On behalf of the Rhode Island Young Professionals, I bring greetings to you as the 2008 year begins. As the new year commences , some words of wisdom
and insight come to mind; “You cannot know where you are going, until you know where you have been.” Since the formation of the Rhode Island Young Professionals the focus of the organization has continued to be to support the initiatives of the Urban League of Rhode Island to work more effectively to ensure a better future for all of us in the state of Rhode Island. However, to be as effective of a force for positive change as RIYP can and needs to be, RIYP must first examine where it has been in order to ensure that where it is going continues to benefit those who need our energy and drive the most; the underprivileged and disadvantaged residents of the state of Rhode Island.

Overall, the focus for RIYP in 2008 will be to make the Rhode Island Young Professionals a household name in the state of Rhode Island. The work that
we do, the accomplishments of our members, the mission and programs that we support, the movement itself… these are all elements that can and should
be better known in our communities. Furthermore, not only can and should RIYP become a better known organization in the state, it must become better known if we are to effectively push the National Urban League’s agenda of empowerment of education and youth, economics, health and quality of life, civic engagement and leadership, and civil rights and racial justice.

We are the future leaders of the state of Rhode Island. We are the voice for positive change for our communities. We are the movement. We are the
Rhode Island Young Professionals, and in order for us to continue the path that has been laid before us we have to understand where we have been in order to effectively and efficiently gauge and address the issues that the
future undoubtedly holds.

On behalf of the Rhode Island Young Professionals, I thank you for your support, energy and drive in our past, and look forward to working with you
to continue to make a positive impact on the state of Rhode Island in the future.


Cordially,


Raymond L. Watson
2008 President
Rhode Island Young Professionals