The Young Friends group of the Washington Square West Civic Association has three purposes: to foster community among young people living in Wash West; to engage our young members in social and service projects in the neighborhood; and to more fully involve our young members in the operation and programming of the WSWCA.

The Young Friends group will promote community and friendship through our social events — from Wash West Wednesdays, to events in the neighborhood, to dinners at members' home. Affinity groups within Young Friends — such as New to Philly and Young Families — will help folks to find their own communities.

We will also be planning, and volunteering at, community service events in partnership with other organizations and non-profits in the Wash West neighborhood, as well as volunteering at other WSWCA events such as the semi-annual Clean-Up Days.

Finally, our Young Friends members will be encouraged and supported to join committees within the Civic Association. This will help to shape the direction of the WSWCA's programming, provide leadership experience for our Young Friends, and ensure representation of our neighborhood's largest demographic in the decisions made by our civic association.

Members at any level are invited to join the Young Friends group — current members can contact Young Friends Chair Justine Haemmerli at justine.haemmerli@gmail.com to join. New members can sign up here and contact Justine once they've joined.

We look forward to having you join WSWCA Young Friends, sharing your ideas, and doing great work in Wash West while having fun together in 2013!