Programs
Adopt a Classroom
Are you interested in giving back? Would you like to influence the future of the youth of Harrisburg? Come be a volunteer for the YPOC's Adopt-A-Classroom program. We need volunteers! Come have fun with the students; share your experiences, your time, and impact a life for the better in three easy steps
- Security Clearance: If you don’t already have child security clearances, visit this link.
- Volunteer Application: Complete this form; be sure to follow all directions stating what's needed for submission. Once completed, reach out to our Community Outreach committee at ghypoc@gmail.com for further instructions!
- School Contact Info: This is a list of teachers along with their contact information, school affiliations, and their website links to confirm the academic calendars when scheduling your day (its no fun show up when students aren't there).
Juneteenth HBG Collaborative
The Juneteenth HBG Collaborative meets Thursdays from August to July to plan Juneteenth in the city of Harrisburg. In 2023 17 community leaders came together to organize the largest celebratory and educational event for Juneteenth that the region has EVER seen. Interested in Joining a committee? Email us at juneteenthhbg@ypoc-hbg.org, or use the contact form below to let us know.
Who's Running For Office (WRFO)
WRFO HBG (Who's Running for Office? Harrisburg, PA) is a coordinated effort of community organizations to get out the vote for primary and general elections. WRFO is led YPOC HBG,CATCH, and other non-partisan entities. We push for residents to use WRFO resources to find info on candidates running for office in positions that affect residents of Harrisburg, PA. These elected offices include municipal, county, state, and federal positions, but only if these positions can be voted on by a city resident. Seats that are not able to be voted on by city residents are not included in this effort.
Boardgames & Brunch
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, we gather at a local minority-owned business to enjoy their brunch menu, socialize, and play board games from 12pm-4pm. We do have a broad selection, but everyone is welcome to bring their favorite games and win prizes too!
Black NewsBeat
In collaboration with OpenStage, the Black NewsBeat was born in August 2020! The Black NewsBeat explores the life and community of Harrisburg and its expressions in the black and brown community. Showcasing the poetry, music, and activism of the region, The Black Newsbeat shows the hidden gems of the capital region and how much sits just under the surface of the locale. Dr. Campbell and a myriad of special guests talk about the civic, creative, and cultural components that shape the Black and Brown communities of Greater Harrisburg and beyond! Catch #HBGBNB 2x a month LIVE at Open Stage! Tickets to be in the Live Studio Audience are #paywhatyoucan at openstagehbg.com. You can also catch the show on Facebook and YouTube.
Happy Hour
Join us every last Thursday of the month for drinks and happy hour specials as we catch up with fellow professionals in the area. Happy Hour runs 5pm-7pm. The food and space is legit, and we even have our own bartender! We can’t wait to hang out with you
Community Events & More
YPOC not only hosts amazing events, but we also love to gather and support other programs in the area. Whether it's an informative seminar, concert, protest, or a mixer event, you might see us there.
Committees
Executive Committee
Chair: Board President
Set the agenda for Board meetings and shall perform such other functions as requested by the full Board. The Executive Committee is also authorized to act on behalf of the full Board between regularly scheduled meetings and in emergency situations (comprised of elected and appointed Board Members).
Professional Development Committee
Chair: Basir Vincent
Develop and implement relevant programs such as the Leadership Workshop Committee, HBG Leads), and other functions as requested by the full Board.
Membership Committee
Chair: Elyse Irvis
Promote and increase YPOC membership. Our primary focus for 2020 is promoting a comprehensive benefits package for our current and new members. Direct new members to volunteer opportunities, social events, and how to take advantage of the benefits afforded to them based on their tier of membership.
Happiness Committee
Chair: Alexis Washington
The Happiness Committee plans and organizes a lot of social events for YPOC members special interests. Events can include Hikes, visits to the gun range, Snowtubing/boarding/skiing trips, weekend getaways, yoga events, roller skating, and so many more.
Community Outreach Committee
Chair: VACANT
Organize and implement volunteer opportunities for the organization including but not limited to; adopt a classroom, Foundry Fellow, protests coordination, YPOC speaking engagements)
Book Club Committee
Chair: Basir Vincent
Plan and implement all book club(s) activities operated under the umbrella of the organization
Finance Committee
Chair: Vishal
Responsible for all aspects relevant to the finances of the organization, including but not limited to; Budgeting, payments, funds collections, annual reports.