Hosted by: World Affairs Council of Orange County
Organized by: Young Professionals and Intercollegiate Network (YPIN)
Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Location: Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, Irvine, CA
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
On a crisp autumn evening in Irvine, the World Affairs Council of Orange County’s Young Professionals and Intercollegiate Network (YPIN) welcomed guests to a unique and engaging outdoor town hall: Policy in the Park. Held at the scenic Bill Barber Memorial Park, this special event featured a conversation with Helen Haig, veteran policy consultant and advisor under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and California Governor George Deukmejian.
A Conversation Rooted in Experience
Helen Haig captivated the audience with a discussion titled “Policy: How It Works & How to Work It,” offering an inside look at how public policy is shaped behind the scenes. Drawing on her decades of experience at the highest levels of government, Haig provided actionable insights into the policymaking process—from drafting to implementation—and emphasized the role that students and young professionals can play in influencing change at the local, state, and national levels.
Community-Driven Engagement
Attendees included college students, recent graduates, and young professionals across a range of fields, all eager to explore careers and civic engagement paths in public policy. The informal setting created an approachable atmosphere for participants to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with like-minded peers.
The event was intentionally affordable—$10 for general admission, $5 for YPIN members and students—with a light refreshment table and encouragement for attendees to bring potluck items, underscoring the Council’s commitment to accessibility and grassroots participation.
Highlights
- Interactive Q&A: Participants took advantage of the casual town hall format to ask wide-ranging questions about policymaking, leadership, and civic involvement.
- Affordable Access: Discounted pricing for students and YPIN members helped ensure broad accessibility.
- Outdoor Venue: The relaxed park setting contributed to an inclusive, open dialogue.
Looking Ahead with YPIN
Policy in the Park exemplifies YPIN’s mission to empower the next generation of global citizens through education, access, and engagement. The event marked another successful installment in YPIN’s expanding calendar of programs that blend networking, policy education, and real-world experience.
To become a YPIN member, join upcoming events, or get involved in planning, visit:
🔗 www.worldaffairscouncil.org
