young professionals and philanthropists. Offering both leadership positions and opportunities for growth within YLU and United Way of Tucson.
Membership
Join YLU Today for a Better Tomorrow:
Embark on a transformative journey with our peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, redefining the way you become a part of Young Leaders United.
The annual donation goal for a YLU member is $100, but we encourage everyone to give or fundraise more to help us reach our goal in supporting even more Opportunity Youth this year.
General Membership
- Early access & discounted tickets for Dive Bar Bus Tours
- Early access & discounted tickets for our annual signature event: Toast to Tucson
- Exclusive YLU pin
- Invites to unique volunteer opportunities with fellow YLU Members
Executive Committee Membership
- Receive all the perks of a General Membership
- Leadership Giver status for the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona ($500+ per year)
- Opportunity to join steering committees and actively participate in event planning for YLU
- Exclusive mentorship opportunities with United Way of Tucson Board of Directors
Register
Create your unique fundraising page and tell us a little about yourself!
Raise Funds
Either with direct contribution or community-powered fundraising!
Join the movement
Engage in fun events, meaningful service projects, and the YLU mission of supporting Opportunity Youth in our community!
United Youth Leadership Council – former opportunity youth working to improve employment and educational systems for Pima County. (Program partially funded by YLU Membership Fees & Donations)
Ready to Join? There are two distinct pathways to reach your membership goal!
Direct Financial Contribution
-
- Use the form to make a direct donation to become a member and support local Opportunity Youth.
- This option is perfect for those who prefer a personal commitment, providing a straightforward way to invest in the future of our community.
Make your Personal Membership Contribution:
Fundraising-Powered Membership
-
- Fundraise to reach your membership fee goal & beyond!
- Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to contribute towards your membership, with donations going towards Opportunity Youth Programing.
- This option not only diversifies the sources of support but also fosters a sense of community involvement and shared responsibility.
- In-kind donations will also be considered, contact us at ylu@unitedwaytucson.org for more information.
Start Fundraising For Your Membership Goal:
Young Leader Spotlight 🌟: Sarah Fries
Each month, we check in with a young leader in our community to share their insights and inspire our members.
Young Leader Spotlight 🌟: Rizelle Cruz
Each month, we check in with a young leader in our community to share their insights and inspire our members.
Young Leader Spotlight 🌟: Logan Kiefer
Each month, we check in with a young leader in our community to share their insights and inspire our members.
Upcoming Events
Community Partners
Young Leaders United is proud to partner with JP Morgan Chase, a dedicated sponsor supporting our mission. Through this partnership, JP Morgan Chase provides invaluable professional development opportunities to our members, helping to build a stronger, more skilled community.
Young Leaders United is excited to announce United Way’s partnership with Tucson Young Professionals, with the goal of building a stronger, more equitable Tucson and Southern Arizona. Both organizations will benefit through networking, communications, philanthropic efforts, and more.
Young Leaders United is excited to collaborate with Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona Re-Engagement Centers for Opportunity Youth. This partnership offers re-engagement services for Opportunity Youth ages 16-24, focusing on career exploration, education, and training. Youth also engage in community projects and mentoring programs, with partial funding from United Way of Southern Arizona.
FAQ’s
What is Young Leaders United (YLU)?
YLU is a dynamic group of young professionals who are passionate about making a difference in our community through volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy. Members connect with community-minded peers, build leadership skills, and support United Way’s mission.
Is there a cost to join YLU?
There is no membership fee to join YLU, but members are encouraged to support United Way with an annual contribution of $100 or more through direct donations or peer-to-peer fundraising to help advance our work in the community.
What are the benefits of joining YLU?
Members enjoy:
- Early access and/or discounts to United Way events
- Exclusive networking opportunities
- Leadership development through exclusive trainings and committee involvement
- Volunteer opportunities to support Opportunity Youth
- The chance to make a tangible impact in our community
What events does YLU host?
- Quarterly social hours
- Dive Bar Bus Tours (2 or 3 per year)
- Toast to Tucson (our signature event!)
- Exclusive volunteer opportunities
- Other collab events with community partners like Tucson Young Professionals, Goodwill of Southern Arizona, Tucson Foodie, and more!
Can I attend events if I'm not a member?
Yes!
Many of our events are open to non-members who want to learn more about YLU and get involved, but members may receive early access and discounts. Some events may have limited capacity or require RSVP.
How do I become a YLU Member?
Becoming a YLU member is simple! There are a few options to get started:
- Make a one-time donation of $100 or more to United Way
- Make monthly donations of $9 or more to reach the $100+ annual goal
- Create a personal fundraiser to share with others to contribute towards your membership
We want YLU to be accessible to anyone to ensure a diverse membership community. Use the donation form above to get started!
What is peer-to-peer fundraising?
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a way to leverage your personal network to raise funds toward your membership goal. Members create individual fundraising pages and share them with friends, family, and colleagues to support YLU’s mission.
What is the Executive Committee and how do I get involved?
The Executive Committee is the leadership team that drives YLU’s activities and strategic goals. Members oversee events, fundraising, and community partnerships. To get involved, reach out to us expressing your interest, and we’ll share information about available opportunities.
How does YLU support United Way's mission?
YLU raises funds, volunteers time, and spreads awareness for initiatives that improve education, financial stability, health, and housing in our community.
Want to become a community partner with YLU?
We’re always looking for businesses and organizations to collaborate with!
Community partners can support YLU by sponsoring events, hosting fundraisers, or providing volunteer opportunities. Send us an email to learn more.
