6/29/23

— by Matt Golec

White River Junction, VT

“Trust the frog.”

Those were the instructions from Tip Top Pottery Manager Jen Krom to 17 members of the Upper Valley Young Professionals group.

The frogs in question were a wall-mounted rainbow of ceramic figures that showed how the variety of paint colors would actually look after being fired in a kiln.

As for the young professionals? They’d gathered at the White River Junction art studio on a steamy Sunday afternoon to paint pottery, network with their peers, soak up the air conditioning — and perhaps most importantly, make some friends.

For about 10 years, UVYP has brought together 20-to-40-year-olds in the region through professional development and social activities. In this digital age, UVYP focuses on in-person events that help young people build a sense of belonging in the rural Upper Valley.

“People moving to the area, the first thing that happens to them is that they’re lost, because it’s a small town and they don’t get to meet enough people,” said Vijay Prithiv, 30, who came to the Upper Valley from Boston. “This is one hurdle that I faced. When I moved into Lebanon, for nearly one year, I didn’t know anybody.”

Fortunately, Prithiv found the UVYP group. Since then, the Ansys software developer has attended about 20 events, served as treasurer for the organization, and made new friends.

At Tip Top Pottery, Prithiv hoped to finally complete a square-mouthed vase that had been delayed by the pandemic. In addition to arts and crafts, Prithiv enjoys “anything outdoors,” such as the hikes and farm tours organized by UVYP.

“More people should know about this,” he said, calling his time with the group “really, really valuable.”

Vijay Prithiv, 30, of Lebanon, N.H., returns to painting a vase he’d started before the pandemic. Prithiv, a former UVYP treasurer, found the group helpful in meeting people when he moved to the Upper Valley from Boston.

Emerson Gale, 32, of Strafford, is a musician and music teacher who stumbled upon UVYP during the “Great Gig Collapse” at the start of the pandemic. “I just felt like I was in a little rural island of self, and was like, ‘How do I connect with other folks in this area, even just outside with masks?’” Gale said.

Today, Gale is UVYP board chair, a volunteer position within an all-volunteer organization. Gale estimates there are about 300 active members, with about 900 people on the UVYP email list and more on the group’s Discord server. UVYP ran more than 50 events over the past year, such as resumé workshops, local hikes, volunteer opportunities—even a short story discussion group.

“That’s one of the things that’s been really satisfying for me going to events: The folks that come out are really from all walks of life, all parts of their career and ages,” Gale said. “I feel like there’s a real wealth and diversity of perspectives.”

There’s no cost to join UVYP — just sign up for the email list, tap into Discord, or attend an event, and you’re in. Nor does the group charge for events, though some (such as the pottery painting) can carry fees. Just recently, UVYP began accepting donations on its website to help cover event fees for members who might not be able to afford them.

Acronym alert: In 2020, UVYP came under the umbrella of the UVBA, or Upper Valley Business Alliance. This relationship helps connect UVYP with local businesses, enhance professional development events, and provide long-term resiliency for the volunteer organization. UVBA also assists with risk management and liability protection.

“It’s a really clear win-win to work together,” Gale said.