Young and New Professionals
The NCSL YNP Newsletter is a biannual collection of news, events and member profiles created by and for legislators and legislative staff who are new to the legislature.
The mission of the NCSL Young and New Professionals Group is to engage, educate and support the state legislative leaders of tomorrow through targeted professional development, networking opportunities and recognition.
Stay up to date on YNP activities by checking out the designated NCSL's Young and New Professionals Group.
Upcoming Events
NCSL frequently provides webinars that are free to members. Here are some opportunities coming up soon. Don’t miss out, register now!
Free Webinars:
Simplify the Complex: Communicating Policies with Clarity
Legislators and legislative staff often tackle intricate policies, but conveying these complexities in a clear and compelling way is essential for effective governance. Join us for "Simplify the Complex," a dynamic webinar designed to help you break down complicated topics for constituents, colleagues, and stakeholders. Led by public speaking and storytelling coach Marianna Swallow, this session will provide practical techniques to distill dense information into digestible messages. Learn how to structure explanations for maximum impact, engage your audience, and ensure your key points resonate.
When: Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2-3 p.m. ET
Register Now!
Professional Writing for the Public Sector
Take a hard look at the last legislative report you just finished. Is it not just accurate and complete, but also compelling and concise? Did you use legalese as a crutch for expertise? Is the information clear? Will it stand the test of time? Did you have a particular audience in mind? Dig into all those questions and more in a session that touches on understanding your reader, the power-language relationship, the enemy in legalese and use and avoiding the passive voice.
When: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 2-3 p.m. ET
Register Now!
Writing for a Legislative Audience
Legislative staff create a wide variety of written products. From newsletters to emails to constituent correspondence—the list goes on and on. But regardless of the purpose, certain tactics are essential to crafting concise, efficient and easy-to-digest content. In this workshop, you will learn how to effectively organize your thoughts and put them across in a form that maximizes the impact of your information.
When: Friday, May 9, 1-1:45 p.m. ET
Register Now!
Do You Know About Our Video Resource Center?
The NCSL Video Resource Center is a collection of recorded webinars accessible for on-demand learning. So, if you miss a webinar or want to expand your knowledge on a more flexible timeline, check out the recorded webinar and resources.
Watch a video now!
Legislative Staff Professional Staff Associations
NCSL offers a variety of professional staff associations and networks, providing excellent opportunities for communication and professional development with your peers. Discover more about each group and find out how you can get involved. Which association aligns best with your role?
Already a member of an association? Great news! All nine of NCSL’s Professional Staff Associations will be hosting professional development seminars between September and October this year. Check out the schedule for your association's meeting here!
2025 Legislative Staff Institutional Essentials
Now in its sixth year, NCSL’s annual Legislative Staff Institutional Essentials application period opens in May.
The program will be held online in the fall during approximately five two-hour sessions. This monthlong training is for newer legislative staff who are seeking a broader context about legislatures and the legislative process and will focus on five core competencies.
Staff with less than three years of legislative employment are invited to apply, with the approval of their director or supervisor. Learn more and set a reminder for May!
NCSL Legislative Summit
Aug. 4-6, Boston
The Legislative Summit is NCSL’s premier annual event and provides a platform for legislators, staff and other public policy professionals to learn from the nation’s foremost experts, as well as each other, about solutions to the country’s most pressing issues.
Join the YNP group for a session specifically targeted for the young and new professional audience that will help you develop new skills, and make sure to attend the always anticipated YNP reception, this year at Banner Kitchen and Tap, on Monday Aug. 4.
The NCSL Legislative Summit is open for registration – so learn more or register now!
Spotlight on YNP
One of the Young and New Professional goals is to help members connect and recognize the young and new staff helping our state legislatures thrive. Meet some of the folks out in our state legislatures!
Leadership Links
An important way to continue your professional development when you are a young and/or new professional is to keep learning more. Check out some of these resources that might broaden your understanding of the world and yourself.
NCSL Resources