IGNITE has a New Identity and New Programs
New Website Design
IGNITE is proud to launch their interactive new website www.ignite-cny.org. Becoming a member is now easier than ever with an online registration form and PayPal payment option. IGNITE is also working on a corporate model to enable business support. Businesses who are interested in providing discounts to card-carrying IGNITE members, please message info@ignite-cny.org. The company or organization will be featured on the website and will receive a window decal to identify participation.
Logo
The unveiling of the new website is coupled with streamlining a fresh new logo that exemplifies the group’s name and reaffirms the spark that has been the icon since IGNITE’s formation in 2004. IGNITE aims to “ignite” Cayuga County and “spark” a wave of engagement and involvement among young professionals. The website is a great tool to enable quick member registration, share what IGNITE is about and what we are working on. Browse through the website to learn more and get involved!
Leadership & Branding
Following the annual turnover in Steering Committee leadership, IGNITE went through an internal reorganization process that will help the new group stay focused and efficient. It was decided to move away from using IGNITE as an acronym, which stood for invest, grow, network, inspire, teach and empower. The committee believes the word “ignite” needs no explanation, yet wanted to ensure people understand what the organization stands for. They identified connecting, engaging and involving young professionals as their goals. The new logo simplifies their brand, as seen through the various print materials now in circulation. The new colors are fresh and versatile. IGNITE is very grateful for the members who supported these efforts with their time and expertise and to the local businesses that provided their services, often at a reduced price.
Special thanks go to Dan Lovell, who did an excellent job redeveloping our website, and to the talented graphic designer Lauren Chyle, who is responsible for our new logo.
IGNITE the Vote! 2011
This new campaign is part of a step-by-step approach to connect engage and involve Cayuga County’s young professionals, and encourage voting in the upcoming city and county elections this November.
“We believe in order to make a difference in our community we need to take responsibility. We want young people to realize that they have a stake in Cayuga County and that they can make a difference if they get involved. If you live here, own a business, have children, pay taxes, own property – you should care about who those elected officials are who shape public policy that affects all of us. We don’t care who they vote for; what we do care about is that the voices of young professionals are being heard in Auburn and Cayuga County,” stated Monika Salvage, Chair of IGNITE Steering Committee.
Voting Campaign
During July and August, IGNITE had a presence at various local and regional summer events, from the Cayuga County Fair in Weedsport to the Aurora Fest, distributing IGNITE the Vote materials. They also reached out to college students by attending CCC and Wells College orientation events to encourage voting among the student population.
IGNITE is gathering input from young professionals about topics they want to hear about from candidates, and specific questions they would want to ask them. In turn, IGNITE will reach out to the candidates and raise those issues and encourage them to respond. The feedback will be shared on www.ignite-cny.org along with candidate’s profiles that show where they stand on certain issues that are important to young professionals. This is our main interest – to encourage young people to be active participants in this community and make their voices heard.
Political Forum
Candidates for Mayor and Council are participating in a forum happening on October 4, where they will address a selection of collected questions from young professionals in the community. The event will be held at Cayuga Community College from 6 – 8PM.
Project Funding
IGNITE the Vote project funding was made possible through a Livable Communities Matching Grant, funded in part by We Live NY (WLNY) Livable Communities Capacity Grant Program, which is a matching grant program funded by Empire State Development Corporation and administered through the NYS Urban Council. This unique partnership was formed as a way to engage young professionals in urban revitalization activities and to encourage partnerships between downtown and young professional organizations.
Networking & Social Events
IGNITE works to connect young professionals with business and community leaders through their social gatherings every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Previous event locations included Logan Park Lofts, Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, Auburn Fire Department, Harriet Tubman Home and Auburn Doubledays.
To help members stay apprised of local activities, IGNITE also engages members with an electronic information platform. Check out their website frequently and follow them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/ignitecny and Twitter. Via email updates, they will inform you about current issues, and you can become an active discussion partner. Check out what IGNITE has to say every 4th Sunday of the month in their Citizen column.
If young professionals want to be more involved with IGNITE, they can help with a specific initiative or fulfill a position on the steering committee. On a broader scale, IGNITE can help find volunteer or board service opportunities with local organizations. Serving is a great ways to give back and have an impact on what is happening locally. Join IGNITE and together we can make a difference!
Monika Salvage is the Chairperson of IGNITE Cayuga County Young Professionals and can be contacted at info@ignite-cny.org.
