YSC's affiliate structure is the grassroots community of the Young Survival Coalition. It is through our Chapters and CVGs that we work toward our strategic goals of:

• decreasing the sense of isolation felt by many young women affected by breast cancer;
• building a strong and diverse community of survivors, supporters and members of the medical community; and
• ensuring the YSC's vital resources and information reach those who need it most YSC's core audience of young women affected by breast cancer.
  

There are two levels of YSC affiliation that work at the local level: The Community Volunteer Group (CVG) and the Chapter.

Community Volunteer Group (CVG)

A CVG is comprised of volunteers who wish to do the work of the YSC as individuals or as a small group. The main focus on a CVG is to connect with young women affected by breast cancer and to do YSC programs locally. These groups are essentially YSC volunteers who serve as a point of contact for young women in their communities.

Anyone interested in starting a group in their community must start at the CVG level for the first six months. This will enable the group to build, network and develop the right skills to become a Chapter. However, it is not required that the group becomes a Chapter. A CVG does have some limitations that a Chapter does not have but can still serve the needs of young women affected by breast cancer.

CVG responsibilities:

• Be an educational resource within their community or region
  
• Provide their community with current, local contact information
  
• Seek to collaborate with other breast cancer organizations within their community
  
• Adhere to all CVG Policies and Procedures (complete list in packet)
  
• Take part in national programming
  
• Attend YSC sponsored trainings and conferences whenever possible
  
• Participate in national fundraising initiatives occurring in your local area

Chapter

Chapter is the official term for formally affiliated groups of the YSC. A CVG will be eligible to pursue chapter status only after meeting specific requirements and developing the necessary skills. Chapters will be strategically developed in metropolitan areas and need to show an established level of community support. They will receive the training and support from YSC staff to assist in their growth and development. Chapters will be given more autonomy as they do the work of the YSC and will be under the organization's 501 C3 number.

Affiliates are a wonderful way to strengthen your own connection with the YSC community as well as help foster new connections among young women in your area who are affected by breast cancer.

Visit the events page and sort by location to find events in your area.

For more information on starting an affiliate in your area, call 646-257-3011 or write to affiliate@youngsurvival.org.