Recent PUMP News
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Members of the News Media:
PUMP is a membership organization that has been serving the Pittsburgh region’s young people for more than 20 years. Our mission is to make Pittsburgh the most dynamic and diverse place by engaging, educating, and mobilizing all young people to create change in our community.
Always refer to the organization as PUMP
Use the full name, Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project, only when discussing the history and heritage of the organization in the region.
Refer to the area served by PUMP as “the Pittsburgh region”
PUMP is not limited to just Pittsburgh proper, so referring to the PUMP footprint as “the Pittsburgh region” will help residents throughout the area feel more included, and to help everybody understand that PUMP is interested in connecting with people and communities outside of the city limits.
PUMP Fact Sheet: What We Do
Longstanding Commitment to Advocacy and Public Policy
PUMP has been involved with regional advocacy initiatives since 1998, and we have been encouraging young professionals to participate in local policy by hosting interest forums and political debates, including county executive and mayoral debates, forums on transportation and public smoking, healthcare, and energy policy. Our work in advocacy and public policy takes PUMP beyond an organization serving young adults in the region through social connection. Our advocacy priorities include supporting a vibrant, diverse, connected community; equitable opportunities for success; equitable access to health and wellness; and active and engaged residents.
Extensive Engagement Opportunities
PUMP hosted the first-ever statewide conference of young people back in 2002, and we now host between 30 and 40 civic, social, and educational events annually.
Relationship Network with Other Organizations
PUMP has partnered in the past with many organizations, including Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh, Global Switchboard, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, All for All, Bike Pittsburgh, Vibrant Pittsburgh, A+ Schools, and more.
Deep Roots in Working with Young People
For over 20 years, PUMP has been at the forefront of bringing together a diverse coalition of young people and community partners committed to change. Today, we have a membership of more than 10,000 and we reach over 20,000 young people annually.
Connected Alumni Network
A number of local politicians, community advocates, and business leaders are PUMP alumni, and we have strong relationships with local and regional politicians on all sides of the aisle, as evidenced through our forums, debates, and ongoing dialogue.
History
PUMP has been working with young people in Pittsburgh since 1995 thanks to founders Michelle Fanzo and Adam Pollock. From the very start, PUMP has hosted local interest forums, including political debates for mayor and county executive, forums on transportation, healthcare, city-county consolidation, energy policy, and more. Many people don’t know that PUMP originally stood for Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project. When we began, our mission was to help encourage young and talented people, both those who had lived here all their lives and those who were new to the region, to stay here. On some measures, Pittsburgh has made significant progress since that time as more and more young people choose to come or remain here. Yet, for all of the well-earned and deserved accolades attributed to Pittsburgh’s latest renaissance, we are keenly aware of the fact that the benefits are not enjoyed equally by all. The work of PUMP is no less important today than it was at our founding. We now focus our renewed advocacy efforts on fostering equity in the region and helping a diverse group of young people get connected to one another. We seek to build a Pittsburgh for ALL.
Read more about our history here.
Past Press Coverage:
- Looking to stay fit in 2024? Consider local rec departments, nonprofits, January 2024
- Josiah Gilliam embraces all the facets of PUMP, July 2023
- PUMP names Josiah Gilliam as new Executive Director, January 2023
- Pittsburgh Magazine 40 Under 40 Honoree Josiah Gilliam To Lead PUMP, January 2023
- All On Board? Powerful Pittsburgh-Area Panels Are More Diverse, but Progress is Uneven, November 2020
- Pittsburgh Sports League Athletes Itching to Get Back on the Field, June 2020
- Two Organizations PUMP $760,000 into Parks Referendum, October 2019
- Running Program Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem for Homeless People, June 2019
- If Voters Say Yes, Allegheny County Children’s Fund Would be One of Many Around the Country, October 2018
- New to Pittsburgh? Here’s How to Meet People in the City, July 2018
- Steel City World Cup and Global Festival Returns, September 2017
- PUMP Unveils New Advocacy and Public Policy Agenda and New Brand Identity, September, 27 2017
- 15th Annual Kickball for a Cause Tournament, August 2017
- PUMP’s Emerging Public Policy Agenda Shapes May 4 Mayoral Candidate Forum, May 2017
- PUMP 20th Anniversary Bash Held at the Energy Innovation Center, October 2016
- Northside Pool Party to Celebrate Public Art, August 2014
- Pittsburgh Sports League Pushes City for Improvements to Playing Fields, October 2013
- Pittsburgh Sports Lovers Winning Valentines at Games, February 2013
- Why Can’t Pittsburgh Be Perfect?, September 2012
- Group to Offer Chance to Step Up, Speak Out, August 2010
- Social Networking is the Real Game, November 2009
- Flag Football Leagues are More About Meeting New People, November 2009
- Broomball Revives an Ancient Spin on Ice, November 2009
- PUMP to Liven Up Fridays in Market Square, April 2008
- Arts Groups Creating Ways to Lure Young Audiences, February 2007
- Ravenstahl Envisions a City that’s Affordable, Fun, Smart, December 2006
- PUMP to Hold Forum on Smoking Ban, August 2006
- O’Connor’s Team is Slightly More Diverse, March 2006
- Group Wants to Keep Young Talent in the Region, February 2006
- Newcomers Find Pittsburgh Prettier and Friendlier than Expected, May 2005
- Onorato Calls for Merger Referendum, March 2004
- Taxis Often Hard to Get, February 2004
- Convention Focuses on Downtown, September 2001
- Convention Will Give Voice to Area’s Young Professionals, August 2001
- Exodus of Young People May Be Slowing, August 2001
- Staying Power, December 1998
- No more griping: Young folks are working to magnetize Pittsburgh, February, 1997
- Fountains of Youth?, November 1996