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Description and structure of the AffNet
The YouthBuild USA Affiliated Network (AffNet) was created in 1992 to maintain the integrity of the YouthBuild program model, provide a support and learning network for YouthBuild program staff, and strengthen the YouthBuild movement's advocacy for low-income youth.
The AffNet is currently made up of 167 YouthBuild programs that have committed to uphold the YouthBuild philosophy and program design and performance standards, submit outcome data, and participate in the AffNet as the central leadership body of the YouthBuild movement.
In becoming an affiliate, a local YouthBuild program assumes responsibilities designed to strengthen the YouthBuild movement and protect the integrity and reputation of the YouthBuild program model. An affiliate can become an accredited affiliate by completing at least two program cycles and a comprehensive accreditation process, and demonstrating outcomes that meet or exceed YouthBuild performance standards. Accredited affiliates are considered first for grants from YouthBuild USA--in recent years accredited affiliates have received about twice the amount of pass-through dollars through YouthBuild USA than non-accredited programs have received.
Benefits of AffNet membership
Affiliates obtain the right to use the YouthBuild name and logo and are eligible for a variety of other benefits, including grants, loans, and leadership opportunities for directors and youth.
Leadership of the Affiliated Network
AffNet leadership consists of students, graduates, and program directors who are members of the Young Leaders Council, National Alumni Council, and National Directors Council.
| National Directors Council |
| President |
Suzanne Fitzgerald |
| Vice President |
Simran Sidhu |
| Secretary-Treausurer |
Lance Wise |
| Immediate Past President |
Greg Flores |
| Member Emeritus |
Gil Barno |
| Regional Alternative-NE |
Greg Mumford |
| Regional Alternative-MA |
Christina Lickman |
| Regional Alternative-MW |
Julia Tibbs |
| Regional Alternative-S |
Tom McFarland |
| Regional Alternative-W |
Jim Melton |
The AffNet gives YouthBuild students and graduates a strong voice in policy issues and an opportunity to negotiate on equal footing with program directors and YouthBuild USA staff for changes in program design, performance standards, accreditation procedures, and overall direction of the movement.
Members of the Young Leaders Council and the National Alumni Council are elected by their peers and offer policy recommendations internally to the AffNet as well as externally for public policy. They serve as spokespeople for YouthBuild, participating in civic engagement activities including voter registration and advocacy on Capitol Hill and at their statehouses. The Young Leaders Council and National Alumni Council also produce public policy documents such as the Declaration of Inter-Dependence, which recommends policies to diminish poverty and reduce the need for programs like YouthBuild.
Directors of YouthBuild USA affiliates belong to the YouthBuild National Directors Association, which elects the National Directors Council to carry out the work of building the movement through participation on a variety of committees. They take initiative to create new projects, advise YouthBuild USA on matters affecting local programs, and advocate for public resources and policies.
AffNet publications
After registering 25,000 new young voters in 2004, the AffNet's Civic Engagement Committee published Blueprint for Democracy, a voter engagement curriculum designed specifically for low-income youth. In 2007 the Policy Council of the AffNet--with student, director, and YouthBuild USA representatives--also updated the YouthBuild Program Design and Performance Standards, the compilation of the required design elements for running an excellent YouthBuild program. The standards are sent to all operating YouthBuild programs and to YouthBuild USA staff and consultants working with local programs.
Joining the AffNet
To join the Affiliated Network, a YouthBuild program fills out a four-page application form and several attachments. Successful applicants begin as provisional affiliates, then after a year may apply for full affiliation if their first cycle's student outcome data meets the required level set by the Policy Council. The next and highest level of affiliation is the accredited level, which requires a daylong site visit and more thorough auditing of the program's operations.
You can download applications for the three affiliation levels below:
Application for provisional affiliation
Application for full affiliation
Application for accreditation
We encourage you to discuss your membership application plans with Anne Wright, director of the Affiliated Network, to ensure a smooth and appropriate application process. Anne can be reached at (617) 741-1202 or awright@youthbuild.org.
For more information
For more information on the Affiliated Network, please contact Anne Wright at (617) 741-1202 or awright@youthbuild.org, or download the Affiliated Network Brochure.
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